In a small but highly provocative study, a University of Wisconsin-Madison research team has found, for the first time, that a short program in 'mindfulness meditation' produced lasting positive changes in both the brain and the function of the immune system.

The findings suggest that meditation, long promoted as a technique to reduce anxiety and stress, might produce important biological effects that improve a person's resiliency.

'Mindfulness meditation,' often recommended as an antidote to the stress and pain of chronic disease, is a practice designed to focus one's attention intensely on the moment, noting thoughts and feelings as they occur but refraining from judging or acting on those thoughts and feelings. The intent is to deepen awareness of the present, develop skills of focused attention, and cultivate positive emotions such as compassion.

Richard Davidson from the HealthEmotions Research Institute at University of Wisconsin-Madison, led the research team. >from*UW study reports sustained changes in brain and immune function after meditation*, february 4, 2003

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