Meditation can reduce the symptoms of depression.

According to two studies from the Charles Drew University in Los Angeles and Hawaii University in Hohala that have been made public during the Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine held in Seattle (United States), the technique of Transcendental Meditation may be one treatment to reduce the symptoms of depression.

The researchers used blacks and Native Hawaiians over 55 years with cardiovascular disease risk, as it is believed that depression is a major risk factor in these types of ailments.

Sanford Nidich, head of the studies, noted that "clinically remarkable reductions in depressive symptoms were associated with the practice of transcendental meditation program. The findings of these studies have important implications for improving mental health and risk reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. "

For his part, Hector Myers, author of one study and director of Clinical Training of the Department of Psychology at the University of Los Angeles, added: "These results are encouraging and supporting evidence for the efficacy of transcendental meditation as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of clinical depression."