Epigenomic impacts of meditative practices.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Meditative practices (MPs) are an inherent lifestyle and healing practice employed in Eastern medicine and spirituality. Integrating MPs into world mainstream medicine (WMM) requires effective empirical investigation of psychophysiological impacts. Epigenomic regulation is a probable mechanism of action that is empirically assessable. Recently, WMM-styled studies have screened the epigenomic impacts of MPs with early encouraging results. This article discusses the variety of MPs extant across three major Eastern religio-spiritual-healing traditions and their integration into WMM via the lens of epigenomic modulation. MPs unanimously report positive impacts on stress-reduction pathways, known to be epigenomically sensitive. Early high-resolution assays show MPs are potent in altering the epigenome - dynamically and by inducing long-term changes. This suggests the importance of integrating MPs into WMM.