One of the first stress researcher, Hans Selye, Canada, describes two types of stress-negative stress and positive stress. The difference between the two depends upon whether or not the individual feels in control of the stress. By allowing one to become more aware of one's reactions to stress, meditation can assist in providing the individual with an increased internal sense of control.

  Studies have also shown that meditation in particular research on Transcendental Meditation (TM), a popular form of meditation practiced in the West for the past thirty years, can bring around a healthy state of relaxation by causing a generalized reduction in multiple physiological and biochemical markers, such as decreased heart rate, decreased respiration rate, decreased plasmacortisol (a major stress hormone), decreased pulse rate, and increased EEG (electro-encephalogram) alpha, a brain wave associated with relaxation. R. Keith Wallace at U.C.L.A. conducted he first research on the physiology of meditation. Studying Transcendental Meditation, Wallace found that whereas the body gains a state of profound rest, the brain and mind become more alert, indicating a state of "restful alertness." Studies show that after TM, reactions are faster, creativity greater, and comprehension broader.

   Former Co-director of Harvard's Mind/Body Clinic, Dr. Borysenko says, through meditation we can learn to access the relaxation response (the physiological response elicted by meditation) and to be aware of the mind and the way our attitudes produce stress,In addition, by quieting the mind, meditation can also put one in touch with the inner physician, allowing the body's own inner wisdom to be heard.

 

Transcendental Meditation is a simple mental technique introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi from the Vedic tradition of India. TM is easily learned, can be practiced for fifteen to twenty minutes, twice daily, and requires no change in lifestyle or belief. Since 1958, 4 million people have learned TM and over five hundred scientific studies have been conducted on it at over two hundred universities worldwide.

 

  Physiological research shows that during TM, the body gains a deeper state of relaxation than during ordinary rest. EEG (electroencephelogram) changes indicate a state of heightened awareness and coherence. Regular practice of TM helps to produce a state of increased stability, adaptability, and integration during all phases of activity. Also, TM helps to increase intelligence, creativity, and perceptual ability and to reduce high blood pressure and illness rates by more than 50 percent. Meta-analysis (research comparing large numbers of studies) have found that TM is one of the most effective techniques known for reducing drug and alcohol abuse,decreasing anxiety and increasing self-actualization.