Pain reduction is just one benefit.<p>Another one is stress reduction, leading to a stronger immune system, less asthma, improved digestion, etc.<p>The main point is probably that you rewire your brain: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;news.harvard.edu&#x2F;gazette&#x2F;story&#x2F;2011&#x2F;01&#x2F;eight-weeks-to-a-better-brain&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;news.harvard.edu&#x2F;gazette&#x2F;story&#x2F;2011&#x2F;01&#x2F;eight-weeks-to...</a> which means doing it on a regular basis improves your hardware, not just your software.<p>You will end up managing your emotions more efficiently, which is extremely useful for people who need to stay away from d e p r e s s i o n and a n x i e t y.