Genetic study finds meditation boosts immunity
Eight days of meditation can trigger significant positive changes in the immune system, according to a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Vijayendran Chandran, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Florida. This is the first comprehensive genetic study to explore how meditation impacts biological processes in the body.
Dr. Chandran, originally from India, began meditating for 21 minutes daily over a 48-day period, noticing personal benefits that inspired him to investigate the genetic effects. The study was conducted with 106 participants from an Inner Engineering Retreat held by the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences in McMinnville, Tennessee. Blood samples were collected at four intervals: 5-8 weeks before the retreat, immediately before, after, and three months following the retreat. In total, 388 samples were analysed.
During the eight-day retreat, participants meditated for 10 hours a day, followed a plant-based diet, maintained a regular sleep pattern, and remained in silence. The research revealed increased activity in 220 immune-related genes, including 68 genes associated with interferon signalling, which plays a critical role in the body’s antiviral and anti-cancer defences.
Dr. Chandran notes that this genetic response suggests meditation and yoga practices stimulate immune-related genes, opening new possibilities for treating diseases like Covid-19 and multiple sclerosis.
