Welcome to The Ultimate Relaxation Guide
Buddhist Form Meditation Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Buddhist Form Meditation. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Research Confirms Drinking Relieves Stress
from: Art TurnerThe results are in, the clinical trials have spoken. Drinking relieves stress--drinking green tea, that is. There's something in green tea that helps us relax. And it may start turning up in other foods soon.
The legendary benefits of green tea--weight loss, cancer prevention, immune system boosting, and more--have put green tea on everyone's top ten superfoods list. Now the teacup's relaxation effect has been proven in the lab.
An amino acid called theanine (or L-theanine) is responsible for green tea's magic. First discovered in 1949, theanine is found almost exclusively in tea leaves. (It's also found in one type of mushroom--but who wants to relax with a plate of mushrooms?)
Clinical trials testing the relaxation effect of theanine produced remarkable results. Japanese researchers found that human volunteers became more relaxed about 30-40 minutes after taking up to 200mg of theanine. That's six cups of tea to you and me.
Once the theanine is flowing, a couple of things happen. Your brain waves start to shift into the alpha range. That's a good thing. Alpha brain waves occur when you are relaxed and peaceful, but still awake--like after a massage or a hot bath, or during meditation.
At the same time, theanine increases the GABA levels in your brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is linked to dopamine and serotonin levels. This complicated-sounding chemical cocktail results in a relaxation effect. And what's more, theanine also lowers your blood pressure. Well, OK, the blood pressure part is only proven in rats. But testing continues.
So if you're stressed and anxious, relax with a few cups of green tea. You should begin to feel relaxed and alert in about half an hour. Theanine won't make you drowsy, but if it happens to be bedtime, studies have also shown you'll sleep better and awake more refreshed. By the way, if you're already relaxed when you start, it doesn't matter how much theanine you get--you won't get any more relaxed.
If you would rather get your theanine in a pill, you're in luck. Supplements containing theanine are readily available. One of the Japanese firms heavily involved in theanine research went beyond simple green tea extracts and developed Suntheanine, which is a synthesized, ultra-pure theanine. A company spokesperson stated there is "a tremendous opportunity for designing foods and medical foods targeting relaxation and the reduction of stress."
I'm not sure what they have in mind, but the possibilities are wide open. More than 50 food items containing Suntheanine, including ice cream, candy, and beverages, are currently sold in Korea, Japan, and Europe. In America, it's only available in supplements right now. But I'm looking forward to seeing it in something that goes with my cup of tea. Relaxation muffin, anyone?
About the Author
Art Turner is a writer, musician, and creator of Relaxation Emporium, where you can learn more about the relaxation effect of tea and other ways to reduce stress.
Visit http://www.relaxationemporium.com/earth.html
Buddhist Form Meditation News
Community Calendar 11/20/08 - The Carrboro Citizen
Community Calendar 11/20/08 The Carrboro Citizen, NC - Kadampa Center for the Practice of Tibetan Buddhism, 5412 Etta Burke Ct., Raleigh. www.kadampa-center.org Meditation Practices of Tibetan Buddhism: Shinay, ... |
Exhale stress, inhale success - University Daily Kansan
Exhale stress, inhale success University Daily Kansan, KS - Holden practices shamatha, or calm abiding meditation, which he says was taught by Buddha and is the simplest form of meditation. He says that it trains you ... |
Devotees flock to 'Buddha reincarnation' in Nepal - The Associated Press
 ABC News | Devotees flock to 'Buddha reincarnation' in Nepal The Associated Press - 18 and then retreat again into the jungle for meditation, said Kamal Tamang, a Buddhist priest. Bamjan received the pilgrims from atop a podium covered in ... Thousands flock to see ‘Buddha Boy’ who reappears after year in jungle Buddha boy in Nepal re-emerges after a year |
Mindfulness meditation: contemplating your way to reduced stress ... - CBC.ca
 CBC.ca | Mindfulness meditation: contemplating your way to reduced stress ... CBC.ca, Canada - It's a form of meditation that you can only learn through a certified teacher, according to the TM website. That'll set you back a couple thousand ... |
Quest for enlightenment - Naperville Sun
Quest for enlightenment Naperville Sun, IL - The Tans, who practice a form of Buddhism called Pure Land Buddhism, travel around the world teaching people about Buddhism. Tan: "I think Buddhism is ... |