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Transcendental Meditation and Asthma

Archie F. Wilson, Ronald Honsberger, John T. Chiu, Harold S. Novey

Respiration January 14, 2009 DOI: 10.1159/000193637 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Crossover study Peer reviewed
Sample size 21
Population Patients with bronchial asthma
Intervention Transcendental meditation
Duration 6-month study with crossover at 3 months
Topics Meditation
Keywords Transcendental meditation Asthma Transcendental number Physical therapy Skin conductance Pulmonary function testing Theology
Citations 54
Key points Transcendental meditation is a useful adjunct in treating asthma.

Abstract

A 6-month study with crossover at 3 months was designed to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of transcendental meditation upon bronchial asthma. 21 patients kept daily diaries of symptoms and medications and answered questionnaires at the end of the study and 6 months later. Other measurements included physician evaluation, pulmonary function testing, and galvanic skin resistance. The results indicated that transcendental meditation is a useful adjunct in treating asthma.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment 2003 Randomized controlled trial n = 41
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults 2008 Randomized controlled trial n = 139
Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students 2007 Randomized controlled trial n = 40
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2004 Randomized controlled trial n = 73

Citations in the library

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