Meditation Beats out Meds in Lowering Blood Pressure

Here?s a thought to ease ?pressure? on both caregiver and their elderly: transcendental meditation (TM) can reduce hypertension and cut down on the need for blood pressure-lowering medications, according to a study of black Americans.

The Transcendental Meditation technique, practiced by 5 million people worldwide, is a simple, natural, effortless technique, according to its advocates. The effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation program has been validated by more than 500 scientific studies at more than 200 independent research institutions in 30 countries. The Transcendental Meditation technique requires no belief or lifestyle change, is non-religious, is not time-consuming, and can be learned by anyone regardless of age or level of education.

TM is not the only ?brand? of meditation ? there are many kinds of mind-quieting breathing techniques practiced by yogis and stress experts alike. This was the particular type used in this study.The findings appear in a recent issue of the American Journal of Hypertension.

By the end of one year, blood pressure in the TM group was reduced by an average of 3 mm systolic pressure and nearly 6mm diastolic pressure (the top and bottom numbers in a blood pressure reading, respectively). Patients in the other two groups achieved an average reduction of 3 mm diastolic pressure and no change in systolic pressure.

According to the authors, TM-related reductions in blood pressure and the need for medications "would be expected to result in major healthcare cost savings and the prevention of adverse side effects associated with blood pressure drugs."

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