Serum hormonal concentrations following transcendental meditation--potential role of gamma aminobutyric acid


Author: Elias AN//Wilson AF

Affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of California Medical Center, Irvine, Orange, USA
Conference/Journal: Med Hypotheses
Date published: 1995 
Other:
 Volume ID: 44   ,  Issue ID: 4   ,  Pages: 287-91   ,  Word Count: 125  
    Transcendental mediation (TM) is a stylized form of physical and mental relaxation which is associated with changes in the secretion and release of several pituitary hormones. The hormonal changes induced by TM mimic the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is hypothesized that TM produces changes in pituitary hormone secretion by enhancing hypothalamic GABAergic tone, and its anxiolytic effects by promoting GABAergic tone in specific areas of the brain. This mechanism is similar to the effects of synthetic anxiolytic and tranquilizing agents such as benzodiazepines that bind to components of the GABA-A (GABAA) receptor. TM, therefore, may produce relaxation by enhancing the effects of an endogenous neurotransmitter analogous to the effects of endorphins in runners who reportedly experience a 'runner's high'.