Transcendental Meditation Manages Symptoms Related To Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) patients underwent a sixteen week trial period of incorporating the practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) into their activities. For comparison, a second group of CHD patients in the study received health instruction. This study was conducted by Maura Paul-Labrador, M.P.H, and colleagues from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. They were specifically looking to see what effect TM would have on risk factors associated with coronary heart disease aside from lowering blood pressure (previous testing has shown that TM practice lowers blood pressure).

CHD Risk Factors:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Abdominal obesity
• Elevated cholesterol
• Insulin Resistance

Positive changes were indicated from the analysis of blood samples taken from the participants in the TM group. The study results are a good indicator that stress may play a significant role in cardiovascular health issues.

Positive Changes Noted:

• Lower blood pressure
• Improved fasting blood glucose and insulin levels
• Greater stability of the autonomic nervous system functions

Transcendental Meditation, which has its roots in Vedic teachings, is a simple and relaxing technique. No mind control is involved. It is recommended that TM be practiced for 20 minutes twice each day, while sitting comfortably with your eyes closed. Anyone from the age of ten can learn its seven simple steps.

There are more than 600 scientific studies documenting the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation program.

tm.org

_{Sources:
Archives of Internal Medicine (JAMA Journal), June 12 issue
Maharishi Vedic Education Development Corporation - www.tm.org}