I know you’ve heard it before: take a deep breath, relax, and watch the tension melt from your muscles. You know it’s good for you, but I love to know even more about it.
Recently, researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that deep relaxation practices actually change the body on a genetic level. They revealed that far more “disease-fighting genes” were active in the practitioners.
“Disease-fighting genes”? Exactly. It seems genes that protect us were switched on, like a powerful medical drug, but without the side effects. It shows just how responsive genes are to behaviour, mood and environment.
The Harvard researchers asked the control group to start practicing relaxation methods every day, and after two months, their bodies began to change. The genes that help fight inflammation, kill diseased cells and protect the body from cancer all began to switch on. !!
And the benefits of the relaxation effects increased with regular practice, so the more they practiced methods such as meditation, the greater their chances of remaining free of arthritis and joint pain, and with stronger immunity, healthier hormone levels and lower blood pressure.
This research is pivotal. It clearly shows how ones state of mind affects the body on a physical and genetic level.
Look, research has long described the negative effects of stress on the body. Stress is linked to the release of the stress-hormones adrenalin and cortisol. Stress raises the heart rate and blood pressure, and weakens immunity and lowers fertility. In survival mode, our heart rate rises and our blood pressure shoots up. And non-essential functions such as immunity and digestion are deprioritized.
By contrast, the state of relaxation is linked to higher levels of serotonin and to the growth hormone that repairs cells and tissue. It lowers heart rate, boosts immunity and enabling the body to thrive. Meditative states are biologically received as a state of rest, enjoyment and physical renewal. Muscles relax and food is digested. The heart slows and blood circulation flows freely to the body's tissues, feeding it with nutrients and oxygen.
Convinced now? What you're looking for is a state of deep relaxation where tension is released from the body on a physical and emotional level, and your thinking mind completely shifts. You can do that.
Recently, researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that deep relaxation practices actually change the body on a genetic level. They revealed that far more “disease-fighting genes” were active in the practitioners.
“Disease-fighting genes”? Exactly. It seems genes that protect us were switched on, like a powerful medical drug, but without the side effects. It shows just how responsive genes are to behaviour, mood and environment.
The Harvard researchers asked the control group to start practicing relaxation methods every day, and after two months, their bodies began to change. The genes that help fight inflammation, kill diseased cells and protect the body from cancer all began to switch on. !!
And the benefits of the relaxation effects increased with regular practice, so the more they practiced methods such as meditation, the greater their chances of remaining free of arthritis and joint pain, and with stronger immunity, healthier hormone levels and lower blood pressure.
This research is pivotal. It clearly shows how ones state of mind affects the body on a physical and genetic level.
Look, research has long described the negative effects of stress on the body. Stress is linked to the release of the stress-hormones adrenalin and cortisol. Stress raises the heart rate and blood pressure, and weakens immunity and lowers fertility. In survival mode, our heart rate rises and our blood pressure shoots up. And non-essential functions such as immunity and digestion are deprioritized.
By contrast, the state of relaxation is linked to higher levels of serotonin and to the growth hormone that repairs cells and tissue. It lowers heart rate, boosts immunity and enabling the body to thrive. Meditative states are biologically received as a state of rest, enjoyment and physical renewal. Muscles relax and food is digested. The heart slows and blood circulation flows freely to the body's tissues, feeding it with nutrients and oxygen.
Convinced now? What you're looking for is a state of deep relaxation where tension is released from the body on a physical and emotional level, and your thinking mind completely shifts. You can do that.
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