Does the Relaxation Response Inhibit Acute Stress?

The purposes of this study are:

1. To examine molecular and biochemical changes, associated with the relaxation response
(RR) that can counteract the effects of stress in healthy adults.

2. To compare genomic, molecular and biochemical parameters between healthy adults with a
long term meditative practice and those with no experience in meditation.

Since stress is a factor in the development of many health conditions, a further
understanding of the mechanisms of the RR should be developed. The project is designed to
determine how the RR can improve the quality of life that has been adversely affected by
stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

- healthy individual

- age:18-49 years

- able to read and understand English

- able to attend al study visits

- access to a telephone (to schedule visits)

Exclusion Criteria:

- current smoking

- asthma

- current use of any prescription or psychoactive medications or supplements

- either:

1. no prior experience with RR eliciting techniques

2. at least 3 years of regular RR elicitation (at least 20 min/day)

- BMI >30

- exhaled nitric oxide levels >60 ppb

- abnormal lab values (Hct <32,creatinine >1.3, glucose >200

- pregnancy