In general, people may want to meditate for two different reasons :

1. they may wish to experience a particular mood or state of mind;
2. they may desire lasting change in their health, personality or ability to cope with life.

In the first case, meditation is a goal in itself. The meditator takes a passive, receptive role, giving himself up to an intense and possibly intoxicating experience in the hope that it will prove fulfilling. An ‘experience orientation’ of this kind can lead to introversion or a desire for meditative states that is virtually like an addiction. Regular life is seen as trivial while the contrasting meditative states are regarded as having the utmost importance and meaning. This orientation may also encourage emphasis on the indoctrinal role of a teacher or guru. Instruction is often delivered in an emotional manner, making heavy use of symbolic and figurative language. Candles and incense may be used to create a potent atmosphere.
By contrast, the second approach to meditation focuses on what it does, its benefits, and how it alters a person’s internal make-up and capacity to handle life. ‘Change-oriented’ practices of this kind see meditation as a means to an end – a way of pursuing long-term goals such as improvements in health, working life and relationships. There is an expectation that change will occur gradually, through regular daily meditation and a deep understanding of psychological structures and meditation practice. The orientation of Acem is of this kind.
An experience orientation seems more common in the present day than an orientation towards change, perhaps because focusing on the experience in itself requires less commitment to regular and challenging meditation practice. In the ‘experience orientation’ there is a certain pull away from everyday life and society, while in the change-oriented practices the opposite inclination is emphasized.

Hello,
Though meditation is usually recognized as a largely spiritual practice, it also has many health benefits. The yoga and meditation techniques are being implemented in management of life threatening diseases; in transformation of molecular and genetic structure; in reversal of mental illnesses, in accelerated learning programs, in perceptions and communications beyond the physical, in solving problems and atomic and nuclear physics; in gaining better ecological understanding; in management of lifestyle and future world problems. Some benefits of meditation are:
It lowers oxygen consumption.
It decreases respiratory rate.
It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.
Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal.
Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
Builds self-confidence.
It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.
Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.
Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome.
Helps in post-operative healing.
Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells.
Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.

thanks!!

________________
nose right

Meditation is the technique of controlling and guiding the focus of the mind and its thought processes. Different types of meditation techniques lead to development of different skills required to reach differing goals. Meditation is one of the principles of Yoga. Practicing meditation techniques together with the Asanas and Pranayamas can give the one who practices it a number of different benefits such as creating a balance in the functions of both sides of the brain, stimulation of the entire nervous system, improved circulation, and even an improvement of one's memory.