A recent study exploring the impact of transcendental meditation on genetic expression has revealed some fascinating findings: this well-loved form of meditation appears to reduce the activation of genes linked to stress responses.
While it is no surprise that meditation fosters a sense of calm and relaxation, researchers have discovered that the same genes connected to stress responses are also newly associated with the signs of accelerated aging. This suggests that practicing transcendental meditation may not only alleviate stress but could also contribute to a slower aging process.
Meditation has a rich history, having been practiced for thousands of years, long before the rise of major religious traditions. Early forms of achieving trancelike states included meditation through sitting, the use of psychedelic substances, or even vigorous activities like dance, predating the more formal practices found in South Asian mysticism and Western hermit culture.
In today’s world, meditation spans a wide range of beliefs, from atheistic and rational approaches to deeply spiritual ones. Individuals engage in meditation for various reasons, whether it be for modest health benefits or the pursuit of enlightenment.
Modern scientific research supports the ancient teachings of figures like Buddha, highlighting meditation as an effective means to promote both mental and physical well-being.
The study, conducted by faculty at Maharishi International University in Iowa, involved a cohort divided into four groups of white students and local residents from the Fairfield area. Each group consisted of 25 participants, including young (ages 20-32) and older (ages 55-72) practitioners and non-practitioners of transcendental meditation.
Among the young meditators, 13 out of 15 genes linked to stress and aging showed reduced expression compared to the control group. In the older participants, this reduction was seen in 7 out of 15 genes. Furthermore, the study revealed that older practitioners exhibited better cognitive abilities and faster mental processing speeds compared to their non-practicing counterparts.
This resistance to cognitive decline is yet another wonderful benefit of long-term practice of transcendental meditation.
As the authors conclude in their paper published in Biomolecules, the data illustrates a clear relationship between reduced gene expression in the meditation group and healthy aging. The genes in question play crucial roles in controlling inflammation, energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the stability of nuclear DNA. Increased expression of these genes is linked to various age-related diseases, emphasizing the potential of meditation to support not just mental health but overall longevity.
