Recent studies in the US have revealed that transcendental meditation or TM, can be used a means of reducing the onset of serious heart-conditions. These studies were conducted by the Medical College of Wisconsin, using a sample of African Americans – some of whom regularly practiced TM. They revealed that 48% of the sample who practiced TM were less likely to experience a cardiac-event, compared to those who did not.
During the study, 201 people were asked to participate in TM classes designed to lower stress relief or a health education programme – relating to healthy lifestyles and exercise. Those in the TM groups sat with their eyes closed for around 20 minutes, twice a day, in order to attain a meditative-state, and participants within the education group were instructed on how to spend a similar amount of time practising techniques that can optimise heart-health, such as: relaxation, exercise and following a healthy diet. Throughout the duration of the study, researchers assessed the health of the respondents using a range of health-markers, such as: body-weight and mass, blood pressure and frequency of cardiac-episodes. The research identified that out of 52 cardiac-events, 20 were experienced by participants within the TM group, with the additional 32 in the education group. Blood pressure was also reduced more significantly within the TM group compared to the education sample, and all respondents experienced positive changes of attitude towards alcohol-use and exercise.
Additionally, those who practiced the TM technique were found to be more resistant to debilitating bouts of stress, anxiety and other emotional traumas. According to the studies – survival rates were improved by frequency of TM practice, which also served as means of regulating blood-pressure.
Whilst, the researchers believe more studies need to be conducted in this area, the findings are considered to represent an important step in the fight against heart-disease.
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