US: Transcendental Meditation Shown to Reduce Stress and Aging Biomarkers

A new US study from Maharishi International University suggests that long-term practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) can mitigate the effects of chronic stress and aging. Researchers examined gene expression, cognitive function, and hair cortisol levels in individuals practicing TM for 12 or 40 years. Compared to non-meditating controls, experienced TM practitioners showed reduced biomarkers for chronic stress and biological aging. The study, led by Kenneth Walton and Supaya Wenuganen, found lower expression of age-related genes and reduced hair cortisol levels in the TM groups. EEG recordings revealed that older TM practitioners had cognitive processing speeds similar to younger individuals and scored higher on the Brain Integration Scale (BIS). The findings suggest that TM may offer a protective effect against cognitive decline and promote resilience to stress.