Meditation can be considered a technique method, or practice. Meditation usually involves concentrating on an object, such as a flower, a candle, a sound or word, or the breath. Over time, the number of random thoughts occurring diminishes. Relax is a common by product of meditation. Relax itself can assume many forms, such as taking a hot bath etc. Meditation is an active process where the meditation remains fully aware of what the awareness is doing. Meditation also attempts to transcend the thought process, whereas many forms of relaxation still engage the thought process.

Meditation allows the body to relax and can offset the effect of stress both, mentally, physically to a potentially much greater degree than passive relaxed. Thoughts generally consume energy in the processes of their formation. Constant thought-activity, especially of random nature, can tire the mind and even bring a headache. Meditation attempts to transcend this crude level of thought activity. Through regular practice one becomes aware that they are not their thoughts but that there is an awareness that exists independent of thought.

Meditation begins with concentration, but after an initial period of concentration, thought activity decreases and keeping the awareness focused becomes more spontaneous. At this point the person may or may not continue to work the object of concentration. Self hypnosis, like meditations, involves at least an initial period of concentration on an object. However, in hypnosis one does not try to maintain an awareness of the here-and-now, or to stay conscious of the process. Instead one essentially enters a sort of semi-conscious trance. For more details http://www.ayurvedasbeautycare.com