Metta is a Pali language word with roots in the term “mitra”  which means “friendly, benevolent, affectionate, loving”, but it also includes the meaning “good willing”.

Recent studies have showed that Metta Meditation, – through its technique of developing the will to bring wellbeing and happiness for ourselves and for others – contributes to the improvement of health. For instance, it greatly contributes to the alleviation of our coronary system.

The improvement of Metta quality is considered a direct condition in the process of relief from suffering.

This traditional Metta meditation technique works in the emotional consciousness by livening up one’s health condition and manifests itself as having unconditional goodwill for everything around us. This state of consciousness generates pure vision as well. This means that in Metta state of Meditation we may effortlessly overcome our self-centered tendencies [up to a certain level] as our consciousness is soaked in much beneficial energy. During this type of meditation, as a consequence, our bodily state of health improves as well.

The person who consistently applies the Metta meditation may also produce considerable changes in the karmic path he is about to take in this existence.
In Traditional Eastern Spirituality, Metta is considered a prior phase in creating that virtue which starts the process of relief from all suffering.

This is the Dharma which refers to this process:

The one who implements Metta in their being

will never fail in their meditation focus.

They will be able to use the teachings from their Master.

The nourishment that had been given to them as charity

would not have been wasted.

There is no higher virtue than practicing Metta on a daily basis.

Dhammapada

As previously mentioned, the practical benefits of this type of meditation, when used consistently and correctly, will alleviate one’s health condition, as well. The Metta meditation state greatly contributes to the healing of emotional problems, reduces the emotional distress, and increases the cardiac coherence. A particularly important benefit is the increase and stabilization of emotional independence. In addition, by learning the Metta quality we set the premises for developing our spiritual intelligence.

This spiritual method greatly develops our ability to empathize and

show compassion. For reaching the latter, though, more advanced practices must be used.