The Art of Living receives Award for 'Best Research Poster' on meditation by The World Psychiatry Association

2nd of Nov 2017

The Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, an effortless meditation technique as taught by The Art of Living, has been shown by researchers to both improve depressive symptoms and also to significantly improve variability in heart rate, suggesting a potential long term benefit in heart health.


Berlin, 02 November 2017 - Research on the effects of Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, a technique taught by The Art of Living Foundation, on cardiovascular health and clinical depression was awarded the best poster presentation from more than 900 presentations at the 17th Annual World Psychiatry Conference held from 8–12 October 2017 in Berlin, Germany.

The research showed the beneficial effects of Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, belonging to the category of Automatic Self Transcending Meditation (ASTM), on high-frequency heart rate variability, a key factor linked with long term heart health. The poster was authored and presented by Dr. Akshya Vasudev, Geriatric Psychiatrist, from the Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Canada. The other co-authors were- Emily Ionson, Amer Burhan from the Department of Psychiatry at Western University and Ronnie Newman from The Art of Living Foundation, USA.

The beneficial effects of Sahaj Samadhi in late-life depression, a condition affecting as many as 2–6% of seniors aged 60+ years across the world was further confirmed in Dr. Vasudev’s oral presentation at the conference. Depression is now rated as the leading cause of disability. Sahaj Samadhi offers a new alternative for treatment of this condition.

Dr. Vasudev’s presentation builds upon their recent paper published in the British Journal of Psychiatry Open. These results found that adding Sahaj Samadhi meditation technique to traditional treatments (Drugs and/or Psychotherapy) was five times more effective than traditional treatments alone (9% Vs. 50% remission rate from depression). Yet, in contrast to the usual treatments for depression, Sahaj Samadhi is natural and free of the unwanted side effects associated with medications. It is self-administered and self-empowering.

With more than 3,000 published scientific studies, the benefits of meditation today are becoming common knowledge. In a fast paced age where stress and depression are widespread, their toll on physical and mental health can be extremely high.

Stress, anxiety and depression are known to be significant factors in the onset and progression of a wide spectrum of illnesses ranging from cancer and HIV-1 infection, to asthma and cardiovascular disease.

Sahaj Samadhi, which means 'effortless meditation' in Sanskrit, is a time-honored stress management and health promotion technique whose health benefits are being validated by modern medical science. This ancient technique has been adapted to modern times by The Art of Living founder Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who explains “Meditating is the delicate art of doing nothing – letting go of everything and being who you are.”

Sahaj Samadhi is a rare combination of simplicity with depth. This ancient and rare type of meditation brings a profound restfulness, which is understood to dissolve deeply rooted stresses and results in clearer thinking, increased energy, enhanced performance, better physical and mental health, improved relationships and greater peace of mind.

People aged 16 years and above and of all backgrounds all ethnicities can learn Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, and become fully proficient with just a few hours of training. The benefits are rapid, tangible, and cumulative, and the practice itself is relaxing and enjoyable.

 

About The Art of Living

The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) was founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and operates in 155 countries. It is one of the largest independent, humanitarian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the world. The AOLF holds a special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN), and is active in numerous other international bodies and committees in the areas of health, education and sustainable development. The priorities include aid projects in developing countries, trauma and stress management in crisis areas and rehabilitation programs for victims of violence and prison inmates. In addition, yoga and meditation classes are offered. A key component is the Sudarshan Kriya ™, a health-promoting breathing technique.

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Press Contact
Art of Living Bureau of Communication – Europe
Tel: +49 151 43101428
E: abc(at)artofliving.eu
https://www.artofliving.org


Research Expert
Ronnie Newman
Tel.: +1 954 7217437
E: rnewman(at)artofliving.org
https://www.artofliving.org