New Research Affirms the Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
Four research studies published in respected, peer-reviewed scientific journals in 2025 and 2026 add to the already extensive body of objectively verified evidence demonstrating the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation program.
Prevention of Cardiometabolic Disease
Gaylord-King C, Harris CL, Xu S, Salerno JW, Walton KG, Bairey-Merz CN, Nidich S, Schneider RH. A multicenter randomized controlled trial of meditation and health education in the prevention of cardiometabolic disease in black women. Journal of Women’s Health 2025 34(10):1247-1256. doi: 10.1177/15409996251364663. Epub 2025 Aug 1. PMID: 40759176
Cardiometabolic disease is a cluster of interconnected conditions affecting the heart (cardio) and metabolism (metabolic), including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease, driven by shared risk factors like poor diet, inactivity, and genetics, leading to inflammation and affecting blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure. These conditions often coexist, worsening risks for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and overall mortality, making them the leading cause of death globally. This study found that Black women, a population more at risk for heart disease, who learned the Transcendental Meditation technique had better improvements in stress-related heart and metabolic health than those who received health education alone. Women practicing TM showed healthier blood pressure, metabolic markers, and stress levels over time. The results suggest that TM can be a simple, effective tool to help prevent cardiometabolic disease.
Safe Reduction of PTSD Symptoms
Orme-Johnson DW, Barnes VA, Rees B, Tobin J. Systematic review and meta-analysis of Transcendental Meditation for post-traumatic stress disorder. Medicina 2025 61:659. doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040659
This review of many studies found that the Transcendental Meditation technique can significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People practicing TM experienced less anxiety, stress, and emotional distress compared to control groups. The results indicate that TM is a safe and effective approach to support recovery from PTSD.
Reduced Stress, Hypertension and Heart Disease
Schneider RH, Norris KC, Brook RD. Transcendental Meditation to combat psychosocial stress, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology 2026 23:4-5. doi.org/10.1038/s41569-025-01235-x
This article explains that long-term stress plays a major role in high blood pressure and heart disease. It shows that Transcendental Meditation can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health by helping the body function more calmly and efficiently. The authors suggest that the TM technique is a practical, science-based tool for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease, as highlighted in Nature Reviews Cardiology.
Anti-Aging and Improved Cognition
Wenuganen S, Walton KG, Travis FT, Tobias S, Wallace RK, Srivastava M, Fagan J. 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. Biomolecules 2025 15(3):317. doi.org/10.3390/biom15030317
This study found that people who practiced Transcendental Meditation for many years showed signs of lower stress and healthier aging at the biological level. They had beneficial changes in gene activity, brain function linked to clearer thinking, and stress-related hormones. The findings demonstrate that long-term TM practice supports resilience, brain health, and slower biological aging.
You can enjoy these benefits in your life. Contact a certified TM teacher.
About the Author
Vanessa Vidal is the national director of TM for Women in the USA
