Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that meditation has amazing therapeutic effects.
Research has shown the effect of meditation on gene expression and a number of positive changes at the molecular level.
In the course of the experiment, participants were divided into two groups and compared people experienced in meditation with a second group of untrained people who engaged in silent non-meditation methods.
Scientists assure that before the study, there were no differences between these groups.
After eight hours, a series of changes at the genetic and molecular levels were observed in a group of experienced meditators.
Among other things, there was a change in the level of the regulatory gene and a decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory genes.
The positive effects were only seen in a group of experienced meditators. Other studies in rodents and humans have shown dynamic epigenetic responses to physical stimuli such as stress, diet or exercise.
It turns out, however, that our peace of mind can have a potential effect on gene expression.
The author of the study, Richard J. Davidson, was most surprised to learn that the changes were observed in genes that target anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that shows rapid alterations in gene expression within subjects associated with mindfulness meditation practice”, said Richard J. Davidson
Previous studies have also shown meditation techniques to benefit inflammatory diseases and have even been approved by the American Heart Association as a preventative measure.
