Over the last 11 years, Coventry and Radboud universities in the UK have been studying the effects of MBI. MBI stands for mind-body interventions and includes practices such as yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. These surveys consisted of over 845 participants which unearthed some extraordinary patterns relating to this serious disease: Cancer.
During the length of the study, patterns were uncovered that described changes occurred in the body on a molecular level as a result of MBI practices, both physically and mentally. These changes have been linked to reducing the risk of both cancer and depression.
How Does It Work?
Every human being has a biological make-up, caused by genes that activate themselves to produce proteins. It’s these proteins that help to create brain cells as well as the immune system. In situations where an individual becomes stressed, the body relies on the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This is more commonly known as the flight-or-fight response, a system which boosts the production of certain molecules, such as nuclear factor kappa B. This molecule, in particular, is useful to the body for its regulation of genes property.
Also known as NF-kB, the molecule is important for dealing with stress. It does this by stimulating genes to produce a certain protein referred to as cytokines. On a cellular level, these proteins cause inflammation, responsible for initiating the flight-or-fight response. If your stress levels are like this for an extended period of time, the inflammation increases the risk of cancer and other negative effects such as increased signs of ageing and mental disorders including depression.
The Results
In light of this latest study, the individuals who practised MBIs experienced a unique effect. There was a notable reduction in the production of NF-kB and other cytokines. In short, this causes the effects of the molecular inflammation to reverse, reducing the risk of those diseases mentioned above.
Millions of people around the world already experience the vast number of benefits of yoga, meditation and other MBIs. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that these people, as well as the millions of people who don’t practise MBIs, are aware of the molecular level benefits that these practices promote.
If you would like to know more information, you can find the details of the study here.
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