Abstract - Ayurvedic Medicine - Dr. Erika Helene, Bad Neuenahr, Germany

Abstract

Effects of Maharishi Vedic Medicine on the Regression of Carotid Atherosclerosis

Erika Helene Vivier PhD; Brian Olshansky, MD; Fred Travis, PhD; Robert Schneider, MD; Sanford Nidich, EdD; David Sands, MD; Maxwell Rainforest, PhD.


The objective of this study was to test how a multimodal approach of Maharishi Vedic Medicine (MVM) combined with standard medical therapy affects regression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Non-pharmacologic approaches to improve outcomes of patients with cardiovascular disease include diet and exercise programs approved by the American Heart Association (AHA) but these approaches are limited by lack of complete efficacy and problems of compliance. Regression of CVD using carotid intima medial thickness (IMT) as a surrogate has not been shown with these approaches. We hypothesized that a MVM approach in addition to standard CVD medications 1. is feasible in an elderly population with CVD and 2. has potential to improve carotid intima medial thickness.

Fourteen (14) elderly volunteers with CVD (mean 72 years) agreed to learn the MVM approaches (experimental group). This group was compared to 14 volunteers in the control group that had previous to the study received AHA diet and exercise recommendations. Both groups were matched on age, gender and severity of CVD. The experimental group had greater body mass index (BMI) (30 vs.26), triglycerides (177 vs.101 mg/dl) and systolic blood pressure (137 vs.120 mm Hg) at baseline, were more often unmarried and had lower income (p<0.05 for each).

Covarying for baseline differences, the experimental group tended to show a greater decrease in carotid IMT at 9 months (experimental group -0.023 ±0.014 mm, usual care group +0.041±0.013 mm, p=0.07). IMT regression in the experimental subjects was associated with high compliance.

Conclusion: An elderly Midwestern population with CVD can be compliant with a multimodality MVM approach that includes Transcendental Meditation, Yoga exercises, individualized Vedic diet and herbal supplements in addition to standard medications. These data provide preliminary evidence that this multimodality approach has promise to improve atherosclerosis.