The practice of meditation is exploding with up to 500m people worldwide now meditating due to associated health benefits.

Health and well-being apps are particularly behind the increase. The user count of popular app Headspace for example has grown from 3m to 30m users in just three years.

Researchers at John Hopkins University in Baltimore reviewed a number of studies and found that mindful meditation can help ease psychological stresses like anxiety and depression.

However, the medical effectiveness of some apps is questionable. The American Psychiatric Association found that fewer than one percent of 10,000 self help apps had been professionally evaluated.

The Manchester Buddhist Centre in Turner Street, Northern Quarter offers taster classes for anyone wishing to learn more about mindfulness. Programme Manager Chandana Orvis spoke to Quays News:

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