Levels of immune cells in transcendental meditation practitioners
International Journal of Yoga January 1, 2014 J.r. Infante, F. Perán, J.i. Rayo et al. 55 citations
Regular practitioners of transcendental meditation (TM) or the more advanced Sidhi-TM technique showed differences in certain immune cell levels compared to non-meditators. The meditation group had higher counts of CD3+CD4-CD8+ lymphocytes (cytotoxic T cells), B lymphocytes, and natural killer cells, but lower counts of CD3+CD4+CD8- lymphocytes (helper T cells). No differences were found in total leukocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, total lymphocytes, or total T cells. The findings suggest that TM practice may influence the immune system, possibly through its effects on neuroendocrine pathways.