What I Tell My Patients
By Nancy Lonsdorf, M.D.
When I prescribe the Transcendental Meditation technique to my patients, I tell them that in addition to “behavioral factors,” such as diet and exercise, the mind also has a very important role in maintaining good health.
I review the effects of stress on mental and physical health, and then I recommend that they look into the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique. I always discuss the scientific research that documents a wide range of benefits of the practice—for their mind, body, emotions, and relationships.
In medicine, the gold standard for evaluating treatment is whether it has been proven by scientific research to be “safe and effective.” Hundreds of scientific studies on the Transcendental Meditation technique have validated its benefits for high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disease, and a host of other common health problems.
Sometimes my patients ask why they should practice the Transcendental Meditation program rather than some other technique. I point out that numerous comparative research studies have found it to be twice as effective than other stress reduction techniques in the areas of anxiety, high blood pressure, overall cardiovascular disease, substance abuse, self-actualization, and longevity.
So if you’re going to dedicate a part of each day to a health practice, it’s smart to get twice the benefits from the time you invest!
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