Evaluation of Transcendental Meditation as a Method of Reducing Stress
R. R. Michaels, M. J. Huber, D. S. McCann
Science June 18, 1976 DOI: 10.1126/science.775639 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractTranscendental meditation does not produce a unique metabolic state; biochemically, it appears to be a resting state. In 12 volunteers, plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, and lactate levels measured before, during, and after meditation were essentially the same as those in matched controls who rested instead of meditating.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study with matched controls Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Volunteers practicing transcendental meditation and matched controls |
| Intervention | Transcendental meditation |
| Citations | 95 |
| Key finding | Meditation does not induce a unique metabolic state but is seen biochemically as a resting state. |
Abstract
Transcendental meditation is said to induce in its practitioners an altered state of consciousness resulting in relief of stress, an increased sense of awareness, and a sense of well-being. Release of catecholamines has been associated widely with stress and lends itself to quantitation. Plasma epinephrine and norephinephrine, as well as lactate, were measured in 12 volunteers before, during, and after meditation. Values were compared with those obtained from controls matched for sex and age who rested instead of meditating. Essentially the same results were obtained for the two groups, which suggests that meditation does not induce a unique metabolic state but is seen biochemically as a resting state.