Anxiety under control Our brain contains an area responsible for fear. This is the almond-shaped body, called the
amygdala, which functions as an alarm system, poking around for sources of danger.
To ancient man, it kept him alive by picking up rustlers in the forest or aggressive tribesmen. For modern man it frequently works as a "
false alarm", awakening unwarranted anxiety.
Studies have shown that amygdala activity decreases when a person remains in a meditative state. These findings have been reported both in experiments with people with no experience in meditation and in trials with both healthy people and those with chronic anxiety.
The effect is comparable to that of medication, only without the side effects. Regular practice reprograms the fear center, reduces anxiety and symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
