Transcendental Meditation is more than just a relaxation technique, researchers say. In fact, it has an effect on fighting cardiovascular disease on all levels.
A study conducted at Georgia Health Sciences University found that for adult patients, that meditation technique reduced stress hormones and other concrete physical markers of stress. It also lowered blood pressure and decreased the use of blood pressure medication. In addition, the researchers reported, Transcendental Meditation ™ resulted in less depression, smoking and drinking.
As a result of those findings, the research team recommended that Transcedental Meditation, also known as TM, become a part of private and government wellness programs.
"These findings have important implications for inclusion of the Transcendental Meditation program in medical efforts to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease," lead author Dr. Vernon Barnes said in a statement.
Transcendental Meditation is a specific technique that involves relaxation for two periods of 15-20 minutes daily. It differs from other meditation techniques in that it’s performed while sitting comfortably, and instead of focusing on one object or phrase, participants let their thoughts roam until their mind quiets and they focus on rest or “transcendence.”
It’s that deep phase of resting, researchers say, that allows the body to repair itself.
The findings were published in the journal “Current Hypertension Reviews.”
