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Thursday, November 14, 2013

Novel Study Explores Effects Of Meditation On The Heart And Vascular System

 

Scripps Translational Science Institute teams with Chopra Center, Chopra Foundation in innovative research


Demystifying meditation with science, researchers at the Scripps Translational Science Institute (STSI) have teamed with The Chopra Foundation and The Chopra Center for Wellbeing in a novel study of the ancient practice that uses wireless health sensors to collect physiological data from meditators.

"Although the health benefits of meditation have been extensively studied, little is known about the immediate effects of meditation on the heart and vascular system, partly because of the difficulty collecting research quality data through conventional means," said Scripps Health Director of Digital Medicine Steve Steinhubl M.D. "Wireless devices offer new ways to track blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and other vital signs in a more discrete and non-disruptive way."

STSI is a National Institutes of Health-sponsored consortium led by Scripps Health in collaboration with The Scripps Research Institute. Through this innovative partnership, Scripps is leading the effort to translate the latest wireless and genetic medical technologies into high-quality, cost-effective treatments for patients.

Meditation has long been associated with lower levels of stress and increased emotional well-being, but its immediate effect on the cardiovascular system remains uncertain. A 2007 report by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found flaws in most of the 813 meditation studies that were reviewed, and the authors were unable to draw "firm conclusions" about the role of meditation in health care. (MORE)

Source: News Medical

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