8 Scientifically Proven Principles of Ancient Wisdom

Practicing meditation prolongs longevity and raises awareness.

Altruism makes us healthier

In their relentless search for the best way to live, Greek philosophers debated the differences between the benefits of hedonistic happiness and those of eudaemonist happiness.

Hedonism sees happiness as having a high degree of pleasure and a low degree of pain, while eudaimonism defines happiness as having a higher purpose in life.

A recent study by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson of Chapel Hill University in North Carolina reveals which of the two forms of happiness is more beneficial to health and well-being. Her study was published last year in the Proceedings of the US National Academy of Sciences.

Barbara has shown that although both types of happiness can make you feel good, the latter can also provide health and longevity. Using telephone interviews, questionnaires, and blood tests, her study explores how the two forms of happiness affect us genetically.

Research has shown that subjects with more hedonistic well-being and less eudaemonic produce fewer antibodies, while those with eudaemonic well-being have increased production of antiviral agents.

Acupuncture rebalances the body

Traditional acupuncture from ancient Chinese medicine is used to correct a person's qi imbalances. According to Chinese medicine, qi is the energy that circulates in any living organism.

Whether or not you believe in the flow of this energy, a new study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, has shown that acupuncture is an effective way to relieve migraines, arthritis, and other chronic pain diseases. Researchers have found that acupuncture is much more effective than modern Western medicine in treating various types of pain, including chronic back pain.

Community support is essential to prosper

Traditional Buddhist teachings suggest that the key to a happy and fulfilling life is community. Brigham Young University and the University of North Carolina confirmed this idea, concluding that a healthy social life increases longevity. 50% chance of survival, the effect of social relations on mortality being much higher than that of exercise or obesity.

Tai chi improves health

This Chinese method of qigong is based on the belief that achieving a balance between body and mind provides a general feeling of peace and harmony, naturally leading to longevity.

An article by Harvard Women's Health Watch presents several studies that confirm that this form of "moving meditation" can prevent and treat many health problems related to old age. Many studies in this decade have shown that tai chi is miraculous for arthritis, osteoporosis, or heart disease.

Meditation helps to reduce stress and find inner peace

Rooted in the Eastern tradition, meditation helps to calm the mind and achieve a higher level of consciousness, while improving secondary health and well-being. Science is now able to demonstrate the benefits of meditation.

The latest study from the Harvard Medical School team reveals that the practice of meditation acts on the genes responsible for stress and those that control the immune system.

Harvard psychiatrist John Denninger and his team used genomic and neuroimaging technology to measure more accurately the potential physiological changes in each patient. Stress-related health problems such as hypertension or infertility have increased surprisingly.

Compassion is the secret of the meaning of life

The Tibetan Buddhist tradition includes a practice called metta, or goodness. Emory University’s study found that this type of compassion-based meditation can dramatically improve empathy for other people, initially by interpreting their facial expressions.

Another study of compassion-based meditation showed that by practicing for a longer period of time, positive emotions increase, allowing them to discover a new level of care for others, what is their purpose in life, the support network around them, and of course the improvement of their health. All this has led to an increase in the overall level of satisfaction in the lives of these people.

Accepting what you cannot change is the secret to reducing suffering

According to Buddhist teachings, you must accept what you cannot change to reduce suffering.

It has been scientifically proven that this phrase is true, especially for older adults who are going through difficult changes. Researchers at Deakin University in Australia have found that seniors who are dependent on other people's care live more and they feel more fulfilled if they manage to come to terms with their situation.

The study, published in the Journal of Happiness Studies last year, compares the feelings of satisfaction in life and the perceived control of older adults living assisted with those living in the community.

The researchers concluded that their ability to accept the inevitable while maintaining a low level of self-control in an assisted environment is a significant factor in life satisfaction.

The researchers said: "In order to protect the well-being of seniors, adaptation involves both a sense of control and an active acceptance of what I cannot change."

Love is all we need

What a variety of ancient traditions agree on is that love is a key element in maintaining a happy and meaningful life. A group of researchers at Harvard who set out to find the true values ​​that lead to a fulfilling life led a 75-year study that came to the same conclusion.

Vaillant analyzes the life trajectories of 268 male students to find answers to universal questions about growth, development, value, and purpose in life. Vaillant believes the study's biggest finding is that a happy life revolves around loving relationships. He explained that happiness is based on two poles: “one is love. The other is to find a way to live without rejecting love. "