New research shows that Congolese war refugees who learned the Transcendental Meditation technique showed a significant reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder – and that the effects were evident after just 10 days of practice.
Clinically ‘highly significant’ results
In the study published in the February 2014 issue of the Journal of Traumatic Stress, 11 subjects were tested after 10-days and 30-days of TM practice. After just 10-days PTSD symptoms dropped almost 30 points compared to the base level. 
“An earlier study found a similar result after 30 days where 90% of Transcendental Meditation subjects dropped to a non-symptomatic level. But we were surprised to see such a significant reduction with this group after just 10 days.” – Brian Rees, MD, MPH, lead author of the study,
The subjects were assessed using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Civilians, (PCL-C), which rates the severity of PTSD on a scale from 17 to 85. A score below 35 means the symptoms of PTSD have abated.
The subjects in the study initially tested with an average score of 77.9. After just 10 days of practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique, their PTSD test scores dropped to an average of 48, which was highly significant clinically.
Watch a video by Maharishi University of Management where Dr. Fred Travis explains the outcome and importance of the study:
Academic reference:
Rees, Brian; Travis, Fred; Shapiro, David; Chant, Ruth. “Significant Reductions in Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Congolese Refugees Within 10 days of Transcendental Meditation Practice.” Journal of Traumatic Stress, Vol 27 (February 2014), pages 112–115.
Read full article online
MORE INFORMATION:
Africa PTSD Relief, a non-profit project aiming to reduce the pandemic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder throughout Africa
