TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION ENHANCES IMMUNE FUNCTION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: EVIDENCE FROM SALIVARY IgA AND SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING ASSESSMENTS

This study examines the health benefits of Transcendental Meditation (TM), specifically Surat Shabd Yoga, by exploring the communication between the central nervous and immune systems. We assessed the impact of TM on health by measuring salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels and psychological well-being using the Spiritual Well-Being Score (SWBS). Forty participants were divided into two groups: Group A, consisting of Surat Shabd Yoga practitioners, and Group B, comprising non-practitioners with no prior meditation experience. We analyzed the correlation between IgA levels and SWBS scores to assess the influence of TM on immune function and psychological health. A significant correlation was observed between IgA levels and SWBS scores in Group A compared to Group B (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Group A exhibited higher mean IgA titers and psychological well-being scores, whereas Group B demonstrated lower values. The data scatter was greater in Group A, reflecting the diverse experiences of TM practitioners. Our findings indicate that Transcendental Meditation, particularly Surat Shabd Yoga, enhances immune function and positively impacts psychological well-being. This study supports the hypothesis of a psycho-immune link associated with consciousness, suggesting that TM strengthens the immune system and contributes to overall health.