In 2008, a Havard University study found the first evidence that the Relaxation Response (RR) - the physiological response to meditation, yoga, tai chi, Qi Gong or repetitive prayer - affects our genes.
19 adults’ who were long term advocates of various RR techniques, 20 were trained in RR eliciting techniques (breathing, mantra and mindfulness meditation) for 8 weeks and 19 served as controls (people who carried on as normal not using any techniques being tested).
By analysing blood samples, the study found that 2209 genes were differently expressed (switched on and off) between the long term meditators and the control group. Importantly, 1275 were up-regulated (their activity was increased) and 934 were down-regulated (their activity was reduced). It also discovered that 1561 genes were expressed differently between the group who did the 8 weeks meditation training, who were considered novice meditators, and the control group. 874 were up -regulated and 687 were down-regulated.
Many of the genes were involved in cellular metabolism and in the body’s response to “oxidative stress” Oxidative stress is one of the biological products of mental and emotional stress. It produces free radicals and is thought to be involved in a range of disease processes, including atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It also speeds up aging at the cellular level. Ideally, we want a good response to oxidative stress so that we can prevent the negative effects.
In the study, blood analysis found significant changes in cellular metabolism and response to oxidative stress in the two meditation groups compared to the control group.
The scientists suggested that the Relaxation Response – whether it is instigated through meditation, yoga or prayer- may counteract cellular damage due to chronic psychological stress.
People have enjoyed the benefits of meditation for years and benefited from better health (and a reduced aging process) but many people have doubted the benefits. Now there is solid scientific evidence of the positive genetic effects of meditation in that it affects genes that positively influence cell metabolism and the response to oxidative stress.
So if you would like help increasing your Relaxation Response, then please look at the Relaxation and Meditation Classes I am currently running and will be running in the Surrey area. http://unbouncepages.com/farnham-relaxation-classes