Johns Hopkins Health Alert Transcendental Meditation and Your Blood Pressure
Congratulations on this sound advice. However, contrary to what was stated at the end of this article, the Transcendental Meditation® technique as taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of TM, cannot be learned “through books, audiotapes, and DVDs,” only through “a certified instructor giving classes in your area.” For a qualified TM instructor in your area, call: 1-888-LEARN TM (1-888-532-7686) http://www.tm.org/.
It is also wise advice to not “substitute for the lifestyle measures or medications proven to lower blood pressure.” Most medications tend to mask or modify symptoms, and even though they may appear to be reduced, once medications are stopped, symptoms may return.
On the other hand, regular TM practice has been shown to have an accumulative effect—it seems to normalize the nervous system over time by dissolving deeply rooted stresses, the underlying cause of most disease conditions, thereby reducing the need for continued medication over time.
However, just as it is important to not self-medicate, so is it important to not abruptly stop your medications. Continue to have your physician monitor your blood pressure levels, and reduce the need for drugs as appropriate. Indeed, TM “will cause you no harm.” It may even prevent future heart attacks and strokes. Previous, and on-going studies continue bear this out. See Ask The Doctors: Specialists answer your questions about the Transcendental Meditation® program and health. http://askthedoctors.com/
