Remodeling the Epigenome Through Meditation: Effects on Brain, Body, and Well-being.
Sub-cellular biochemistry 2025 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-75980-2_7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Meditation Mindfulness-based techniques |
| Topics | Meditation Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Chromatin modifications Dna methylation Epigenetics Epigenome Gene expression Mindful practices Well-being |
| Key findings | Meditation promotes health by reshaping epigenetic markers including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. |
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are key processes that constantly reshape genome activity carrying out physiological responses to environmental stimuli. Such mechanisms regulate gene activity without modifying the DNA sequence, providing real-time adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Both favorable and unfavorable lifestyles have been shown to influence body and brain by means of epigenetics, leaving marks on the genome that can either be rapidly reversed or persist in time and even be transmitted trans-generationally. Among virtuous habits, meditation seemingly represents a valuable way of activating inner resources to cope with adverse experiences. While unhealthy habits, stress, and traumatic early-life events may favor the onset of diseases linked to inflammation, neuroinflammation, and neuroendocrine dysregulation, the practice of mindfulness-based techniques was associated with the alleviation of many of the above symptoms, underlying the importance of lifestyles for health and well-being. Meditation influences brain and body systemwide, eliciting structural/morphological changes as well as modulating the levels of circulating factors and the expression of genes linked to the HPA axis and the immune and neuroimmune systems. The current chapter intends to give an overview of pioneering research showing how meditation can promote health through epigenetics, by reshaping the profiles of the three main epigenetic markers, namely DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs.
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
Cites 49
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
- Mindfulness‐based approaches: are they all the same? Journal of Clinical Psychology January 19, 2011
- Mindfulness meditation increases default mode, salience, and central executive network connectivity Scientific Reports August 2, 2022
- Change in Brainstem Gray Matter Concentration Following a Mindfulness-Based Intervention is Correlated with Improvement in Psychological Well-Being Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
and 44 more in the library