Yoga & Meditation is much more than a technique. Meditation can be an effective form of stress reduction and has the potential to improve quality of life and decrease healthcare costs. Meditation involves achieving a state of ‘thoughtless awareness’ in which the excessive stress producing activity of the mind is neutralized without reducing alertness and effectiveness. Authentic meditation enables one to focus on the present moment rather than dwell on the unchangeable past or undetermined future. The theoretical explanation for the effects of meditation and relaxation techniques is that the release of catecholamine and other stress hormones are reduced and parasympathetic activity is increased. Whether meditation involves other unique neuro-physiological effects remains to be proven.