Another scientific study has validated what Eastern mystics have long known: Meditation not only boosts mental well-being, but can also have a significant beneficial effect on physical health, as well.
The latest study, by research scientists at Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta, found the stress-reducing effects of transcendental meditation can help prevent and treat heart disease among young people and adults.
The study, published in the journal Current Hypertension Reviews, provides sufficient evidence to justify including the alternative practice in private- and government-sponsored wellness programs aimed at preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, the researchers concluded.
SPECIAL: These 4 Things Happen Right Before a Heart Attack — Read More.

"These findings have important implications for inclusion of the transcendental meditation program in medical efforts to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease," said lead researcher Dr. Vernon Barnes.
"Adding transcendental meditation at a young age could prevent future cardiovascular disease and save many lives, not to mention reduce the national medical bill by billions of dollars."
The researchers noted more people die from cardiovascular disease than any other illness.
Among the findings of the new research:
• In adults, the technique reduced stress hormones and other physiological measures of stress, decreased blood pressure and use of blood pressure medication, decreased heart pain in angina patients, cleared the arteries, reducing the risk of stroke, improved distance walked in patients with congestive heart failure, and decreased alcohol and tobacco use, anxiety, depression, and medical care usage and expenditures. The technique also decreased risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and all causes.
• In teens, meditation reduced blood pressure and improved heart function.
SPECIAL: These 4 Things Happen Right Before a Heart Attack — Read More.