Meditative practices from Eastern religio-spiritual-healing traditions show early evidence of altering the epigenome, both dynamically and through long-term changes, which may explain their positive effects on stress-reduction pathways. Integrating these practices into mainstream medicine requires empirical investigation of their psychophysiological impacts, and epigenomic regulation offers a measurable mechanism. Early high-resolution studies indicate meditative practices are potent in modifying the epigenome, supporting their potential inclusion in global healthcare.
Rats given phencyclidine (PCP) for 7 days showed increased DNA methylation at one of two specific sites in the parvalbumin gene promoter in both the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus six weeks later, compared to rats given a vehicle. No change was seen in a global measure of DNA methylation. This hypermethylation may contribute to parvalbumin neuron deficits in this animal model of psychosis, which are also observed in schizophrenia.