Transcendental Meditation: What It Is, Cost, Research and Controversies

What TM is

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent mantra meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The technique involves silently repeating a mantra or sound, practiced for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day. [1] The TM organization says it is taught one-on-one by a certified teacher and that it does not focus on breathing or chanting. [2] TM is taught through an organization, so details about the course come from that organization's own pages, while research is judged by outside reviewers. The two are kept separate below.

Origin and context

Maharishi began teaching the technique in India in the mid-1950s, building on the teachings of his master, the Advaita Vedanta monk Brahmananda Saraswati. [1] TM became more popular in the 1960s and 1970s. [1] The technique grew out of an Advaita Vedanta monk's teaching, but the organization says it is a non-religious method. [1] A US federal appeals court upheld a ruling that TM was essentially "religious in nature" and therefore could not be taught in public schools. [1] People still disagree about the label, and the TM movement has also been criticized for allegedly disguising religious claims in pseudo-scientific language. [1] This page describes both views and takes no side on belief. See Vedic and Hindu meditation traditions and mantra and sacred sound.

The course and what it costs

According to the organization, the course runs over 4 consecutive days, each session lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. [3] Its US course fee page listed $980 on the date this page was checked, with income-based rates for eligible households. [4] Fees may differ by country and change over time, so check the current page. The organization describes itself as a non-profit, says the fee can be paid in four installments, and says partial scholarships may be available. [4] It also states that refunds must be requested within 60 days of personal instruction. [4] A satisfaction "guarantee" is advertised on its home page, [2] and its fee page lists requirements for it. [4] It is a marketing statement, not a health claim.

What research shows

Research on TM comes from two groups: authors affiliated with the TM organization, and independent reviewers. Both are reported here.

1. Blood pressure

   Promising but limited

   A 2022 meta-analysis of 18 studies (1,207 people) found a small drop in systolic pressure of about 3.3 mm Hg that waned after 3 months. [5] A 2015 meta-analysis of 12 trials (996 people) estimated about 4.3 mm Hg systolic, noting possible bias. [6]

2. Overview of reviews

   Promising but limited

   An overview of eight reviews estimated about 4 mm Hg systolic and 2 mm Hg diastolic, but found bias risk in many trials and called for long-term trials by independent researchers. [7]

3. Earlier critical review

   Mixed

   A 2004 independent review found that none of five studies was by authors without TM-organization affiliation and called the evidence insufficient. [8]

4. Heart disease prevention

   Insufficient evidence

   A Cochrane review of four small short trials drew no conclusions; the record is marked withdrawn. [9]

5. Thinking skills

   No good evidence of benefit

   A 2003 review found the large positive trials recruited people favorably inclined toward TM and used passive controls, suggesting expectation effects. [10]

6. Stress in health workers

   Promising but limited

   A trial of 80 health care workers at an academic medical center found no significant change in the primary distress measure versus usual treatment, but better burnout, anxiety and insomnia scores. It was open-label. [11]

The American Heart Association said meditation may be considered as an adjunct to standard heart risk reduction by interested people, while the benefits remain to be better established. That statement covers meditation in general, not TM alone. [12] Quality and amount of data were described as modest. [12]

How to read it: TM trials cannot be blinded, and many compare with usual care or waitlists, so expectations can shape results. Never stop or change blood pressure medicine because of TM, and do not use TM instead of treatment.

Marketing claims to weigh

The organization's home page displays a quote saying studies show TM can lower risk of heart disease and reduce cortisol. [2] Those are marketing claims. The best independent summaries above found limited evidence and no conclusions on disease prevention. Proper evidence not found for disease treatment or prevention claims.