University Students' Brains Improve with TM
University Students' Brains Improve with TM and Decline Without It … New Research
The International Journal
of Psychophysiology has published the first
random-assignment clinical study on the effects of the TM
technique (Transcendental Meditation) on brain functioning
and stress reactivity in university students. Results
indicate that TM significantly improved students' brain
function and reaction to stress. Those not practising TM
showed decreased brain function and other measures of
decline in only 10 weeks, from pre-test to post-test in the
spring term leading up to Finals' Week (in the
USA).
Typical university life - high pressure,
interrupted sleep, alcohol and drug abuse - leaves its mark
on the functioning of the brain, resulting in elevated
stress and cognitive deterioration, according to the
research article authored by Dr Fred Travis, Director of the
Center for Brain, Consciousness and Cognition at Maharishi
University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa, USA. Said Dr
Travis, 'College is a time of great challenge for students.
Most are making major life decisions for the first time. The
academic, financial, and social demands of college can be
highly stressful.'
Beginning in January 2006, scientists, including faculty of American University in Washington, DC, investigated the brain function, cognitive development, and health of 298 university students in the Washington area. Fifty students volunteered for a 10-week sub-study, and were randomly assigned to two control groups, either 'Immediate-start' or 'Delayed-start' for instruction in the Transcendental Meditation Technique. Research methods included EEG (brainwave) analysis combined to form a Brain Integration Scale and other empirically identified measures.
Data from the 'Delayed-start' group revealed
significant decreases in Brain Integration Scale scores,
increases in sleepiness, and impaired recovery from stress.
In contrast, the practice of the Transcendental Meditation
Technique by the 'Immediate-start' students appeared to
buffer the effects of the high stress college
lifestyle—students were less tired, recovered from stress
better, and showed increased Brain Integration Scale scores,
which is correlated with emotional stability, higher moral
reasoning, and decreased anxiety.
Commenting on the significant findings of the study, Dr Travis said, 'We could speculate that frontal areas (of the brain) responsible for planning and guiding behaviour - which are activated during Transcendental Meditation - may lead to better decision making and lifestyle choices.'
NB. Transcendental
Meditation is an effortless mental technique is practised
in a comfortable sitting position with eyes closed for 20
minutes twice a day. (Morning and evening). It has a
soothing effect on the central nervous system, calming the
mind and giving the body a state of rest much deeper than
sleep in which accumulated stress and tension is released.
Anyone can learn it, regardless of their cultural
background, attitude or IQ. and it has been taught
worldwide since the early sixties by a non-profit
educational organisation. Ref.
www.tm.org
ends.