title: Evidence that the Transcendental Meditation program prevents or decreases diseases of the nervous system and is specifically beneficial for epilepsy.
abstract: Although meditation has been practiced worldwide for centuries, there are no reports that it causes epilepsy or increases the predisposition to it. Medical care utilization statistics and clinical studies indicate that individuals who regularly practice the Transcendental Meditation technique have fewer problems of the nervous system and specifically show decreased symptoms of epilepsy. The frequency, amplitude, areas of activation, and effects of the EEG during the Transcendental Meditation technique are completely different from those of epilepsy. There is no evidence that the Transcendental Meditation technique increases glutamate, which has been associated with epilepsy. With regard to serotonin, the relationship of serotonin to epilepsy has to be viewed in the context of the abnormal brain tissue that causes epilepsy. The serotonin increases that may occur through meditation have been associated with only beneficial effects.
authors.affiliation: 191 Dalton Dr. Seagrove Beach, FL 32459, USA. davidoj@gnt.net
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Orme-Johnson
mesh_terms: D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019122:Meditation; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D012146:Rest; D012701:Serotonin / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D012890:Sleep
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin; D018698:Glutamic Acid