Meditation Offers Rapid Relief for PTSD Without Reliving Trauma

A groundbreaking meta-analysis published in Medicina reveals that transcendental meditation (TM) can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms within weeks—without requiring patients to revisit traumatic memories, Earth.com reported. The study, led by researchers at Maharishi International University, reviewed 15 trials involving over 1,200 participants, including veterans and disaster survivors.

TM, which involves 20-minute silent sessions twice daily, lowered PTSD symptom scores by an average of 14 points in just two weeks among South African college students. “Patients who practice TM after therapy recover faster and more completely,” noted Dr. Vernon Barnes of Augusta University, citing results from 300 soldiers with PTSD. The technique calms the nervous system, reducing heart rate and emotional reactivity.

Unlike traditional therapies that rely on trauma recall, TM provides a gentler alternative. “Some burst into tears of relief during their first session,” said psychologist Dr. David Orme-Johnson. The approach could ease strain on mental health systems, as it requires minimal clinician oversight.

While longer-term studies are needed, experts advocate integrating TM into hospitals and community centers to improve accessibility. “This is a scalable solution for populations with limited therapy access,” emphasized co-author Dr. Brian Rees, a former Army medic.

The findings highlight TM’s potential to complement existing treatments, particularly for those resistant to conventional methods.