Research on irritable bowel syndrome has suggested that the core problem of this condition may be a psychological disturbance (1). Psychological and psychiatric abnormalities are more frequent in consulting than in non-consulting patients with irritable bowel syndrome (2). Half of the academic gastroenterologists in the USA provide psychological and social support for IBS patients (1).

Reduced Stress and Improved Stability of the Autonomic Nervous System
Transcendental Meditation, founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, has been found beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome. Research indicates that in the general population, this technique produces a state of deep physiological rest and neutralizes the physiological effects of stress, with reductions in blood cortisol and lactate. Transcendental Meditation also creates greater stability in the autonomous nervous system - a finding which is relevant to the long-term management of irritable bowel syndrome (3).

Reduction in Stress-Related Conditions
Transcendental Meditation has been shown to produce significant improvements in a number of stress-related medical conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, use of alcohol and cigarettes, hypertension, migraine, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is completely safe (4-6).

Improved Mental Health and Social Relationships
In the general population, Transcendental Meditation produces all-round benefits for mental health and social relationships including reduced neuroticism, growth of self-confidence and social maturity, warmer interpersonal relationships and improved marital harmony (7). In the reduction of anxiety Transcendental Meditation has been shown to produce about twice the effect size of other practices, including progressive muscular relaxation, methods purported to induce a relaxation response, and other forms of meditation (4). These effects of Transcendental Meditation may be beneficial for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Improved General Health
All-round general health improvements have been shown in a study of the health insurance data of a US company in which there was a 55-60% reduction in out-patient attendance rates for people practising Transcendental Meditation over five years, as well as reduced hospital admission rates (8).

Summary
In summary, there is considerable evidence that Transcendental Meditation may be helpful for patients with irritable bowel syndrome through improving overall physical and psychological health.