The Role of Stress
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is uncertain but is thought to involve both abnormalities of the immune response and persistent viral infection. Stress is thought to play a key part. It is probable that psychological stress predisposes to infectious disease, such as the common cold-an effect which is mediated by suppression of immune functions (1). Since treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome may have to be long-term, there are distinct advantages to non-pharmacological methods which are free from harmful side-effects and which do not further suppress immune functions.

Deep Rest for Facilitating Healing Processes
Transcendental Meditation, founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is one approach which has been found beneficial in chronic fatigue syndrome (2). The technique is scientifically evaluated both in the physiology laboratory and in other preventive and therapeutic applications, particularly for stress-related disorders. It is easy to learn and practise, and provides very deep levels of rest both physically and mentally. This provides the basis on which healing mechanisms within the body can start to work.

General Health Benefits
Transcendental Meditation has been shown to improve mental and physical functioning and behaviour in the general population in a way which is often in the opposite direction to that which is seen in chronic fatigue syndrome, including reduced depression, anxiety, and insomnia (3), reduced fatigue (4), and improved cognitive functions (5). These diverse effects may help to explain some of its benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers.

Reduced Trigger Factors
One advantage of Transcendental Meditation in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome is that it provides a means for reducing trigger factors. Research in the general population has shown reduced stress (4), lower requirement for hospital treatment including surgery (6), reduced alcohol use (7), and lower risk of accidents (8).

Improving Immune Functioning
In addition, Transcendental Meditation produces a variety of physiological and other changes which are of indirect benefit for overall immune functioning. These include reduced use of alcohol, tobacco, and non-prescribed drugs (7), normalisation of weight (9), and improvements in many mental health parameters related to immune functioning, including reduced anxiety and depression (3).

In conclusion. Transcendental Meditation is safe, easy to learn, and produces consistent health benefits in the general population, which may lead to clinical benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers.