Meditation Improves Mind-Body DNA

What is the first thing that comes to mind for achieving optimal wellness? Sure, there are many factors to consider, but most people don’t put meditation at the top of the list for physical health and long-term wellness. However, this view may change as fascinating research continues to enlighten us on the extensive health benefits of this time-honored practice.

The most well-known benefit of meditation is its ability to dissolve stress. We know that chronic stress can have grave consequences for our health by suppressing immunity, fueling inflammation, damaging cellular health and DNA, and promoting numerous disease processes. Now, studies reveal that ongoing stress can have a profound effect on our DNA by shortening telomeres, which puts us at a higher risk for developing chronic diseases. But research shows that meditation can successfully repair this DNA damage, restore peace of mind, and offer other powerful health benefits at the same time.

Meditation can truly help heal you from the inside out. Here’s how.

Supports Telomeres

Our genes are located on twisted, double-stranded molecules of DNA called chromosomes, and at the ends of the chromosomes are stretches of DNA called telomeres. Telomeres are essentially the end caps that protect chromosomes from fraying due to aging, poor health, environmental assaults, and other influences. (Think of those little caps on the ends of shoe laces.) Researchers already knew that telomeres shorten and deteriorate as we get older, but new studies are finding that chronic stress—and other factors—can speed up this process.

Wear and tear of telomeres can be slowed through the activation of an enzyme called telomerase, which adds bases to the ends of telomeres and keeps them from fraying. Research reveals that regular meditation can increase telomerase activity by more than 30 percent: This means increased DNA protection and healthy cellular longevity.

Reduces Inflammation

A number of other studies show that regular meditation can reduce chronic inflammation. This makes sense, because stress releases cortisol and other pro-inflammatory signals into circulation. Researchers have found that regular meditation practice reduces inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, in saliva samples. Other research shows that regular meditation suppresses the expression of genes related to inflammatory processes.

Enhances Immunity

Research with cancer patients and other immune-compromised subjects demonstrates that meditation helps restore healthy immune function—including NK cell and cytokine activity—as well as antioxidant function.

Supports Heart Health

A number of studies show that meditation practice reduces blood pressure and slows resting heart rate. Other studies indicate that regular meditation can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by up to 48 percent. Clearly, the stress-relieving, anti-inflammatory benefits of meditation help support heart health, but there may be something deeper going on. Meditation helps increase our feelings of love and compassion, strengthens areas in the brain related to empathy and emotional processing, and promotes our natural state of an open heart. This can have a profound impact on physical heart health and overall healing capacity.

Reduces Pain; Improves Outlook and Quality of Life

MRI imaging shows that meditation can reduce activity in areas of the brain related to pain processing. Other studies in patients with chronic pain showed that regular meditation helped to reduce pain severity and improve quality of life.

In the field of neuroscience, researchers are learning how meditation practice enhances brain power, strengthens connections between neurons, lifts depression, tempers emotional reactivity, builds compassion and empathy, and improves concentration and focus, among other benefits. This may only be the tip of the iceberg!

Getting Started

Meditation practice starts with quieting our constant mental chatter. A wise metaphor describes the condition of our hyperactive, everyday minds: “The mind is like a blind rider on a wild horse.” We have no control, and we don’t know where our thoughts will lead. We are held captive by our mental processes, which express the ongoing dialogue between our desires and dislikes. Quite literally, our brains are wired for this constant back-and-forth of attachment and aversion: what we want to happen versus what we fear will happen.

Society, media, and marketing groups understand and exploit these mental circuits. In other words, we continue to reinforce this expression of ego, rather than work to liberate ourselves from the emotional tug-of-war that dictates our feelings, thoughts, habits, actions, relationships, and experience of life.

By simply taking a step back and making an effort to notice these mental and emotional patterns, we interrupt this neurotic circuitry. The practice of meditation helps us to take note of, release, and gradually reduce these frenetic thought patterns so we can truly relax and recharge our nervous system. Gradually, meditation allows the space between thoughts to become wider and clearer. Our attachments and grasping begin to loosen, and as we ease into this spaciousness, a deeper awareness arises. We begin to experience more peace, clarity, and greater love and compassion.

This process is not about escape or detachment—it’s about training our minds to become more calm, focused, and aware. During meditation practice, feelings will inevitably arise: pain, sadness, fear, hopes, and aversions. But like clouds, they will pass. Our mind’s true nature is like the sky that lies behind the clouds—clear, open, and expansive. The goal in meditation is not to suppress thoughts or feelings, but simply to observe how they come and go like clouds.

To begin, find a quiet space. Sit comfortably with your back straight. Place a small object on the ground in front of you, such as a pebble, and focus on the object and your breathing. It won’t be easy at first. Your busy mind will likely distract with to-do lists and other chatter. This is a natural part of the process, so just gently bring your focus back to your breathing and the object. As you continue to nurture this inner calm with regular practice, it will become easier to access; in turn, this will offer you more than just peace of mind. It opens the door to an incredible array of health benefits.

Regardless of your age, health, or belief system, regular meditation can benefit you on all levels. As more health practitioners recommend this ancient practice, meditation is on its way to holding a well-deserved reputation as a powerful modality for supporting health and preventing illness. Simply put: Meditation practice—even just 10 minutes a day—allows our healing capacity to take a quantum leap.

The post Meditation Improves Mind-Body DNA appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of holistic medicine over traditional medicine?

Many religions and cultures around the world have used holistic medicines for thousands of years. They were developed based on ancient knowledge and experience.

These medicines can be used safely, effectively, naturally, and are affordable. The side effects are minimal compared to those of pharmaceutical drugs.

They can also improve your health and wellbeing.

They can reduce the risk of disease and increase your overall well-being.

They may even cure diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, etc.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of traditional medicines around the world, each offering unique benefits.

The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the population relies on traditional methods to treat illness or injury.

According to some reports, about half a million people depend on traditional herbal remedies for their primary healthcare.

The global market for complementary therapies is estimated to reach $22.2 billion by 2020.

People are increasingly looking for alternative medical options to avoid any side effects that may be associated with traditional treatments.

People often turn to complementary therapies for treatment when they are not able to respond to conventional treatments. These therapies may be tried before they resort to medication or surgery.

There are many reasons why people choose to use complementary therapies.

To improve your quality of life
To reduce stress levels
Relaxation
To ease your pain
To enhance immunity
Supportive services for dealing with serious diseases
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To treat chronic conditions

Alternative medicine is important.

Alternative medicine is very popular, as they are often less expensive and more beneficial than traditional treatments. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. Other therapies might not work.

If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. For example, vitamin supplements aren’t regulated like pharmaceuticals, so it’s easy to overdose on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.

What is the Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Medicine?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on drugs and surgery. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.

Naturopathy on the other side is meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical procedures. The whole person, mind and spirit are treated by naturopathy. There are many kinds of naturopathy.

It is important to remember that some CAM modalities overlap slightly with conventional medicine. Both doctors and naturopaths may prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths tend to emphasize lifestyle changes over prescription medications.

Naturopathy can be called “complementary” when it is used in combination with conventional medicine. Naturopaths may prescribe medication as needed.

There are differences between naturopathic medicine and other CAM modalities:

Naturopaths rarely prescribe medication.
Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
Naturopathic physicians are regulated by provincial licensing boards, whereas CAM practitioners are self-regulated.
Naturopathy stresses prevention and wellness, while offering education on diet and exercise.
Naturopaths place a strong emphasis on lifestyle factors. These include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and mental well being.
Naturopharmacists are specialists in the use and treatment of specific conditions using botanicals and minerals.
Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
Naturopaticians may be registered with Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia issues licenses to Naturotherapists.
The United States National Board of Medical Examiners accredits Naturobiotic therapists.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
The belief that all aspects should be considered in making health decisions is called “holistic”. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.

Statistics

An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What to look for in a qualified holistic doctor?

How to find a doctor who practices holistic medicine?

The best doctors are those who specialize in the field they practice. Holistic medicine is what we are referring too. This means that doctors must learn how to treat their patients holistically. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.

The doctor should be able to understand holistic health as well as complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture.

Holistic healthcare practitioners should also have the ability to diagnose your condition, and then explain the options available so you can make an educated decision about your treatment options.

You should also inquire if the doctor is certified through professional organizations like The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, or the American Holistic Medical Association. NBOHMCA certifies in many areas such as naturopathic medicine (naturopathy), acupuncture and homeopathy, clinical nutrition (herbalalism), and aromatherapy.

Look through our directory to find a holistic doctor in your region. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.

To confirm if holistic healthcare is offered, contact your local hospital.

Your local library has books and resources that can help you with holistic health.

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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.

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By: Dick Benson
Title: Meditation Improves Mind-Body DNA
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/immunity/meditation-improves-mind-body-dna/
Published Date: Sat, 02 Sep 2023 22:56:03 +0000