Science reveals that meditation and yoga change molecular reactions in DNA that cause stress. According to a study by Coventry University and Radboud University Yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, relaxation response, breath regulation, mindfulness and other mind-body interventions (MBIs) produce various psychological benefits on health moreover these different techniques steer molecular reactions in our DNA changing how our genes are expressed and reversing the effect that stress or anxiety would have on the body.
By Amila Tennakoon (Meditation Sri Lanka) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Eighteen relevant studies featuring 846 participants over 11 years reveal a pattern in the molecular changes, which happen to the body because of MBIs linking them with changes in our mental and physical health. How does it work? Any kind of stressful situation is understood in our body as a danger and call out ‘fight-or-flight’ response inherited from mankind’s hunter-gatherer prehistory. As a result of this respond we can react immediately to the situation but it causes inflammation at cellular level in our body leading to serious health problems over time like depression, anxiety, and cancer. Simply by mindfulness-based practices you can reduce inflammatory proteins and awaken your healing power.
Source: Radboud University