- Reduced Hypertension and Increased Longevity (American Journal of Cardiology, May 2005)
- Reduced Hypertension and Reduced Use of Hypertensive Medication (American Journal of Hypertension, January 2005)
- Reduced Atherosclerosis (American Journal of Cardiology, April 2002)
- Reduced Thickening of Coronary Arteries (Stroke, March 2000)
- Reduced Constriction of Blood Vessels (Psychosomatic Medicine, July 1999 and January 1999)
- Reduced Blood Pressure (International Journal of Neuroscience, January 1997)
- Reduced Hospitalization Rates (American Journal of Managed Care, 1997)
- Reduced Myocardial Eschemia (American Journal of Cardiology, May 1996)
- Reduced Blood Pressure: Comparisons with Other Procedures (Hypertension—the American Heart Association’s journal—November 1995 and August 1996)
Physiological Effects of the TM Technique
The National Institutes of Health has granted over $20 million during the past decade to research the physiological effects of the Transcendental Meditation program of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi—in particular, the effects on high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The original physiological research was published in Science, the American Journal of Physiology, and Scientific American in 1970–1972. This research found that the technique produces a unique physiological state of restful alertness, distinct from ordinary waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. During practice of the TM technique, the physiology becomes deeply rested, as indicated by significant reductions in respiration, minute ventilation, tidal volume, and blood lactate, and significant increases in basal skin resistance (an index of relaxation). At the same time, the brain is alert rather than asleep, as indicated by an increased abundance of alpha waves in the EEG. The following are a few of the hundreds of the studies published on the health benefits of the Transcendental Meditation program: