Deep rest during Transcendental Meditation

Physiological research has shown that Transcendental Meditation gives rise to a unique state of deep rest characterized by marked reductions in metabolic activity, increased orderliness and integration of brain functioning, increased cerebral blood flow, and features directly opposite to the physiological and biochemical effects of stress, including skin resistance changes and reductions in plasma cortisol, arterial blood lactate, and muscle tone. Several other neuroendocrine changes have also been observed during Transcendental Meditation. Taken together, these studies clearly distinguish the physiology of Transcendental Meditation from sleep or simple relaxation techniques. Oxygen consumption decreases to a level deeper than sleep, without compensatory hyperventilation, indicating a lower demand by the cells during rest. Deep rest is the basis for more effective and dynamic activity during daily life.