Life
Transcendental Meditation alleviates ADHD in Dominica schools
Brain studies suggest that ADHD reflects a three-year delay in development of connection with the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for planning and control of impulsive behavior. Fred Travis, Ph.D., lead author of the study, observed that the practice leads to higher frontal blood flow and greater overall brain integration, the communication between the various parts of the brain is strengthened.
“We suggest that these brain changes as a result of Transcendental Meditation practice enhance the delayed development of frontal executive control circuits, and so ADHD symptoms are progressively alleviated,” Dr. Travis says.
He said that although drugs commonly prescribed for ADHD may alleviate symptoms, they also seem to interfere with the brain’s normal development, such that the developmental delay in a child with ADHD may eventually become an ongoing impairment.
Whatever the exact mechanism, educators are pleased with the changes they see in the children.
“A wide range of studies have documented the effect of practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique on the health, behavior, and well-being of children,” says Dr. John. “They return to respecting their parents, teachers and peers, and grow up to excel in whatever field of study they undertake. They enjoy greater ability to focus, inner happiness, better memory, and tolerance and improve their grades.”
About the Transcendental Meditation technique: The Transcendental Meditation technique is an effortless meditation technique practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. Extensive published research have found that Transcendental Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, improves learning ability, and promotes wellness for mind and body.
The technique is available in the USA through Maharishi Foundation USA, a federally recognized non-profit educational organization. Through partnerships with other non-profit organizations and foundations like the David Lynch Foundation, full TM scholarships have been given to more than 250,000 at-risk children, veterans suffering from PTSD, homeless people, and others.
Source: Transcendental Meditation
