For example, one recent study reported that patients who performed qigong, an Oriental technique, reported reduced pain, fatigue, and sleeplessness and improved function, mood, and general health after eight weeks. The practiced meditater can achieve a reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, adrenaline levels, and skin temperature while meditating. The goal of all meditative procedures, both religious and therapeutic, is to quiet the mind, essentially to relax thought. The first step is to be as physically comfortable as possible in a quiet place, preferably in a semi-dark room isolated from noise or distraction. One should be sitting up with the eyes closed and concentrating on a simple image or sound.
Some methods suggest imagining a point of light behind the forehead and between the eyes.
When the mind begins to wander, the meditater gently brings concentration back to the central image or sound. Some recommend meditating for no longer than 20 minutes in the morning after awakening and then again in early evening before dinner. Even once a day is helpful. When successful, the meditater experiences deep relaxation and renewed energy. One technique requiring little adaptation of the daily schedule has been termed mini-meditation.