Tamarkoz is a meditative practice based on a 1400 year old Sufi tradition of the M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi®, School of Islamic Sufism®. It is the ancient Sufi art of self-knowledge through concentration and meditation.The different components of Tamarkoz build upon one another to allow the individual to reach a state of clarity and stability. It quiets the mind, oxygenates and calms the body, brings a person to a state of focus and concentration, and evokes feelings of peace and harmony. This practice enables you to center yourself, and ignore the “noise” in various circumstances so you can function at your highest potential.

KEY TECHNIQUES OF TAMARKOZ:

• Mind Relaxation develops control of the neural circuitry of the brain, consciously slowing down brain waves. This halts habitual interfering thought patterns, diminishes emotional reactions, and prepares us physically and mentally for concentration.
• Meditative Movements/Movazeneh® includes specific postures as well as slow-motion movement exercises that activate and balance the flow of energy of the 13 major electromagnetic centers of the body. Movazeneh has been created by the Sufi Masters of M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi, Professor Sadegh Angha and Professor Nader Angha.
• Breathing Exercises focuses on increasing respiratory capacity and controlling the rhythm and duration of breathing. This ensures maximal oxygenation, helps to regulate other vital processes, and reduces reactivity.
• Deep Relaxation teaches muscular control, and means of relieving tension and reducing stress. This allows the body to recuperate and revitalize.
• Imagery replaces critical, negative thought patterns with more positive, healing images which encourage hope, vitality, motivation and creativity. Also provides neurological and sensory training which enables us to learn to focus like a laser beam on a single point.

Yes, for example, the following research studies were carried out at UC Berkeley, and Kaiser Permanente:

RESEARCH STUDY WITH PARTICIPANTS @ UC BERKELEY
The quasi-experimental 18-week design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up, compared a Tamarkoz® group to a stress management resources group, and to a waitlist control group. Results from generalized linear mixed model showed significant increase in positive emotions and daily spiritual experiences, and reduction in perceived stress and heart rate in the experimental group compared to the two control groups. Notably, over 50% of the diverse participants in the Tamarkoz® group were atheists, and agnostics, but had significant increases in daily spiritual experiences, decrease perceived stress, increase positive emotions and decrease heart rate compared to two control groups; thus, the technique is not limited to those who self-designate as religious or who declare a religious affiliation. Tamarkoz® seems to show some advantages over usual stress management resources offered by a campus health center, as it provides a mechanism by which spirituality and positive emotions are increased even among individuals with no religious ideology (Bahadorani, 2017).

PILOT STUDIES
Also, a pilot study on the effects of Tamarkoz® was conducted on heart patients at Kaiser Permanente Hospital (Crumpler, 2005), which demonstrated statistically significant decline in depression amongst participants. Additionally, reports from the cardiology department suggested reduced utilization of medical services from participants in the study.

Another pilot study focused on the effects of Tamarkoz® practice on emotional state and DNA repair efficiency, which has tremendous implications for the development of breast cancer (Crumpler, 2002). High levels of emotional distress have been found to decrease the efficiency of DNA repair systems. Reduced DNA repair efficiency is implicated in the development of cancer. Results from the study indicated that those with greater amounts of daily Tamarkoz practice showed lower levels of emotional distress and highly functional DNA repair efficiency.

Bahadorani, N. (2017). Implications of Tamarkoz® on increasing spirituality, positive emotions, and reducing stress for university students. Loma Linda University, School of Public Health.

Crumpler, C. (2005). Tamarkoz (Sufi meditation) for heart patients: a pilot study. Sufism: Science of the Soul, 7(1): 9-10.

Crumpler, C. (2002). Sufi practices, emotional state, and DNA repair: Implications for breast cancer. Sufism, Science of the Soul, 4(1): 25-37.

Scientific research shows that Tamarkoz significantly decreases perceived stress and heart rate, while significantly increases positive emotions (joy, love, compassion, pride, amusement, awe, contentment), and daily spiritual experiences, irrespective of religious affiliation or lack thereof (Bahadorani, 2017). Other studies have shown that those with greater amounts of daily Tamarkoz practice had lower levels of emotional distress, highly functional DNA repair efficiency (Crumpler, 2002) and a statistically significant decline in depression (Crumpler, 2005).

In addition, the techniques used in Tamarkoz have been shown to relieve both psychological and physiological tensions (Vlemincx, Van Diest, & Van den Bergh, 2016), improve cognitive processes (Soni, S., Joshi, L.N., & Datta, A., 2015), enhance sleep, reduce pain, and increase creativity (Hoffart, 1999).

Aside from the physical and psychological benefits, Tamarkoz is a practical tool used in the journey of self-knowledge.

References:

Bahadorani, N. (2017). Implications of Tamarkoz® on increasing spirituality, positive emotions, and reducing stress for university students. Loma Linda University, School of Public Health.

Crumpler, C. (2005). Tamarkoz (Sufi meditation) for heart patients: a pilot study. Sufism: Science of the Soul, 7(1): 9-10.

Crumpler, C. (2002). Sufi practices, emotional state, and DNA repair: Implications for breast cancer. Sufism, Science of the Soul, 4(1): 25-37.

Hoffart, M. B. (1999). The benefits of visualization. The American Journal of Nursing, 98(12): 44-47.

Soni, S., Joshi., L. N., & Datta, A. (2015). Effect of controlled deep breathing on psychomotor and higher mental functions in normal individuals. Indian Journal of Physiology & Pharmocology, 59(1): 41-47.

Vlemincx, E., Van Diest, I., Van den Bergh, O. (2016). A sigh of relief or a sigh to relieve: The psychological and physiological relief effect of deep breaths. Physiology & Behavior, 165: 127-135.

One of the things that sets Tamarkoz apart from other practices is the focus on the heart. In many Yoga practices, emphasis is put on opening and balancing the energy flow in the spinal column. In the Chinese martial arts, such as tai chi or qi gong, there is more focus on the point located below the navel.

As the human mind is always running and filled with thoughts that evoke various emotions, the place of serenity is the heart. By focusing on your heart during these exercises, the mind quiets down, your breathing will deepen and you will experience a clear and calm present moment.

The Tamarkoz method puts at your fingertips a paradigm used for over 1400 years to harmonize all aspects of your being. Your breath, senses, thoughts, body, all engage and focus on a single stable point—the heart. This is important as it enables you to quiet the brain and not be affected by the worries of a chattering mind. In addition, since it brings you to a state of harmony you begin to know yourself and discover your hidden capabilities.

In Tamarkoz one concentrates on the heart and the solar plexus and from there expands to the brain.¹ In this practice the brain is seen as a receiver similar to a radio. The process of attuning the brain is mental concentration.² To concentrate on a subject, one needs to gather, to collect, to converge, and to consolidate all relevant constituents of the subject as closely as possible.³ In the context of the brain, concentration is defined as the dismissal of unrelated interferences and subsequent immersion in those relevant to the subject.⁴ This can be applied to any task, for example, if you’re trying to study in a crowded and loud place, by concentrating you can dismiss all distractions and immerse yourself fully in studying to get the most out of it.

Further examples of this can be found throughout history in sciences and the arts. Creativity and theories seem to spring from nowhere when the recipient is focused. For example, when Einstein was focused on solving the puzzle related to the speed of light and “suddenly” understood it, he said “a storm broke loose in my mind” and “suddenly I understood where the key to the problem lay.” ⁵

With all its impressive capabilities, however, the brain’s receptivity is still limited and this limitation can only be overcome through concentration, which is the true meaning of meditation.⁶ It is the heart that is the seat of knowledge, this is why meditation in the heart is so crucial and important in Tamarkoz.⁷

Further, Tamarkoz works by utilizing our body’s built-in electromagnetic system. The electromagnetic energy centers are accessed and a connection is made to our inner sources of energy. The energy centers are activated, and their fields become balanced and unified. This process results in the unity of the body, mind, and spirit where the entire human system works together in harmony and health.⁸ Therefore, Tamarkoz creates a state of equilibrium, balance and harmony, which aligns, balances and activates the energy fields of the body.⁹

References

• Angha, S. (2012). Hidden angles of life (pp.61). Great Britain: MTO Publications.
• Angha, S. A. N. (2000). Expansion & contraction within being: (Dahm) (pp.318). Riverside, CA: MTO Publications.
• Angha, 2000, p 323.
• Angha, 2000, p. 324.
• May, M. (2013). The laws of subtraction: 6 simple rules for winning in the age of excess everything (pp. 180). McGraw-Hill.
• Angha, 2000, p 335.
• Angha, S. A. N. (2011). Sufism: lecture series (pp.121). Great Britain: MTO Publications.
• Angha, 2012, p. 63.
• Angha, N. (2002). Theory I: the unlimited vision of leadership (pp.146). Martinez, CA: MTO Publications.

Similarly as noted above, the purpose of the postures is to focus one's attention on one’s own body and by so doing intensifying those electromagnetic waves related to the body. While continuing with the deep breathing one is asked to assume different postures.1 "The purpose of postures, however is to focus the student’s attention (i.e., energize the associated E&M waves of his/her memory) on the relevant body part by stimulating the relevant nerves.”2

References

• Angha, S. A. N. (2000). Expansion & Contraction Within Being: (Dahm)(pp.329). Riverside, CA: MTO Publications.
• Angha, 2000, p. 329

• It’s best to try and practice daily and at about the same time.
• It would be ideal to practice in the same spot, as it will help quiet your mind each time you go there to practice.
• Wear comfortable clothing that is not restrictive.
• Decrease distractions for the time you practice, ex. turn off the TV, etc.
• Our pets love Tamarkoz but oftentimes make it difficult to fully engage in the exercises. If possible, please practice in an area that they do not have access to.
• Keep the temperature comfortable and try not to practice with a full belly after a heavy meal.
• Most importantly, take your time, and try not to rush through the practices. This is designated “you time”, give yourself that.

*Please listen to your body and avoid poses that are too difficult for you.

To get the most out of the practice, it is highly recommended to utilize all the techniques; mind relaxation, Movazeneh, breathing exercises, deep relaxation, and imagery. Although you will experience benefit from each technique on its own, doing it all in one session will allow you to feel the unique experience of Tamarkoz.

Blood circulation is of the essence, therefore it is best to stretch or even take a 5 minute walk before doing the exercises.

It is best to wear comfortable clothing and make sure your skin is covered (by wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants). This will avoid distractions such as feeling cold. Also, energy flow is better reserved when your skin is covered.

Find a quiet place away from distractions. Ideally you want to avoid sensory input as much as possible, such as noise, or things moving around you.

The answer to this question varies from person to person. Some people reach the point of relaxation faster while some need more time. The best answer is to listen to your body and mind and see how much tension and stress you need to release. Try not to rush through the practices so you can experience the present moment.

There are no prerequisites, but make sure you are doing the exercises to the extent of your abilities and that you are not pushing yourself too far; a good stretch is okay. But listen to your body and if you feel pain, modify or stop.

Most of these techniques are simple, easy to do exercises, so there shouldn’t be any adverse effects. But as always, listen to your body and if you are feeling any pain, modify or stop the exercise.

Yes, Tamarkoz uses simple meditative movements to balance and harmonize your innate energy centers with your heart. But always listen to your body and move at your comfort level.

We are initially offering a Benefactor plan, which will assist in us releasing new exercises and developing our service. It's an annual subscription of $110 for the year (which comes out to about $9 per month).

1. If you purchased your subscription on our website via Stripe, you can cancel by going to www.Tamarkozapp.com, Login, click on “Account”, then click on “Manage Subscription”, and lastly click on “Cancel plan.”
2. If you purchased on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store please follow the steps laid out below:
   • iPhone users: Please go to the settings app, and scroll down to click on “ITunes and App Store”. Then at the top, click on your Apple ID and sign in if needed. Scroll down to where it says “subscriptions” and click on it. You will see the M.T.O tamarkoz app listed, please tap on it. Lastly, click on the cancel subscriptions button.
   • Android users: To cancel your subscription, click on "manage your subscriptions link" that is in the email you received from Google play that contained your receipt for the subscription. Alternatively, you can cancel the subscription by following the below steps:
     • On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Play Store Google Play.
     • Check if you’re signed in to the correct Google Account.
     • Tap Menu Menu and then Subscriptions.
     • Select the subscription you want to cancel.
     • Tap Cancel subscription.
     • Follow the instructions.

1. When you enter the app, click on the hamburger button (the triple bar ≡ or trigram symbol ☰).
2. Then, click on “Settings.”
3. Once you are on the “Settings” page, click on “Account Information.”
4. Once you are on the “Account Information” page, scroll to the bottom and click on where it says “Delete Account” in red font.
5. All your data will be permanently removed within 30 days.

1. Login to the website via https://tamarkozapp.com/login.
2. Once you are logged in, click on the Account tab, and once on the Account page, look at the list of options on the left panel and click on "delete account."
3. All your data will be permanently removed within 30 days.