Reports Transcendental Meditation Reduces Death Rate, Extends Lifespan

Results of Federally Funded Study to Be Published May 2, 2005

“These results suggest that effective stress reduction
decreases death rates from all causes”—Robert Schneider, M.D., FACC

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

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

Transcendental Meditation Reduces Risk Factors in Heart Disease

“Research has found the Transcendental Meditation program of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi 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 at Maharishi University of Management. “These reductions slow the aging process and promote the long-term reductions in death rates.”

Researchers collaborated on the study from Harvard, University of Iowa, Medical College of Georgia, West Oakland Health Center, and Maharishi University of Management. The study was funded, in part, by a grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Interviews and b-roll are available.

The Center of Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, was established by an $8 million grant from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a component of the National Institutes of Health, to serve as a Specialized Center for Research and to study natural medicine in relation to cardiovascular disease in minority populations.

Center for Natural Medicine and Prevention
National Institutes of Health-Funded Specialized Center for Research

MEDITATION AND MORTALITY

New study shows Transcendental Meditation
extends lifespan, reduces death rates

To be published in the American Journal of Cardiology
during “National Older Americans Month” on May 2

Dear Editor/Producer,

Medical research has established that daily Transcendental Meditation is good for combatting the daily stresses of life. In the short term, it can reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing its risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, harmful cholesterol, psychological stress, and atherosclerosis.

But what are the long-term effects of such daily stress reduction?

A new study to be published in the American Journal of Cardiology on May 2 gives a clear indication. The study found that the Transcendental Meditation technique reduces death rates by 23% among elderly people with an average age of 71 years—who had mildly high blood pressure. The study tracked subjects for up to 18 years.

Interestingly, the study will be published during “National Older Americans Month,” which is sponsored by the Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

With the growing interest in meditation and yoga by people of all ages, including the elderly, here is an excellent—and timely—“feel-good” story that gives hope and practical advice to all Americans.

You could interview scientists who conducted the study, medical doctors who prescribe the TM technique to their patients, and elderly people who are using it to make their golden years healthy, satisfying, and productive.

Would you like to discuss this idea further?

Cordially yours,

Norman Zierold
641-470-1313