Clearing one's mind and chanting , "oom" may be the key to lessen anxiety and depression, according to a Johns Hopkins University study. Web MD reports that researchers found a possible link between decreasing stress, anxiety and depression with meditation.

Meditating on a daily basis may help patients get relief from feeling anxious, being depressed, and even alleviate pain, but researchers clarify that there's no evidence of actual medical benefits - yet. The research team studied 47 cases that examined the effects of mediation on various medical conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Published online in JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, researchers placed emphasis on the effectiveness of mindful meditation, which seeks to allow the person full acceptance of his or her feelings and thoughts without judgement, coupled with the relaxation of the body and mind. In addition, mindful meditation encourages people 'to pay attention to what they are feeling physically and mentally from moment to moment,' according to Live Science.

Lead researcher Dr. Madhav Goyal explained that his team analyzed 3,515 participants, majority of which received sufficient training of over 30 hours in mindful meditation. Goyal said, "We found about a 5 to 10 percent improvement in anxiety symptoms compared to placebo groups.For depression, we found a roughly 10 to 20 percent improvement in depressive symptoms compared to the placebo groups. This is similar to the effects of antidepressants in similar populations, "notes Web MD.

The study is important for clinicians to consider recommending meditation to patients. Goyal empahsized, "Clinicians should be prepared to talk with their patients about the role that meditation programs could have in addressing psychological stress, particularly when symptoms are mild," according to Bloomberg News.

However, Goyal and his team clarify that due to lack of trials exploring the correlation between chronic pain and meditation, they could not determine what kinds of pain mindful meditation may alleviate. There was also no evidence that the practice may produce medical benefits in patients suffering from substance abuse, or in patients who have problems with positive mood, attention, eating habits, sleep and weight.