Yoga and meditation can change our DNA

Yoga is not just some exercise, just as meditation is not just a means of fighting stress. In fact, most of the similar methods that many people see as part of their spiritual journey can, according to research, effectively act directly on individual genes in our DNA.

Almost everything we do in our lives affects the course of so-called epigenetic reactions, which can turn off or on a number of genes in our DNA. We largely decide whether or not the genes we inherited from our parents will be expressed. The well-documented means by which epigenetic reactions can be influenced include not only diet, lifestyle and environmental toxins, but also our minds.

When stress damages genes

Stress is a very powerful epigenetic factor. If it affects us over a long period of time, changes take place at the level of our DNA that, for example, increase the risk of a number of civilisation diseases. However, any negative emotion – fear, guilt, envy, sadness – has a similarly devastating effect… All these conditions change the levels of enzymes in the body that are involved in epigenetic reactions (for example, DNA methyltransferase, histone deacetylase or acetyltransferase). Most of the methods used in spiritual practice are effective in reducing stress and teaching us to control our emotions, which is also reflected in epigenetic changes.

Unfortunately, we cannot yet say whether the degree of epigenetic changes in DNA is related to an individual’s spiritual maturity. Spiritual progress is not a quantity that science can measure. Nor do we know whether certain changes in DNA, for example, expand our consciousness or help us to achieve a connection with the Universe. So far, the only evidence is that people who practice, for example, meditation or yoga, have epigenetic patterns that differ from the rest of the population.

Yet it is not enough – for at last we have in our hands, for example, proof of the immense power of our minds. The discovery that a mere thought or emotion can influence our DNA is a huge step for humanity.

Meditation for inner peace and health

Meditation is one of the most popular spiritual practices. In it we try to achieve peace of mind by awakening the inner consciousness. Research published in 2012 in the journal Consciousness and Cognition showed that regular meditators had different epigenetic profiles in more than a thousand genes compared to a control group (mainly changes in gene methylation and histone acetylation).

The effect of meditation on telomere length has also been demonstrated. These are the terminal parts of chromosomes that gradually shorten over the course of life, which is related to the aging process. Thus, meditation can significantly slow down the ageing process of the body and mind.

When it comes to health, meditation has been shown to reduce inflammatory processes in the body, oxidative stress levels, as well as the risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. It also affects the production of the stress hormone cortisol and thus the level of stress on the body. Some research has also suggested that it could be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (epigenetic processes are also involved in its development).

The healing power of yoga

The health benefits of yoga have long been known. People who practise yoga suffer less often not only from back pain, but also from cardiovascular diseases, anxiety and sleep disorders, for example. The beneficial effects of yoga on the hormonal and immune systems have also been confirmed.

Experts have known for some time that the main cause is an improved response to stress. Apparently, yogis have developed a kind of internal autonomic regulatory system of stress reactions – they perceive the stressful stimuli of everyday life quite differently, and this is then reflected in their physiological functions. However, recent research has provided an answer to how these changes in stress responses arise – epigenetic changes are behind it all.

Regular yoga practice leads to epigenetic changes in the genes that control our stress response. In addition, the production of the transcription factor NF-kB, which influences the course of inflammatory processes in the body, is altered, and the effectiveness of interferon response factors, which switch on genes related to defence against viruses, is increased. Yoga also activates the genes for the production of an enzyme called telomerase, which can lengthen the telomeres in our chromosomes. The consequence is a slowing down of the aging process.

Moreover, yoga not only works in the long term, but in some areas even quite immediately. In fact, within two hours after exercise, it can influence epigenetic processes in a number of blood cell types and thus, for example, improve immunity.

Other systems involving physical and breathing exercises along with meditation – Tai Chi and Qigong – are similarly effective as yoga. Tai-chi, for example, has been shown to slow down some of the epigenetic changes (particularly in the area of gene methylation) that are added to our DNA as we age, and to improve the mechanisms by which damaged DNA in cells can repair itself. It has a particularly beneficial effect on immune cells called lymphocytes, increasing the body’s regenerative capacity and also improving our defence against free radicals.

Qigong, through epigenetic mechanisms, has been shown to improve the body’s antioxidant capacity, counteracting high blood pressure, allergies, asthma, neuromuscular problems, and even cancer.

Dietary supplements: yes or no?

In light of the above, the question arises whether to take epigenetic dietary supplements at all. Isn’t it just a tempting shortcut, but one that doesn’t ultimately lead to the goal?

We believe not. Because no dietary supplements can do the spiritual work for us, that is a task for our mind, soul and heart. However, by acting on important genes in our DNA, they will help us to improve the health of our body, which is also important for spiritual growth – it is not for nothing that it is said that the body is a temple for the soul. Many of them will also improve our stamina and mental performance and, as with herbs, we can also benefit from their energetic action. In addition, they combine well with both spiritual practice and alternative medicine methods. And which ones can help you?

EGCG – will not only help fight aging, neurodegenerative diseases, or cancer, but will also support the strength and resilience of your mind.

Pomegranate – will not only improve prostate health, sexual performance or heart health, but will also give you the power of fire and strengthen the lower chakras.

Curcumin – it will support you in the prevention and treatment of cancer or inflammatory conditions, but it will also give you a lively, joyful energy and cheer up your mind in difficult times.

Resveratrol – will improve heart and bone health, alleviate menopause-related problems, but thanks to its strong feminine energy, it will allow you to stay in touch with your femininity.

Elderberry – tunes up your hormonal system, calms and brightens the mind and supports mental performance.