Transcendental meditation extends lifespan

Aug 07, 2008 11:35 AM by
Posted in Health & Wellness / Stress

Meditation
Extends Your Life

The American Journal of Cardiology reports in its May 2, 2005, issue that the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique, a non-drug stress-reduction method, reduces death rates by 23 percent and extends lifespan.

Reduce your risk of death with meditation

The first-of-its-kind, long-term, randomized trial evaluated 202 men and women, average age 71, who had mildly elevated blood pressure. Subjects in the study participated in the transcendental meditation program; behavioral techniques, such as mindfulness or progressive muscle relaxation; or health education. The study tracked subjects for up to 18 years. Vital statistics were obtained from the National Death Index.

The study found that compared to combined controls, the TM group showed:

 

  • 23% reduction in the rate of death from all causes
  • 30% reduction in the rate of death from cardiovascular disease
  • 49% reduction in the rate of death from cancer

"Research has found the transcendental meditation program reduces risk factors in heart disease and other chronic disorders, such as high blood pressure, smoking, psychological stress, stress hormones, harmful cholesterol, and atherosclerosis," said Robert Schneider, M.D., FACC, principal author of the study and director of the Center of Natural Medicine and Prevention.

"These reductions slow the aging process and promote the long-term reductions in death rates."

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