Transcendental Meditation - Research Outcomes Transcendental Meditation is a widely studied form of meditation. More than 250 universities and research institutions have conducted studies in 30 countries throughout the world. There have been 350 peer-reviewed, published scientific studies in more than 150 scientific journals in a broad range of disciplines (Pearson 400). The regular experience of Transcendental Consciousness restores the pathways of the brain to optimal functioning by correcting chemical imbalances which are the source of addictive behavior (Pearson 422). Over 24 research studies indicate that Transcendental Meditation is effective in preventing, reducing, discontinuing and treating abuse of alcohol and drugs (Pearson 422). Transcendental Meditation has been shown to stop or significantly reduce the use of marijuana, hallucinogens and hard drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crack and amphetamines. W. T. Winquist in a retrospective study demonstrated that of 143 regular users of marijuana and hallucinogens, 119 (83 percent) discontinued all drug use and 22 (15 percent) of subjects reduced usage by 50 percent and 2 (2 percent) continued regular use (1969). During 1972, a wider study was completed of 1,862 individuals included regular users of marijuana, LSD, hallucinogens, narcotics, amphetamines, barbiturates and alcohol. After six months of Transcendental Meditation practice, substantial reductions in the use of alcohol and drugs were recorded and after 21 months of Transcendental Meditation further significant reduced use was recorded over all categories. Of particular note is the reduction in the use of marijuana, from 78 percent before Transcendental Meditation to 37 percent and 12 percent after 6 months ... ... middle of paper ... ...s. A meta-analyses demonstrated that the Transcendental Meditation program showed larger reductions in alcohol and non-prescribed drug use compared to those achieved in standard treatment and prevention programs. Compared to standard drug abuse treatment programs, Transcendental Meditation was more effective in reducing the usage of alcohol by a factor of 4.5. Non-prescribed drug use was also reduced by a factor of 4.5. Compared to standard prevention programs, Transcendental Meditation was more effective by a factor of 3.3 in reducing alcohol use. Positive results with the use of Transcendental Meditation continued after a period of three months, whereas in standard substance abuse treatment and prevention programs, there was return to alcohol and drug use in the same period (Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 13-87). The results are shown in the chart below.
Psychedelic drugs were an icon of the 1960s, its role embedded within the rising counterculture in response to the economic, social, and political turmoil throughout the United States. As a means to impose a central power and control social order, federal authorities were quick to ban the recreational and medical use of psychedelic drugs without consideration of its potential benefits. The recent state laws on the legalization of marijuana in Oregon and Colorado with others soon to follow, is a sure sign of an eventual collective shift in the perceptions of psychedelic drugs. Not only does Daniel Pinchbeck document his reflections on the personal consumption of psychedelic drugs in his unconventional novel Breaking Open the Head, he also advances several assertions on modern Western society in his exploration of polarized attitudes on this controversial topic.
Psychedelic drugs affect more then creativity, they are also known to have the ability to increase the users sense of spirituality and religion. In the academic journal, “Voice of The Psychonauts,” author Levente Moro explores the correlation between spirituality, and psychedelic drug use. He claims that when psychedelic drugs are taken in a “supportive” environment they have the ability to induce “deeply meaningful religious revelations and spiritual awakenings” (Moro et al. 190). Psychedelic drug use in hopes of spiritual revelations is not new, and has actually been going on for hundreds of years. The Native American Church has been known to traditionally use psychedelic drugs for spiritual experiences (Moro et al. 190). Some Mexican tribes are also known to ingest psilocybin mushrooms in order to induce religious awakenings (Moro et al. 190). To further prove his argument, Levente Moro conducted an online survey amongst 667 random people. His results suggested that people still take psychedelic drugs in order to have religious experiences, even though it is looked down upon in certain religious groups (Moro et al. 195). Levente Moro is not the only one interested in psychedelic drugs and religion. Many other scientists have also examined this theory. In the article, “Values and Beliefs of Psychedelic Drug Users,” author Michael Lerner also discusses the relationship between psychedelic drug use and spirituality. Lerner also believes that when psychedelic drugs are taken with the correct mindset, they have the ability to increase ones sense of religion. In order to test his theory, Michael Lerner had 183 volunteers fill out a questionnaire. Even though he conducted the survey amongst people from all over the world...
Travis, F., & Arenander, A. (2006). Cross-sectional and longitudinal study of effects of transcendental meditation practice on interhemispheric frontal asymmetry and frontal coherence. PB Informa Healthcare. International Journal of Neuroscience, 116(12), 1519. doi:10.1080/00207450600575482
The use of alcohol and substances among adolescents has become a behavior that has been increasing all over the world. Over the years, substance use issues amongst adolescents have been treated with various forms of psychotherapy. More recently, research has shown that mindfulness based interventions aid adolescents with substance abuse problems in their recovery, maintaining sobriety, and to shy away from peer pressure (Burke, 2009). Mindfulness interventions may be beneficial for this population by aiding them to be non-judgmental, express openness, and accept their thoughts and feelings, hence impacting their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (Robinson, Ladd, and Anderson, 2014). Adolescent substance use and misuse has become a public
“Of all the Buddhist groups in America, those focusing on meditation have been most attractive to young people from the drug scene, and it is these groups that have taken the strongest stand against drug use. The psychological literature as well as the literature on Zen abounds in descriptions of the altered states of consciousness experienced under the influence of LSD-25 and other hallucinogenic drugs. Descriptions of these drug-induced states often compare them with the experience of satori or enlightenment which may result from Buddhist meditation. Frequently the opinion is expressed that, under certain circumstances, the LSD experience is a satori experience. ”
Hallucinogenic drugs have been a problem in North America since 1970’s. Starting that time the government has organized several programs to increase drug awareness. The education of the effects of drug use during the 1970’s to the late 1980’s has reduced the flow of drugs across the United States. Then, in the early 1990’s the anti-drug influence had decreases, and a new surge of drug use was reborn. An annual survey was performed at the University of Michigan, which showed the percentage of drug use amongst the senior class of 15,000 students. The amount that believed that there was “great risk” in the use of marijuana, which is considered a mild hallucinogenic drug, rose from 35 percent in 1978 to 79 percent in 1991, then dramatically reduced to 57 percent in 1999 (Myers, 2002).
This article described a cross-sectional study that investigated the demographic profile of 217 adults in California currently receiving medical cannabis and the differences in problematic use and perceived helpfulness. This was evaluated in terms of the symptoms of psychological disorders and the motives for use. The purpose of the study was to improve the understanding of individuals that
Though Buddhism has long been a disciplined and strict religion since its’ beginning in the 3rd Century, it has recently gained positive utilitarian use within the psychological and neurological fields of science. Programs dedicated to improving and helping the lives of those who suffer from mental illness have started to incorporate the use of meditation as a form of treatment. Meditation is enforced in many schools of Buddhism as a method, or a way of life, to becoming enlightened. With growing qualitative and quantitative research on meditation, it becomes more evidential of the positive and life changing impact meditation serves in improving overall health of the mentally ill. Additionally, meditation can be implemented as a preventative
Meditation is an age-old practice that has renewed itself in many different cultures and times. Despite its age, however, there remains a mystery and some ambiguity as to what it is, or even how one performs it. The practice and tradition of meditation dates back thousands of years having appeared in many eastern traditions. Meditation’s ancient roots cloud its origins from being attributed to a sole inventor or religion, though Bon, Hindu, Shinto, Dao, and later, Buddhism are responsible for its development. Its practice has permeated almost all major world religions, but under different names. It has become a practice without borders, influencing millions with its tranquil and healing effects.
Nishimura, Nancy J., Ronnie Priest, and James M. Pruett. "The role of meditation in addiction recovery." Counseling and Values 52.1 (2007): 71+. Gale Power Search. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
Earlywine, Mitchell. Understanding Marijuana: A new look at the scientific evidence. New York Oxford University Press. 2002.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2010). Health info. Meditation: An introduction. Retrieved from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm
By utilizing a set of research methods, that inducts different types of mindfulness meditation training programs, and advanced mindfulness practitioners to matched control, with a capitulation of detection that enhance our understanding of the nature of mindfulness. While providing insights that will help me to target symptoms and populations that are likely to benefit from mindfulness meditation
Orme-Johnson, D. W., & Barnes, V. A. (2014). Effects of the Transcendental Meditation Technique on Trait Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 20(5), 330-341. doi:10.1089/acm.2013.0204
The brain is a complex machine capable of performing a multitude of tasks. More than that, it is also able to grow and develop. Amongst the many activities that aid in the enhancement of the abilities of the brain, many do not recognize that the effortless act of solemnly focusing on one’s own mind and sensations can actually enhance cognitive function; moreover, it can also boost physical and mental health. Accordingly, meditation has been confirmed to provide a wide range of benefits. By calming your thoughts now and then, you may notice improvements in the way you carry out particular tasks. With regular practice, this act of attaining a certain state of awareness through deep concentration