EFFECT OF TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION ON PULSE RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE

Disorders of cardiovascular system especially hypertension and ischemic heart disease are leading causes of death all over the world. In today’s life, stress is inevitable. Stress is one of the important factors precipitating the above diseases. In preventing such diseases therefore one must try to reduce the stress. Meditation is one of the important tools in reducing the stress. In the present study therefore its effect on the pulse rate and blood pressure were studied. Effect of 6 weeks of TM (Transcendental Meditation) practice was studied on pulse rate and blood pressure in 37 male and 38 female volunteers. There was significant reduction in pulse rate in both sexes indicating reduced sympathetic activity. However there was no significant change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure. In the present study TM was practiced only for 6 weeks. Prolonged practice of TM may be more effective and may also cause reduction in blood pressure. Effects of practicing TM for a longer time should be studied