The Earth may not be flat nor is it the center of the universe, but that doesn't mean old-world

intellectuals got everything wrong. In fact, in recent years, modern science has validated a
number of teachings and beliefs rooted in ancient wisdom that, up until now, had been trusted
but unproven empirically.
A full 55 pages of Arianna Huffingtons new book, Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining
Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder , are dedicated to these
scientific breakthroughs that often confirm the power of ancient psychology and contemplative
practices. On an intuitive level, weve known for centuries that these lifestyle practices can help
us lead happy, healthy and balanced lives. But now, with the support of hard science, we can
embrace these pieces of ancient wisdom and start really living them.
Here are eight ancient beliefs and practices that have been confirmed by modern science.
Helping others can make you healthier.

In their never-ending search for the best way to live, Greek philosophers argued over the relative
benefits of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. Hedonic well-being sees happiness as a factor of
increased pleasure and decreased pain, while eudaimonic ("human flourishing") happiness has
more to do with having a larger purpose or meaning in life. A recent study from University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill psychologist Barbara Fredrickson may reveal which form of
happiness is more beneficial for health and well-being.
The study, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last
year, found that while both types of happiness can make you feel good, the latter could promote
physical health and longevity as well. Using phone interviews, questionnaires and blood
samples, the study explored how the two forms of happiness affected individuals on a genetic
level . Participants with more hedonic and less eudaimonic well-being were found to have a
lower production of virus-attacking antibodies, while those with more eudaimonic well-being
experienced an increase in antibody production.
Acupuncture can restore balance to your body.
The traditional Chinese medicine technique is believed to address imbalances in a persons qi
(pronounced chi), the circulating energy within every living thing. Whether or not you believe in
the existence of this energy flow, a new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found
that the age-old practice may be an effective way to relieve migraines, arthritis and other chronic
pains.
Analyzing previous research data from approximately 18,000 subjects , researchers found that
acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture and standard western care when treating
various types of pain, including migraines and chronic back pain.
We need the support of a community in order to thrive.

Traditional Buddhist teachings suggest that community is a key component in any happy,
fulfilled life. A 2010 study conducted by Brigham Young University and University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers confirmed this belief, concluding that a healthy social life
promotes longevity.
In analyzing the 148 studies -- involving more than 300,000 individual participants -- available
on the subject, the researchers discovered that those with stronger social relationships maintained
a 50 percent increased likelihood of survival. The effect of social relationships on mortality risk
is even greater than the effect of exercise or obesity.
Tai chi can help alleviate a variety of health conditions.
This ancient Chinese martial art is based on the belief that achieving balance with ones mind
and body creates an overall sense of peace and harmony, naturally inspiring a long life. A report
in the May 2009 issue of Harvard Womens Health Watch summarized several studies
confirming that this moving meditation practice can help prevent and treat many age-related
health problems alongside standard treatment in older adults. A number of studies in the past
decade have found tai chi to be helpful for those suffering from arthritis, low bone density and
heart disease.
Meditation can help you reduce stress and discover inner peace.

Stemming from ancient Eastern origins, the practice of meditation is believed to help still the
mind and reach a heightened level of awareness, improving health and well-being as a
byproduct. Science is now proving the health benefits of meditation. The latest study from a
team of Harvard Medical School scientists reveals how this mind-body practice can affect genes
that control stress levels and immune function.
Harvard psychiatrist John Denniger and his team used neuro-imaging and genomics technology
to measure potential physiological changes in each subject more accurately. After observing the
high-stress individuals as they followed the studys prescribed yoga and meditation practices, the
team noticed an improved mitochondrial energy production, utilization and resiliency, which
help to reduce the stress linked to health conditions like hypertension and infertility.
Compassion is the key to a meaningful life.
Tibetan Buddhist tradition includes a practice called metta, or loving-kindness. A 2012 study
from Emory University found that compassion meditation based on this Tibetan model can
effectively boost ones ability to empathize with others by way of reading their facial
expressions.
Another loving-kindness meditation study from 2011 found that, over time, this practice
increased participants' positive emotions that allowed them to find a deeper sense of
mindfulness, their purpose in life, the network of support surrounding them, and their health.
These components helped increase their overall life satisfaction.
Accepting what you cant change is key to reducing suffering.

According to Buddhist teachings, one must accept the things they cannot change in order to
reduce suffering. Now, scientists have found that this belief rings true, especially for older adults
who are working through difficult life changes.
Researchers from Deakin University in Australia found that facing the realities of living with
assistance and losing a degree of independence helps seniors live longer and feel far happier.
Their study, which was published in the Journal of Happiness Studies last year, compared
feelings of life satisfaction and perceived control of older adults living with assistance and those
living in the community. Their analysis revealed that the ability to accept the inevitable (as well
as maintain low-level control) in an assisted living setting was a significant predictor of life
satisfaction. The researchers concluded , "In order to protect the well-being of older individuals,
adaptation involves both a sense of control and the active acceptance of what cannot be
changed."
All you need is love.
If there is one thing that a variety of ancient wisdom traditions can agree on, its the value of love
in maintaining a happy, meaningful life. And a group of Harvard researchers, on a mission to
uncover the true roots of life fulfillment, conducted a 75-year study that reached the same
conclusion.
The Harvard Grant Study, led by psychiatrist George Vaillant, followed the life trajectories of
268 male students in order to answer lifes universal questions of growth, development, value
and purpose. Vaillant considers the most meaningful finding of the study to be that a happy life
revolves around loving relationships. He explained that there are two pillars of happiness: "One
is love. The other is finding a way of coping with life that does not push love away."