Meditation helps fight off illness

Meditating can help fight off illness by boosting the immune system, scientists claimed yesterday.

In tests, people who used the relaxation method had higher levels of antibodies and lower anxiety levels.

Researchers gave flu jabs to 40 patients before asking half the group to take part in weekly 'mindfulness meditation' classes, as well as practising at home alone.

The technique, developed by a stress reduction specialist, is used to help hospital patients deal with pain.

After eight weeks, a test group of volunteers who did not meditate had lower levels of antibodies in their bloodstreams.

They also had lower electrical activity in the front of the brain, which is associated with emotional well-being.

However, the US findings from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, met with scepticism from British experts.

Dr Adrian White, a specialist in complementary medicine at Exeter said: 'There is increasing evidence that meditation is a useful therapy but we need more information to determine who it helps and precisely what its benefits are.'

The US research was welcomed by meditation guru Ravi Mehra, who teaches techniques developed by alternative healer Deepak Chopra.

Mr Mehra, whose fans include former President Bill Clinton, said: 'There's no doubt in my mind that, if the body is in a state of restful awareness, the body can repair itself. Meditation must be good for us.'