An ancient Indian method of self-development –Transcendental Meditation (TM), has proved to be most effective in reducing stress and extending lifespan, according to two studies recently concluded. The findings of the studies were reported in the latest issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
Dr Robert Schneider, author of the study said there were many techniques for reducing blood pressure without using any drugs, but none can extend life like TM does. Dr Schneider works at the Maharishi University of Management based in Iowa.
His study covered 202 men and women with the average age of 72 years. Each of these participants had pre-hypertension or mild hypertension. These subjects were assigned to a group practicing transcendental meditation; for comparison they were assigned to groups that practiced alternative techniques of relaxation. Their progress was observed over a period of about eight years on an average during which 101 participants died. Dr Schneider’s team compared the results and finally evaluated the association between the reduced risk of death and TM.
Based on the results, the scientists claim that adults with high blood pressure would be able to live longer.
Dr Schnieder explained TM as a technique where you develop a state of restful alertness. In this state, one experiences the dual benefit of complete bodily and mental relaxation as well as a state of heightened alertness in which one’s brain functions more efficiently. It is a most effective technique for calming both mind and body.
Researchers have termed this experience as a state of consciousness that is distinct from waking, sleeping and dreaming. An accomplished practitioner of TM would reach a state where he is aware of more things than one normally would be. In this fourth state, the mind is stilled (not engaged in conscious thought) and awareness transcends (rises above) all mental activity. This state is called Transcendental Consciousness. According to the researchers, in such a state one can activate the body’s own self-repair mechanisms, which is what the study demonstrated.
Subjects in the study had not only lower blood pressures compared to people in other groups but also reduced the risk of dying from any cause by 23%. Most notably, the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease was reduced by 30% and from cancer by 49%.
Dr Schneider explained that the technique was fairly simple and required you to only sit comfortably with your eyes closed. It was developed thousands of years ago by Hindu sages.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was the first rishi (sage) of our times who chose to promote the technique and established the Maharishi University of Management to provide a holistic approach to education by integrating vedic (ancient Hindu scriptures) studies.
