February 2, 2011
School of Medicine, Kochi
 

A research paper published in a recent issue of the international journal, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM), highlighted the benefits of the Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM) Technique.
 

IAM is a combination of yogic stretches, breathing practices and exercises in mental concentration. It is taught free throughout the world.
 

The paper was titled Impact of Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique on Adrenaline and Cortisol Levels in Healthy Volunteers. It was authored by research scholar Vandana Balakrishnan at the Amrita School of Medicine, under the guidance of Dr. Harish Kumar, Head of the Department of Endocrinology.
 

The study, leading up to the publication, was conducted over five years. The study examined the effect of IAM on various psychological, physiological and biochemical parameters.
 

“When practiced regularly, IAM lowers stress hormones,” the study concluded.
 

“IAM practitioners experience a reduction in the stress hormone adrenaline within 48 hours of beginning the practice. Following only eight months of practice, a decline in stress hormone cortisol is seen.”
 

Other physiological results documented by the study include a significant decrease in the heart and respiratory rate of practitioners, as well as significant increase in IgA levels, which are associated with immunological benefits.
 

Through the study’s psychological-evaluation component, a major change was also recorded in the attitude of practitioners towards stressful events.
 

The article is available for download at the journal website.
 

Further research will be conducted, including a study on the effect of IAM Technique on cancer patients undergoing treatment, as well as its impact in relieving hypertension.
 

Classes in IAM Technique were first offered in 2003. In 2008, at the request of the Indian government, it was taught to India’s military and paramilitary soldiers.
 

Classes are regularly conducted in schools and colleges throughout India, as well as offered to employees of businesses corporations such as Infosys and BSNL.
 

Students at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham undergo mandatory training in the technique in their first year at the institution.