Q: Is there any research showing
that Transcendental Meditation,
by itself, can improve health?
Gary Kaplan, M.D, Ph.D., neurologist, New York
University School of Medicine: “Yes, extensive research
published in peer-reviewed medical journals shows this
technique markedly improves overall health. If you can
do something for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day that reduces
stress and allows you to be more creative and dynamic in
your activity—you have a key to better health.”
Q: Is it more important to meditate
or to exercise for good health?
Nancy Lonsdorf, M.D., specialist in women’s health
issues: “The Transcendental Meditation technique and
exercise both have been shown to reduce anxiety, heart
attack and stroke risk, high blood pressure, and metabolic
syndrome, as well as cancer deaths. Better to choose both
for longer life and good health. But if you are not doing
either at this time, I would recommend starting with the
Transcendental Meditation technique. It will give more
clarity of mind and creativity, and that will support the
ability to fit in the exercise too.”
Q: Can the Transcendental Meditation technique alleviate the stress
that leads to ADHD?
William Stixrud, Ph.D., clinical neuropsychologist:
“TM can play an extremely important role in alleviating
learning and attention problems. In some schools the
Transcendental Meditation technique already does play
a dramatic role in helping children overcome learning,
attentional, and behavioral problems.”
Q: I sit around too much anyway. How could
practicing Transcendental Meditation help me?
James Krag, M.D., President of the Psychiatric Society of
Virginia: “The Transcendental Meditation technique tends to
produce what is most needed in our lives—balance. It has a
healthy “normalizing” effect. So for people who have become too
inactive, the regular practice of TM tends to lead to a more active
life. Conversely, if you have become active to an unhealthy
degree, regular TM practice tends to lead to a more balanced
life-style. In my experience those who regularly practice the
Transcendental Meditation technique have a more stable level of
mood and activity.”
