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FAIRFIELD, Iowa, May 02, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- An 18-year U.S. study has determined transcendental meditation reduces death rates by 23 percent, the American Journal of Cardiology reported.
The first-of-its-kind, long-term, randomized trial evaluated 202 men and women, average age 71, who had mildly elevated blood pressure. Subjects in the study participated in the non-drug stress-reduction program that uses behavioral techniques such as mindfulness or progressive muscle relaxation or health education.
The study found that compared to combined controls, the mediation group showed a 23 percent reduction in the rate of death from all causes, a 30 percent reduction in the rate of death from cardiovascular disease and a 49 percent reduction in the rate of death from cancer.
Researchers collaborated on the study from Harvard, University of Iowa, Medical College of Georgia, West Oakland Health Center and Maharishi University of Management.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
