Review: Rosewood Meditation Beads from MyRosaryBeads.Com

This set of Meditation Beads was skillfully hand crafted in Mysore, India from genuine rosewood and sandalwood beads. Each bead measures 9mm which is a comfortable size for meditation. The rosewood beads are a beautiful deep mahogany color, with the wood grain showing through the smooth finish. Three fragrant sandalwood beads divide the 108 beads into four sections. The sandalwood beads are tan and smooth to the touch. Genuine sandalwood has a natural soothing aroma which does not fade over time, for this reason sandalwood is highly valued and sought after. The beads are strung on two strands of strong, quality thread providing extra durability. This Mala is finished with a tassel made from 100% cotton. With proper care this Mala will last for many years of regular use, and will acquire a lovely antique finish over time.

Included with this Mala is a beautiful silk pouch for safe storage. A percentage of the proceeds goes to supporting women and children in the Katmandu valley of Nepal

About MyRosaryBeads.com:
MyRosaryBeads.com offers quality rosaries, prayer beads, and meditation beads, each skillfully hand crafted using only the finest materials. As a testament to the quality of their products, all of their prayer beads have a unconditional 30-day money back warranty. MyRosaryBeads.com offers a variety of prayer beads form various backgrounds.

Benefits of Meditation:
In recent years science has found that meditation when practiced on a regular bases has many health benefits. Studies have shown that with as little 10 to 15 minutes of daily meditation we can improve our physical and emotional health, while at the same time strengthening our minds. Considering the benefits, devoting a few minutes of our day to meditation is time well spent. (Please note that meditation is not a substitute for medical care, and should never be used as such).

1. Stabilizes the autonomous nervous system.
2. Increases concentration, self-esteem, spontaneity, creativity, and depth of awareness. Studies also show that mediators have warmer interpersonal relationships, less anxiety, increased self-esteem and self-confidence, increased problem-solving ability and greater creativity.
3. Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
4. It reduces the heart beat
5. Lowers high blood pressure- There is strong evidence that meditation helps lower blood pressure in people who are normal or moderately hypertensive. This finding has been replicated by more than nineteen studies, some of which have shown systolic reductions among their subjects of 25 mmHg or more. A few people with acute hypertension have also experienced lower blood pressure in experiments of this kind. Several studies, however, have shown that relief from high blood pressure diminishes or disappears entirely if meditation is discontinued(not practiced on a regular bases)."
6. EMG activity increases
7. Stomach function and bowel function improve
8. The endocrine function is heightened- It has been recently demonstrated that meditation reduces sympathetic adrenergic receptor sensitivity, producing a decreased response to stressful situations.
9. Body posture is improved
10. Stamina increases
11. Improved energy level and vitality
12. Production of serotenine increases- Serotonin influences mood and behavior in many ways. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to a variety of disorders. For example, conditions associated with low serotonin levels include: depression, obesity, insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, migraine headaches, premenstrual syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
13. Intake of oxygen gets stronger
14. Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
15. Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
16. Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.
17. Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
18. Increases serotonin production which influences mood and behavior. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, and headaches.
19. Helps those who suffer from insomnia:: When trained in meditation, 75% of suffers experienced improvement.
20. Helps to improve chronic diseases like allergies , asthma etc.
21. Helps those who suffer from Chronic Pain
22. Reduces Pre-menstrual Syndrome.
23. Helps in post-operative healing.
24. Enhances the immune system.
25. Improved Awareness and Concentration.
26. Slows the aging process
27. Helpful for treating Habits and Addictions

How To Use Meditation Beads?:
There are many different ways to use meditation beads, below are links to websites about meditation. The below information is from http://www.life123.com/health/yoga-meditation/meditation/meditation-beads.shtml#STS=g1cizovh.21sh

"Meditation beads have been used throughout history to aid in mindful meditation practices. The use of these beads transcends religions and practices, being found as a form of focus and comfort by many around the globe. These meditation beads are used for chanting, repeating mantras, praying repetitive prayers or simply comfort during meditation. Japa meditation is one of many meditation techniques that employs the use of a Mala, since the fingering and movement of each bead can help you to focus on the mantra or chant being recited as you move from word to word during the meditation process.

Meditation beads serve many purposes. For one, they help you remain focused while meditating. One of the biggest challenges when meditating is to tame the mind, or keep your thoughts in focus on the object of your choice. That may be your breath, the rising and falling of your chest or abdomen, alternate nostril breathing, a particular word, sound (om is one of the most popular sounds uttered during meditation), image or prayer. By handling something tangible, it is easier to keep your mind focused on the task at hand.

Meditation beads also help you to stop worrying about how much time has passed while you are meditating. It is very tempting to want to look up and check how much time has passed when you first try meditating because time seems to pass slowly and your mind is anxious for a distraction. By committing to chanting, meditating or breathing through all 108 beads on your meditation beads, you can relax about the passage of time and focus on making it through each bead. Simply move one bead over with every breath, chant or prayer until you have made it around the entire necklace.

Meditation beads can serve as reminders and comforts as you go throughout your day. After a beautifully calming session of meditation, slip your beads over your neck and wear them throughout the day. As stressful events comes up, finger the beads and return mentally to that place of peace. You'll find the mere presence of the meditation beads to be quite soothing and reassuring."

History:
Historical evidence suggests that beads have been used for prayer and meditation for thousands of years. According to most historians prayer beads originated in India around 500BC, from there prayer beads spread to the Middle East, China and Japan. Prayer beads have various names, one of the oldest names is known in India as Mala, (meaning "garland" in the Sanskrit language. Below is a list of other names for prayer beads:

• In Catholic Christianity the most widely used form of prayer beads are the Rosary (The word rosary is derived from the Latin word rosarium, meaning "rose garden" or "garland of roses".) Catholics also use other prayer beads known as Chaplets.
• In Orthodox Christianity the Chotki also known as a Prayer Rope are the main form of prayer beads used.
• In Protestant Christianity also makes use of prayer beads know as the Anglican Rosary.
• In Islamic prayer beads are known as Misbah.
• In Buddaism prayer beads are known as Malas
• In Hindu Tradition prayer beads are know as Japa Malas
• In Greece Traditions prayer beads are known as Worry Beads.

My Personal Opinion:
While doing research for this article I decided to test the benefits of meditation by meditating each night before bed. Meditation has helped me to feel less stressed and I've noticed an improvement in my asthma. The deep breathing used in meditation has a similar effect to practicing the alto recorder, it seems to help build up your lungs so that breathing is easier. (Please note: I do not recommend practicing deep breathing meditation as a substitute to asthma medicine. Also if your lungs are sore from having an asthma attack wait till the following day when you lungs are not sore.)

The craftsmanship and quality of this Mala is very nice, as someone who crafts Rosaries I am impressed by artist's craftsmanship. I recommend this Mala to those looking for a quality set of meditation beads.

This set of Meditation Beads can be found at http://www.myrosarybeads.com/product/LU108RW

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_prayer_beads
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_rosary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaplet_(Prayer)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican_Rosary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_rope
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_prayer_beads
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_prayer_beads
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misbaha
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komboli
http://easternhealingarts.com/Articles/prayerbeads_tibetanmalas.html
http://www.womenfitness.net/yoga_meditation.htm
http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/100-benefits-of-meditation/
http://www.myrosarybeads.com/
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm
http://www.life123.com/health/yoga-meditation/meditation/meditation-beads.shtml#STS=g1cizovh.21sh