4-Month Trial
Physician faculty are needed for a 4-month trial studying the effect of the Transcendental Meditation technique using fMRI beginning in August. This trial has been arranged with the Loyola radiology and psychiatry departments with Dr. Murali Rao and Dr Paolo Nucifora overseeing the scans. The cost of TM instruction (usually $800-960 for a life time program) will be covered by private philanthropy.
In order to participate, the doctors need attend an introduction to the TM technique. Scans are scheduled for July 22, 29, and the first week in August. Instruction in the TM technique is planned for August 9 (or an alternate date, should this date be unavailable).
These are the requirements for participation:
- The introductory meeting (about 2 hours)
- TM instruction (1–1.5 hours/day over 4 consecutive days)
- Personal Practice of Transcendental Meditation—20 minutes twice a day
- Commitment to regular meditation, i.e. twice a day for 23 minutes each meditation
- A meeting every other week for 4 months as needed until Thanksgiving
Physicians will also be invited to MDED 400 meetings Aug 24th, Sept 21st (this is a class with a researcher who has investigated the effects of the TM program. This meeting includes a group meditation and dinner).
There are a few exclusions:
- Physician should be less than 55 yrs old
- Free of: brain surgery, major neurological problems such as stroke, MS, TBI
- Never had cancer of any kind
- Free of cochlear or metal implants such as pacemaker or neuro-stimulator. Orthopedic hardware ok if not containing a battery pack
- No contraindications to MRI, e.g. highly claustrophobic
To learn about TM, click here.