Abstract

Background: Primordial prevention of hypertension is a public health concern. Health benefits of meditation in reducing blood pressure (BP) are well documented by various studies. However, effects of autosuggestion a form of self-hypnosis are not much studied.

Aim and Objective: Our study intends to know the effects of meditation and added autosuggestion on cardiovascular variables and autonomic functions.

Materials and Methods: About 60 students aged 17–20 years were selected and divided into two groups randomly. Group A was made to practice meditation and Group B meditation with autosuggestion for 3 months. Physiological parameters such as heart rate, BP, postural changes in BP, and R-R interval were recorded before and after 3 months of practice.

Results: We found a statistically significant change in both groups in all the physiological parameters after the practice of meditation and also with practice of meditation with autosuggestion. The group that practiced meditation with autosuggestion showed a greater effect on postural changes in BP.

Conclusion: These observations suggest that meditation helps to improve the cardiovascular efficiency and homeostatic control of the body, meditation with autosuggestion has an added benefit.

Key words: Meditation; Autosuggestion; Blood Pressure; Heart Rate variability