Founded by MaharishiMahesh Yogi
Founded by MaharishiThe first systematic study on the effects of Transcendental Meditation® (TM) on ADHD symptoms had results that indicated that the Transcendental Meditation technique:
In a random-assignment pilot study featuring at least three months of Transcendental Meditation practice, 18 students with ADHD significantly improved on 5 ADHD symptoms throughout the study. The symptoms include the ability to work independently and focus on schoolwork.
The researchers of both studies proposed that Transcendental Meditation may be uniquely suited to young people with ADHD, perhaps even more so than other meditation techniques.
It may be easier for those with ADHD to learn and practise Transcendental Meditation because the technique doesn’t require controlling the mind or involve intense concentration.
In addition to these studies focused on Transcendental Meditation for ADHD, other research has been conducted on the benefits of the technique. Transcendental Meditation benefits may also help children and adolescents who have ADHD in various aspects.
Increased Blood Flow
A 1978 studyhypothesised that increased cerebral blood flow caused redistributed blood flow in Transcendental Meditation practitioners during practice. 1996 researchconfirmed this hypothesis.
More recent research, such as in a 2018 study, specified which regions in the cerebrum had increased blood flow. The study found that blood flow patterns were significantly higher in executive and attention areas.
Better Brain Functioning
A 1977 studyfound that Transcendental Meditation facilitates right hemispheric functioning, which is instrumental in understanding social concepts. 2020 researchshowed that Transcendental Meditation practice can lead to increased brain functional connectivity.
Holistic Optimisation of the Mind
In a 2009 randomised controlled trialon the effect of Transcendental Meditation on older breast cancer patients, the Transcendental Meditation group significantly improved overall Quality Of Life (QOL). Emotional well-being, social well-being, and mental health were all included in the QOL measurement.
A 2018 single-blind controlled studyon the effect of Transcendental Meditation on 81 vulnerable women discovered that participation in a Transcendental Meditation program led to significant improvements in the following areas:
Improved Academic Performance
In a 2006 descriptive studyof 10 middle school students who practised Transcendental Meditation for over a year, one of the three themes reported as a result of practice was improvement in academic performance.
The results of a 2021 studyrevealed that the high school students who practised the Transcendental Meditation technique had higher national examination scores at post-test than the matched group of control students.
In a 2022 studyof 107 primary and secondary students, approximately 75% agreed that Transcendental Meditation practice positively affected their school performance.
Improved Memory
According to a 2019 journal articlethat references earlier research, Transcendental Meditation practitioners are known to display better textual memory. The article’s conclusion implies that Transcendental Meditation is likely to influence memory recall and possibly memory consolidation.
In a 2022 demonstration study, children who practised Quiet Time (QT), a classroom-based Transcendental Meditation intervention, showed improved working memory.
The demonstration study also references a 2006 longitudinal studystating that higher frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) coherence and brain integration promoted by Transcendental Meditation support working memory.
The benefits of Transcendental Meditation may contribute to increased calmness and clarity of mind for people with ADHD and those experiencing other forms of mental disorganisation.
In conclusion, Transcendental Meditation can prove to be a holistic intervention for alleviating the effects of ADHD symptoms.
