A Study on Reducing Stress with IAM Meditation
March 2, 2023 — San Ramon, CA
A scientific study on the physiological effects of Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM®) was conducted in 2011 at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. The objective was to observe the effect of IAM Meditation on the stress hormones of adrenaline and cortisol.
During that time, yoga and meditation were gaining popularity as effective tools to develop a more positive attitude and thereby keep stress in check. IAM was a relatively new meditation technique then, so the objective of this study was to find out if IAM was effective in reducing stress hormones.
150 healthy subjects were randomized into three groups for comparison:
1) IAM group (who practiced the IAM technique once daily)
2) PMR group (who practiced Progressive Muscle Relaxation daily)
3) Control group (who did nothing different than their normal daily routine)
Their baseline levels were established in the first visit, and there was an immediate follow-up visit after 48 hours, and then again at two and eight months.
Results showed that the mean (average) adrenaline levels declined in the IAM group immediately (after 48 hours) and was sustained up to eight months. Also, the adrenaline levels in the IAM group were significantly lower than the PMR and control group at each of the three follow-up visits.
In the group that practiced PMR, there was a significant drop immediately (after 48 hours), but at the two- and eight-month visit, there was no difference from the baseline level. The control group did not show any change in adrenaline or cortisol levels from the baseline levels.
The significant fall in adrenaline levels, and the downward trend seen in cortisol, show the immediate and long-term benefit of IAM Meditation in reducing stress hormones when practiced daily.
Of course, IAM isn’t just about reducing stress hormones. As Amma says, “Meditation increases your vitality and strengthens your intelligence. Your mental clarity and health improve. You acquire the patience and fortitude to face any problem in life. So, meditate! Only through meditation will you find the treasure you are seeking.”