Stress Reduction and Health Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
It is estimated that up to 80% of doctor visits are due to stress-related issues. Stress manifests in many different ways—some people experience sleep disturbances, while others struggle with anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms such as digestive disorders, headaches, high blood pressure, or asthma. Unfortunately, some individuals may turn to alcohol, cigarettes, or non-prescribed medications to cope with stress, often leading to additional health concerns.
Fortunately, Transcendental Meditation® (TM) offers a natural and effective solution. Research has shown that regular practice of TM significantly reduces these stress-related problems without the adverse side effects commonly associated with modern medications.
Improved Health and Reduced Medical Visits
Health insurance studies have found that long-term practitioners of Transcendental Meditation experience significantly better health outcomes. They have 50% fewer hospitalisations and doctor visits compared to the general population, highlighting TM's effectiveness in promoting overall wellness.
Reduced Heart Attacks and Strokes
Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death worldwide. Fortunately, Transcendental Meditation has been shown to lower the risk of these life-threatening conditions. Research reveals that the thickened artery lining (atherosclerosis) that leads to heart attacks and strokes decreases within 6-12 months of regular TM practice—without any changes to diet or lifestyle.
TM effectively reduces all known risk factors for heart disease and stroke, including stress, high blood pressure (hypertension), smoking, abnormal blood fats, and insulin resistance (a precursor to diabetes). Notably, TM has been found to reduce mild to moderate high blood pressure as effectively as modern medications, but without the accompanying side effects.
Recent studies have shown that people with heart disease who practice TM experience a 50% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths, demonstrating the powerful health benefits of regular meditation practice.
Decreased ageing
An interesting aspect of Transcendental Meditation is that many of the health benefits it provides seem to counteract the typical signs of aging. This is perhaps unsurprising when you consider how stress and trauma can accelerate the aging process.
TM has been shown to promote factors that contribute to longevity and good health in later life, such as cardiovascular health, job satisfaction, positive health habits, mental health, happiness, and intelligence.
Studies on elderly individuals who practice TM consistently show improvements in physical health, mental clarity, well-being, and even cognitive abilities. These benefits contribute to greater longevity and an enhanced quality of life as we age.
For more information on the health benefits of learning Transcendental Meditation at our South East Queensland centre, please visit our contact page.