Transcendental Meditation on the British N.H.S.
Transcendental Meditation was first introduced to Britain in 1960. The first scientific research was published in 1970 in Scientific American. Since then over 500 studies have been made documenting the benefits of regular practise of this simple effective technique. Many of these studies are published in the Collective Papers which can be seen in your local Transcendental Meditation Centre.
FACTS AND FIGURES
-
On 17 November 1998, a hundred British doctors called for Transcendental Meditation to be actively promoted by the government within the National Health Service.
-
Reduced Use of Drugs: Research on TM has shown that regular practice leads to reduced use of alcohol, cigarettes and non-prescribed drugs. A comparison of 19 studies on the effects of TM found that TM was significantly more successful than other treatments.
-
Heart Disease - Scotland's No. 1 Killer: TM improves all the major risk factors for heart disease as well as enhancing potential protective factors, such as job satisfaction. [More details]
It is this impressive research that has contributed to Transcendental Meditation being the most popular technique of meditation or relaxation in the world. Indeed, a growing number of health professionals both practise Transcendental Meditation and recommend it to their patients and a delegation of British doctors recently petitioned the Department of Health to make it more widely available on the National Health Service (NHS).
In theory it is possible to learn Transcendental Meditation on the NHS if prescribed by your doctor for certain stress related conditions, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and insomnia. However, in practice, in recent years it has become increasingly difficult for your doctor to get the local Health Board to agree to funding. However, we strongly recommend that you do approach your doctor and ask him or her to try.
We recommend you attend an introductory presentation on Transcendental Meditation before you approach your doctor so that you have a good understanding of the benefits, and how TM might improve your health. Your doctor can contact the TM National Communications Office on 08705 143733 to request a doctor's information pack and free video. This will include a booklet on the scientific research, and advice on funding for doctors.
"I've
been practising TM for about 4 years and I find daily meditation an
essential way to reduce work stress. TM helps me to focus my mind more
clearly and improve my general sense of well-being."Dr. Alex Yellowlees, Consultant Psychiatrist
Better Health...
