Studies on the effects of meditation
Studies on Meditation
More than just relaxation: find out about the benefits of meditation for your health according to scientific studies.
Meditation from a scientific perspective: an overview of the studies
Meditation is considered one of the most effective methods for harmonizing body and mind. Studies show that it not only strengthens mental well-being, but also has positive effects on physical health.
This collection of studies summarizes the most important findings from research on the subject of meditation. For example, studies have investigated how mindfulness meditation alleviates depressive symptoms and improves sleep quality. Other studies shed light on the role of meditation in reducing chronic pain or its supportive effect on smoking cessation. The improvement of intestinal flora and the increase in concentration and brain function through regular meditation have also been scientifically confirmed.
The results make it clear that meditation is a versatile tool for better health and quality of life - from coping with stress to promoting emotional resilience.
Burn-out prevention / prophylaxis
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Jeffrey M Greeson et al.
March 2015
A study shows significant improvement in depressive symptoms through MBSR, regardless of demographics.
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Peter la Cour, Marian Petersen
April 2015
Study shows that mindfulness meditation improves psychological quality of life, pain control & acceptance in chronic pain
Carolyn Y Fang et al.
May 2010
Study shows that an eight-week mindfulness program increases well-being and has positive effects on the immune system.
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Shawn N Katterman et al.
April 2014
Study shows mindfulness meditation reduces hunger pangs and emotional eating, but mixed results on weight change
Burn-out prevention / prophylaxis
Willem Kuyken et al.
July 2015
Study with 424 participants examines MBCT vs. antidepressants in the prevention of depression relapses. Both methods show effectiveness.
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Britta K. Hölzel et al.
November 2010
Study: Mindfulness meditation increased the gray matter in the brain, especially in the hippocampus, which influences learning & emotions.
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Respiratory system / Asthma
Roxane Raffin Chan et al.
March 2015
Study shows mindfulness practice can alleviate COPD symptoms & meditation improves emotional functioning despite declining mindfulness
Burn-out prevention / prophylaxis
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Holger C Bringmann et al.
January 2021
Study shows that MBLM is suitable & feasible for depression and offers a holistic approach to mental health.
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Bethany E Kok, Kimberly A Coffey et al.
July 2013
A study shows that positive emotions and health boost each other and explains why meditation increases well-being.
Back pain
Locomotor system
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Rheumatism / Joints / Arthritis / Arthrosis
Women's health / Menopause
Akshay Dubey, Parikshit A Muley
November 2023
A study shows that meditation relieves chronic pain & stress and improves quality of life through mindfulness meditation.
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Aimee C Ruscio et al.
January 2016
Study shows that meditation significantly reduces smoking cravings and cigarette consumption.
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Sleep therapy
David S Black et al.
April 2015
Study: Mindfulness meditation significantly improves sleep quality and reduces depression and fatigue in older adults.
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Metabolism / Stomach / Intestines
Ying Sun et al.
January 2023
Study investigates how years of meditation influences the gut microbiota & achieves positive effects on physical & mental health.
Burn-out prevention / prophylaxis
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Mental health
David J Kearney et al.
April 2021
A study of 42 PTSD veterans showed that loving-kindness meditation reduced negative emotions and promoted personal growth.
Meditation, Pranayama, and more
Eric Smernoff et al.
January 2015
A study shows that "The Work" meditation increases well-being. 58 participants experienced significant improvements in their quality of life