A groundbreaking study from Maharishi International University (MIU), the University of Siegen, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences reveals that long-term practice of Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) can positively impact biological markers related to stress and aging. The research compared gene expression, cognitive function (via EEG), and hair glucocorticoids (cortisol and cortisone) among two groups of TM practitioners (12-year and 40-year practice) and non-meditator controls.
This study provides compelling evidence that long-term TM practice brings a wide range of health benefits at the molecular level. The results suggest that TM helps reduce both stress and biological aging, with alterations in gene expression, cognitive function, and lower cortisol levels forming a clear picture of these positive effects.
According to Supaya Wenuganen of MIU, one of the lead authors, “The gene expression differences, cognitive function indicators, and lower cortisol levels after long-term TM practice relate to each other in ways suggesting reduction of both stress and aging.”
The study, titled Possible Anti-Aging and Anti-Stress Effects of Long-Term Transcendental Meditation Practice: Differences in Gene Expression, EEG Correlates of Cognitive Function, and Hair Steroids, was published in Biomolecules in a special issue focused on “Molecular Advances in Mechanism and Regulation of Lifespan and Aging.”
Altered Gene Expression: Reduced Inflammation, Lower Stress, and Slower Aging
One of the key findings of the study was a marked difference in gene expression related to inflammation and aging. Specifically, the expression of the SOCS3 gene, which is linked to both chronic stress and energy metabolism, was lower in TM practitioners. This suggests that long-term TM practice may help reduce “allostatic load,” the body’s cumulative burden from chronic stress.
Kenneth Walton, a senior researcher at MIU, commented, “The lower expression of age-related genes and lower hair cortisol in the TM groups extend the findings of short-term studies indicating these practices lead to healthy aging and more resilient adaptation to stress.”
EEG Analysis: Slower Age-Related Decline in Cognitive Function
Cognitive function naturally declines with age, but TM practitioners showed promising results in this area. Using EEG recordings, researchers measured cognitive processing speeds via N2 and P3 evoked potential responses. The study found that older TM practitioners had processing speeds comparable to younger participants. Furthermore, TM practitioners scored higher on the Brain Integration Scale (BIS), a comprehensive measure of cognitive performance that includes reaction time, brainwave coherence, and attention.
Co-author Frederick Travis noted, “Both younger and older TM practitioners showed higher scores on the BIS compared to non-meditators. The older meditators performed on par with young controls. This reinforces the findings on evoked potential responses, further suggesting a protective effect against cognitive decline with age.”
Hair Cortisol and Cortisone: Lower Stress Markers
Researchers also measured cortisol and cortisone concentrations in hair samples from all participants. The results showed a consistently lower ratio of active cortisol to inactive cortisone in TM practitioners compared to non-meditators. This suggests that TM practitioners experience reduced stress levels, aligning with previous research on the positive effects of TM on stress regulation.
Walton explained, “Cortisol plays a critical role in the body’s response to stress, and chronically high cortisol levels are associated with a host of age-related health issues in addition to cognitive decline. The reduced cortisol-to-cortisone ratio in meditators suggests they have more adaptive reserve, more resilience, contributing to overall health and longevity.”
Building on Previous Research
This study builds on previous research from MIU and other institutions that have highlighted the health benefits of Transcendental Meditation, including reduced cardiovascular risk and improved mental health. By examining a wide range of biological, cognitive, and stress-related markers, the study offers a comprehensive view of how long-term meditation can holistically influence health.
Future Directions
This research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of meditation for overall health and wellness. Future studies will explore the biological pathways involved in the observed changes, particularly the role of energy metabolism and inflammation pathways in mediating the anti-aging effects.
In conclusion, long-term practice of Transcendental Meditation shows promise as a tool for enhancing health by reducing stress and slowing biological aging. This holistic approach offers valuable insights into how mindfulness and meditation can support long-term well-being.
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