Watch for the release of The Blissful Brain, by Dr. Shanida Nataraja, on March 15, a new book which promises to provide the scientific explanation of meditation. The official website, BlissfulBrain.com says the book “outlines the scientific rationale for the inclusion of meditation in our everyday lives as a means by which to optimise our brain functioning, state of health, and well-being.”

Her book proposes to answer questions such as:

• How important is meditation for our health and well being?
• Is it merely a soothing relaxation technique with no long-term benefits?
• Or is it in fact a vital healthcare practice that deserves wider recognition and higher public regard?

In her book, Dr. Nataraja explores research showing how practices like meditation, tai chi and yoga are not only helpful in reducing stress, but may actually be crucial for good health and optimal brain functioning. Pre-release details at the book’s website state that it promises to reveal scientific evidence, from the effects of meditation on blood pressure and depression to the latest insights from brain imaging studies, proving meditative practices should be at the heart of our healthcare systems.

The Blissful Brain will be published by Gaia Thinking on March 15, 2008. you can order your copy now:

Here is a peek-preview of each of the book’s seven chapters:

Chapter 1: Meditation: what is it and why do we need it?
Chapter 2: Peering beneath the skull: how the brain works
Chapter 3: Meditation and mystical experiences
Chapter 4: Bridging science and spirituality
Chapter 5: Hard-wired: a high performance mind
Chapter 6: Meditation and health
Chapter 7: Meditation and our everyday lives