Transcendental Meditation
May Lower Blood Pressure

By Sally Finder-Koziol

A relaxation technique known as Transcendental Meditation may decrease blood pressure and reduce insulin resistance among patients with coronary heart disease, according to a new report.

The study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, found that patients practicing Transcendental Meditation had significantly lower blood pressure; improved fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, which signify reduced insulin resistance; and more stable functioning of the autonomic nervous system. The improvements were accomplished strictly through stress reduction, without changes in body weight, medication, or physical activity, the study reports.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine