Scientific research
With over 650 scientific research studies, 400 of which were published in peer-reviewed journals, carried out in 250 universities and research institutes in over 30 countries around the world, TM is by far the most extensively researched form of meditation.
The impact it has on common health complaints such as high blood pressure, heart attack, insomnia and anxiety, to name but a few, is quite profound and unrivalled amongst other meditation techniques. This practice allows the body to experience a state of very deep rest, enabling the body’s inherent intelligence to then take what it needs in order to improve the state of the physiology and increase well-being. Successful results require no belief, just practice.
Jump to:
– Heart Health
– Mental Health
– Autism Spectrum Disorder
– ADHD
Heart Health
“Whether it is preventing heart attacks, or even after a heart attack, TM can be an essential part of the daily recommendations for stress reduction, helping to stabilize blood pressure, and decrease inflammation.”
Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum
Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke
A five-year study on patients with coronary heart disease reported a 48% reduction in heart attack, stroke, and death among those practicing the TM technique compared to controls. Source: Circulation, Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes 5 (6): 750-758, 1979.
Regulates blood pressure
Patients with high blood pressure who learned the Transcendental Meditation program showed a significant reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure after three months, in contrast to those randomly assigned to a control technique or to those who received health education on how to reduce blood pressure through diet and exercise. Source: Hypertension 26: 820–827, 1995.
Mental Health
“Your flight or fight system, that system which is activated by stress, that’s reset during TM.”
Dr. Frederick Travis PhD
Decreased anxiety
A statistical meta-analysis of 146 independent study results found that the TM program is significantly more effective in reducing trait anxiety than concentration or contemplation, or other techniques. Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology 45: 957–974, 1989.
Decreased cortisol
An important study found that plasma cortisol, a stress hormone, was significantly decreased during the practice of TM, indicating reduced stress in the physiology. Source: Hormones and Behavior 10: 54–60, 1978.
Decreased insomnia
Anxiety and stress are the most frequent contributing factors to insomnia. As the practice of TM naturally produces a state of deep inner calm, these conditions are automatically improved. Source: Journal of Counselling and Development 64: 212-215, 1985.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dr. Norman Rosenthal is a highly successful psychiatrist, author and executive coach. When researching his bestselling book, Transcendence: Healing and Transformation Through Transcendental Meditation, he interviewed several young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who had learned TM, and their parents too. In the book he discusses the positive results that those with ASD can experience when practising TM.
“Although the prevalence of ASD has been estimated as only 1 per 88, this statistic doesn’t reflect the huge toll that the condition takes on the individuals with the problem and their families. It is a lifelong disorder, with no definitive cure, which requires extensive and expensive care and help for decades.
“On a theoretical level, how might TM be helping these people with ASD? They clearly have trouble understanding the emotions and expectations of others, which makes interaction stressful and withdrawal understandable. They fear novelty, unexpected situations, and having to adapt to situations in which they don’t have control. As with so many other people, TM appears to reduce their stress and anxiety, making it easier for them to venture out, try new things, and learn new skills. In addition, it is well known that in people with ASD, there is impaired prefrontal cortex (PFC) function. As we know, the PFC is crucial for making good decisions and judgments. In many situations TM seems to boost PFC functioning, perhaps by reducing stress. This might also explain why people with ASD become more willing to explore new environments and behaviors after they start to meditate.”
ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder which scientists attribute to a lag in the brain’s natural development. It can result in hyperactivity and difficulty focusing or controlling impulsive behaviours. Medication is effective but has several side effects including insomnia, mood swings, and heart problems.
As TM requires no concentration or focus, it’s easy to learn for those with ADHD. During meditation there is increased blood flow to the brain, along with an increase in production of alpha waves, which are associated with a happy, relaxed and focused state of mind. There is also ‘whole brain cohesion’, meaning that all parts of the brain fire together, leading to greater brain development.
“During TM the whole brain interacts with itself, strengthening the pathways and speed of processing. So just by settling down and doing “nothing,” the whole brain develops.” Read more
“Meditation is not a quick fix. But, over time, TM allows the brain to create the neural connections that correct the underlying problem. The drug is an immediate fix, but when it wears off, the problem remains—the lack of brain integration.” Read more
– Sarina Grosswald, Ed.D
“In just six months, the brain functioning of the meditating students had moved from being solidly within clinical ADHD symptoms to just within normal brain functioning.” Read more
– Dr Frederick Travis, Ph.D
“The results kids are reporting from TM practice include calmer, more collected minds; greater ability to focus; better memory; greater ability to do homework without distractions; and better relationships at home, at school, and with friends. Teachers have also started noticing these positive changes. Parents are experiencing greater calm, more normal blood pressure, and greater happiness with their children.” Read more
– Dr Lucia John
“Expansion of happiness is the purpose of life, and evolution is the process by which it is fulfilled.“
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Founder of Transcendental Meditation