Psycho-physio-biochemical modulations brought by Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM®) relieved stress and improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetic subjects.

Background and objectives: In type 2 diabetic subjects, psychological stress worsens glycemic regulation. This study put forward the various psychophysiological and biochemical benefits of the Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM®) technique in type 2 diabetic subjects in achieving a better quality of life. Methods: This was a clinical trial conducted in the Endocrinology department of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. 85 type 2 diabetic subjects between the age group of 30-65 years were recruited for the study. They were randomly allocated to IAM (n = 43) and the control group (n = 42). All the physiological, biochemical, and psychological variables were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: Within the experimental group there was statistically significant reduction in heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin and insulin resistance (p < 0.05). The average percentage changes of these variables between the groups were also significant. HDL showed an increase within the IAM®group (p < 0.001) while there was an increase in LDL and total cholesterol in the control group. Between the groups, the mean percentage changes in stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline were also significant. IgA (p = 0.002) and GABA (p = 0.007) significantly increased in the experimental group. Psychological stress assessed by perceived stress scale also showed a significant drop after the intervention in the test group and the change in perceived stress was again significant between the 2 groups comparison. Conclusion: Along with the standard treatment regimens, diabetic patients can incorporate mind-body relaxation techniques as an effective adjunctive therapy.

Effects of Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique on Anxiety, Depression, and Plasma Neurotransmitters on a Healthy Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial Followed by a Case-Control Study.

Objective: We aimed to study the short-term effects of Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM) technique in anxiety and depression states and to have a better understanding on the underlying physiological changes related to short-term and long-term IAM practice. Design: Short-term IAM practitioners (ST-IAM) and long-term IAM practitioners (LT-IAM) were compared to control groups of the same age and naïve to yoga and meditation (ST-control and LT-control, respectively). Settings/Location: Kerala, India. Subjects: People that did not suffer from any major medical condition. All participants were naïve to yoga and meditation practices, except for the 5 LT-IAM practitioners. Intervention: ST-IAM practitioners underwent 2 community IAM practices and 5 individual IAM practices. LT-IAM practitioners (performing IAM regularly for more than 4 years) underwent a community IAM practice before the study. Outcome measures: Anxiety and depression states and physiological parameters from ST-IAM and ST-control groups were assed in two different visits (before and after the week of IAM practice or control condition). LT-IAM and LT-control subjects' physiological measurements were taken in only one visit. Results: Short-term IAM practice significantly decreased anxiety and depression states; two way ANOVA indicated differences on anxiety and depression scores across visits between ST-IAM and ST-control groups (Group effect: F(1, 25) = 6.083, p = 0.0209; F(1, 25) = 4.449, p = 0.0451). However, no changes were observed on their physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and dopamine and GABA plasma levels). Interestingly, LT-IAM practitioners showed increased GABA plasma levels than the LT-control group (p = 0.0358, t = 2.521, df = 8). Conclusions: Our study indicates the possible role of IAM technique on modulations of the plasma GABAergic levels and shows that one week of IAM practice is accompanied by a significant decrease of anxiety and depression states in the healthy population.

Impact of Integrated Amrita Meditation® technique on stress in type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Several studies on mind-body relaxation techniques have demonstrated a reduction in psychological stress levels. Implementation of such cost-effective, persons suffering from chronic disorders would be beneficial for the diabetic population. This study was undertaken to understand the effect of Integrated Amrita Meditation® technique (IAM®) technique on stress and its benefit in attaining a better glycaemic control. METHODS: Thirty type 2 diabetic patients aged between 30 and 65 yr were consecutively recruited for the study. They were randomly allocated to IAM® and control groups. Weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and perceived stress scale (PSS) were the variables assessed pre- and post-intervention during the three-month study period. RESULTS: The mean changes between baseline and three months in the experimental group showed statistically significant decrease in HbA1c (P=0.018) as well as psychological stress (P<0.001), whereas an increase in weight (P=0.046) and FBG (P=0.029) was observed in the control group. When the pre- and post-mean changes of the study variables were assessed between the two groups, the differences obtained were statistically significant for weight (P=0.048), BMI (P=0.055), HbA1c (P=0.034) and PSS (P≤0.001). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that stress is an important risk factor hindering the glycaemic control of diabetic patients. Through reduction of psychological stress by IAM® practice, diabetic patients can attain a better glycaemic control along with the usual treatment regimens.