Epigenomic impacts of meditative practices.
Farah R Zahir
Epigenomics December 1, 2022 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0306 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Quran recitation Zen-vipassana Dhikr Epigenetic Heartfulness Qigong Tai-chi Yoga |
| Key findings | Meditative practices can alter the epigenome dynamically and induce long-term changes, suggesting a mechanism for stress reduction and supporting their integration into mainstream medicine. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 13
- Psychotheraputic Dimensions of an Islamic-Sufi-Based Rehabilitation Center: A Case Study. Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry June 1, 2022
- Changes in the expression of inflammatory and epigenetic-modulatory genes after an intensive meditation retreat. Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology August 1, 2022
- Implications of Tamarkoz on stress, emotion, spirituality and heart rate. Scientific Reports July 8, 2021
- Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Effective for People with Hypertension? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 30 Years of Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health March 11, 2021
- Changes Induced by Mind-Body Intervention Including Epigenetic Marks and Its Effects on Diabetes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences January 28, 2021
and 8 more in the library