Open AccessPhysiological effects of yogic practices and transcendental meditation in health and disease
Author(s) -
Prasanna Balaji,
Smitha R Varne,
Syed Sadat Ali
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
north american journal of medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2250-1541
pISSN - 1947-2714
DOI - 10.4103/1947-2714.101980
Subject(s) - transcendental meditation , meditation , medicine , alternative medicine , physical therapy , disease , consciousness , spiritual health , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , psychology , pathology , philosophy , theology , neuroscience
Yoga is an ancient Indian way of life, which includes changes in mental attitude, diet, and the practice of specific techniques such as yoga asanas (postures), breathing practices (pranayamas), and meditation to attain the highest level of consciousness. Since a decade, there has been a surge in the research on yoga, but we do find very few reviews regarding yogic practices and transcendental meditation (TM) in health and disease. Keeping this in view, a Medline search was done to review relevant articles in English literature on evaluation of physiological effects of yogic practices and TM. Data were constructed; issues were reviewed and found that there were considerable health benefits, including improved cognition, respiration, reduced cardiovascular risk, body mass index, blood pressure, and diabetes. Yoga also influenced immunity and ameliorated joint disorders.