The mechanism of action provoked by meditation is thought primarily to involve its ability to reduce stress. There are two main theories about how this happens. First, that it reduces somatic-arousal thereby reducing the reactivity of the individual to environmental stressors and, second, that it alters the individual’s cognitive appraisal of and perceived self-efficacy with regard to stressors. By eliminating background mental noise, the meditator probably increases internal and external awareness and therefore somehow achieves more veridical perception, reduced negative affect and improved vitality and coping capacity.
Ramesh Manocha