Researchers have been studying the effects of yoga and meditation on stress, anxiety, and depression for decades, but a new study shows that these activities might have stress-busting benefits down to a genetic level.
A recent study from the Centre for Psychology at Coventry University found that mind-body interventions (MBIs) such as yoga and meditation (and even art therapy and tai chi) can counter changes in our DNA that cause stress. While the majority of research has focused on how MBIs benefit our mental health, this study looked specifically at the impact on gene expression.
Typically, when we go through a stressful event, our sympathetic nervous system springs into action—triggering a fight or flight response. When that happens, genes are produced which create molecules known as cytokines, which then can lead to cellular inflammation. Over time this can cause health problems like depression, anxiety, and even cancer.
