Changes in Inflammation in Persons Practicing the Transcendental Meditation Technique

lnjlammaiion of the gingiva (margins of the gums) is altered by local and systemic stressfactors.lt precedes resorption of underlying bone (periodontal disease), which occurs in a vast majority of the population, ultimately resulting in loss of teeth and nutritional imbalance. Forty-six people practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique and 26 controls were examined clinically and repeatedly for degree of gingival inflammation. Improvement was seen in 7 4 percent of the meditators versus 15 percent of a control group. Since improvement in this study was apparently brought about by a systemic rather than a local procedure, it would seem likely that the Transcendental Meditation program increases resistance to disease through a general strengthening process. Further study of the effects of Transcendental Meditation on this and other inflammatory diseases would seem highly desirable.