PRODUCT NEWS
|
Can meditation and yoga 'reverse' harmful DNA reactions? |
|
23 Jun 2017 . BY Tom Walker |
|
|
|
|
|
Yoga could have a positive effect on the behaviour of genes |
|
Wellness-focused mind-body interventions – such as meditation, yoga and tai chi – appear to be able to 'reverse' harmful molecular reactions in DNA. The claim is made in a study published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, which reviewed more than a decade of studies analysing how the behaviour of genes is affected by wellness intervention – such as mindfulness and yoga. In total, the survey – conducted by a team of researchers led by Ivana Buric from the Brain, Belief and Behaviour Lab in Coventry University – looked at 18 studies featuring 846 participants. The study – A Systematic Review of Gene Expression Changes Induced by Meditation and Related Practices – discovered a pattern in the molecular changes which happen to the body as a result of wellness intervention, and how those changes benefit our mental and physical health. At the heart of the study was an examination of the effects of a molecule called nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB). When exposed to a stressful event, a human’s sympathetic nervous system (SNS) – the system responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response – kicks into action and increases production of NF-kB. NF-kB is able to activate genes to produce cytokines – a protein which can cause inflammation at cellular level. The release of cytokines is useful for producing a fight-or-flight reaction, but can lead to a higher risk of cancer, depression or even an accelerated process of aging if persistent. The study found that those who practise mind body activities – such as yoga – exhibit the opposite effect, a decrease in production of NF-kB and cytokines, leading to a reversal of the pro-inflammatory gene expression pattern. In its conclusion, the report states: “The results of 18 studies that used gene expression analysis in research on meditation and related mind-body interventions have overall found down-regulation of NF-?B-targeted genes, which can be understood as the reversal of the molecular signature of the effects of chronic stress. “This research opens the doors to the development and testing of a multi-level theory of mind-body interventions, which integrates the biological, psychological, and environmental levels.” To read the full research report, click here for the Frontiers in Immunology journal.
If you would like to get each issue of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines sent direct to you for FREE, plus the weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines, sign up now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
my Blend
my Blend launched in 2022. Operating our own Maison my Blend spa, we understand the needs of our par [more...] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIARY |
|
|
|
|
|
|