Transcendental Meditation in the Treatment of Mental and Physical Conditions

The Transcendental Meditation technique involves transcending from active to silent mind, creating a feeling of well-being. As the mind settles, the body becomes deeply rested, with reductions in physiological stress markers, slowed breathing, and increased brain wave coherence associated with creativity. Regular practice can help defuse daily stress, leading to a more stress-free, efficient, and resilient body. Well-controlled studies indicate improvements in physical health (reduced hypertension and cardiovascular disease), psychological health (reduced anxiety, depression, and anger), and behavioral changes (reduced drug, alcohol, and cigarette use, and lower recidivism).

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract The Transcendental Meditation technique (TM) is a process of transcending from the active mind to the silent mind, creating a feeling of well-being that many people describe as blissful. As the mind settles, the body becomes deeply rested, as indicated by reductions of physiological stress markers. The meditator typically experiences expanded inner awareness, which corresponds to marked slowing of the breath and increased brain wave (EEG) coherence, a measure of brain integration that is associated with higher levels of creativity. This chapter reviews work on the effects of TM in major areas of human functioning such as physical and psychological health, considers its impact on behavior, and examines some of the processes through which TM has its effects. The literature suggests that regular TM practice can help defuse the stresses and strains accrued during the day. Through regular practice, the body begins to function in a more stress-free, efficient, and resilient way outside of meditation. Well-controlled studies indicate that TM results in improvements in physical health (e.g. it reduces hypertension and cardiovascular disease), and psychological health (e.g. it reduces anxiety, depression, and anger), as well as influencing people’s behavior (e.g. reductions in drug, alcohol, and cigarette use, as well as in recidivism).