Meditation and DHEA
From experience, we already know: Deep Meditation opens up real
intelligence, intuition, and creativity. In more recent years, science has given us more
indications how beneficial Meditation is for our brain and neural functions. For example,
one study compared the DHEA levels of meditators between the age of forty and fifty years
with the DHEA levels of a control group of non-meditators. It was found that the
meditating men had a 23% higher level of DHEA as the non-meditators and in woman the
difference was even much more pronounced. As we know now, the hormone DHEA is needed for a
wide range of biological functions and a lower level of DHEA has been associated with a
decreased ability to concentrate.
Meditation and Stress
Since Meditation can be used for stress reduction it has also a definite
effect on our memory simply for that reason. Much of our memory may be impaired through
our stress response. In response to stress, next to adrenaline, cortisol may be released
into our blood stream. Cortisol, that is not properly processed, uses up glucose leading
to a deficit of a fuel that is constantly required by our brain. Cortisol also interferes
with the balance of neurotransmitters and causes a higher production of free radicals
which damage brain cells directly.
Not long ago, studies by the University of Montreal and McGill have proven the direct
damage to our cognitive functions by cortisol.
Biofeedback and Yoga
Elmer Green Ph. D. and his wife Alyce Green M.D. of the Menninger
Foundation report of their very impressive research in their book: "Beyond
Biofeedback," E. & A. Green, Knoll Publishing, ISBN 0-940267-14-4.
During one of their settings, they had Swami Rama hooked up to their machines and observed
how Swami Rama displayed control over temperature, blood flow, brain waves and heart beat,
which at one time he stopped for a certain period of time. As a result of techniques from
Hatha and Radja Yoga, other Yogis had before already demonstrated this enormous ability to
stop the heart beat, at times, for a considerable time span.
Other researchers, like James Funderburk, Ph. D., observed a
significant drop in blood pressure as the result of Yoga. He also found an increase in red
blood cells, a significant change in the hematocrit values, and increases in hemoglobin
and lymphocyte counts. His findings are published in "Science Studies Yoga,"
James Funderburk, Ph. D., Himalayan Publishers.
Similar findings concerning the benefits of Yoga were reported in:
Wood, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 93; 86(5):254-58
"Yoga and Biofeedback in the Management of Hypertension," Patel, Lancet 73:1053
"Treatment of Bronchial Asthma by Yogic Methods," M. V. Bhole, Yoga-Mimansa,
1967 "The Effects of Yoga and the 5BX Fitness Plan on Selected Physiological
Parameters," V.H. Dhanaraj, Ph. D. dissertation, University of Alberta, 1974
Yogis have demonstrated their ability to change their brain waves
at will.
Regular thinking happens in the beta range at 14-16 cps (cycles per second).
The relaxed but normal state of alpha is in the range of 8-13 cps. Delta has a range of
4-8 cps and the deep meditative state of theta occurs in the range of 4-8 cps. A simple
way of changing brain dominance comes to us as the result of pranayama (breathing
techniques of yogis). It is possible to activate the right brain by inhaling through the
left nostril only and increase left brain activity by inhaling through the right nostril.
The resulting changes can be shown on an EEG.
More people reported finding relief from back pain through
practice of Hatha Yoga than those who saw a neurosurgeon.
Klein in "Backache Relief " New American Library, 1985, New York
Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD in "Alternative Medicine: What
Works" (Odonian, Press) refers to both published and unpublished
studies which found evidence that certain Yoga techniques improved
pulmonary function, asthma, and high blood pressure.
Research into TM
We do not hear as much of Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi anymore as we did during the sixties. However, he should be credited:
1. He offered many who experimented with drugs an alternative.
2. He assisted planetary evolution by getting the masses involved
in healthy spiritual exercise.
3. He is indirectly and directly responsible for the enormous
amount of data that now gives previous claims of Yoga's many healthy benefits scientific
support.
According to the Dean of Research at the Maharishi University of
Management David Orme- Johnson, Ph. D., there are now more than 510 scientific studies of
the various benefits of Transcendental Meditation which were independently conducted at
200 universities and institutions in 33 countries. These studies, published in over 100
scientific magazines, report of improvements in such as: decreases in stress hormones like
cortisol, decreases in muscle tension, decreases of elevated blood pressure, increases in
memory and concentration, stabilization of the autonomic nervous system, reduction of
cardiovascular risk factors, increased self-confidence, stabilization of chronic
alcoholics, where tested it showed a decrease in prison violence and health problems and
there were also ecological changes associated with the program.
A complete listing of health benefits observed with Transcendental
Meditation can be found at:
Research on the TM and TM-Siddhi
program site.
Related page: Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi and the effects of his 'Transcendental Meditation'.
Other Maharishi Mahesh Yogi sites:
 Maharishi's Programmes
in India
The Transcendental
Meditation Program ~ From an Introduction to Yogic Flying |
