What Is Transcendental Meditation?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of meditation that involves the use of a specific mantra, typically practiced for 15-20 minutes twice daily while sitting with closed eyes. It is designed to promote a state of relaxed awareness and has been studied for its potential benefits on mental and physical health.

Benefits of Transcendental Meditation

Mental Health

TM has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. For instance, a study comparing TM with passive relaxation found that TM was significantly more effective in reducing anxiety levels among participants5. Additionally, TM has been associated with improvements in mindfulness, which is linked to lower levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and depressive symptoms8.

Stress Reduction

TM is effective in reducing stress and burnout, particularly among healthcare workers. A randomized clinical trial demonstrated that TM significantly reduced chronic stress and burnout scores compared to usual treatment2. Another study found that TM practice led to significant reductions in psychological distress and improved overall quality of life in older breast cancer patients6.

Cardiovascular Health

TM has beneficial effects on cardiovascular function. Research involving adolescents with high normal blood pressure showed that TM practice led to significant decreases in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output both at rest and during stress3. Similarly, patients with coronary artery disease who practiced TM experienced improvements in exercise tolerance and reductions in heart rate and blood pressure during exercise7.

Mechanisms of Action

Hormonal Changes

TM practice has been linked to changes in hormone levels that are indicative of reduced stress. A study examining hormone levels found that regular TM practice resulted in decreased basal cortisol levels and increased cortisol responsiveness to stressors, suggesting a reversal of the effects of chronic stress10.

Brain Function

TM has also been shown to impact brain functioning. A study on college students revealed that TM practice led to significant increases in Brain Integration Scale scores, which are associated with improved cognitive function and stress reactivity9. Additionally, TM practice has been found to improve cognitive abilities such as creative thinking and constructive thinking4.

Conclusion

Transcendental Meditation is a well-researched technique that offers a range of benefits for mental and physical health. It has been shown to reduce anxiety, stress, and burnout, improve cardiovascular function, and positively affect hormone levels and brain function. These findings suggest that TM can be a valuable tool for enhancing overall well-being.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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