Meditation and Yoga for a healthy life

This International Day of Yoga, let’s stand up for a healthy body and mind.

The third International Yoga Day celebrations will mark another chapter in the pages of Indian history. International Day of Yoga is observed worldwide on 21 June since its inception in 2015.The day was chosen as it is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. It is a promotion of global health, harmony and peace. Practicing mind-body interventions (MBIs) such as meditation, yoga and Tai Chi daily reduces risk of depression and cancer by reversing the molecular reactions in DNA, suggests a study.

Yoga was originated in India in ancient time when people were used of meditation to transform their body and mind. Launching a particular date of practicing yoga all across the world and celebrating yoga day was initiated by the Indian Prime Minister to the United Nations General Assembly.

The Prime Minister stated: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”

A research conducted at Universities of Coventry and Radboud over 11 years revealed that the changes in molecular patterns which happen due to mind-body interventions fights against physical and mental illness and promotes health. Genes are activated due to this resulting the production of proteins which will influence the biological make-up of the body, brain and the immune system.

According to the study, however, in people who practice meditation the risk of inflammation-related diseases and conditions is less.

Lead investigator Ivana Buric said “Millions of people around the world already enjoy the health benefits of mind-body interventions like yoga or meditation, but what perhaps these people do not realize is that these benefits begin at a molecular level and can change the way our genetic code goes about its business”.

These activities are leaving what we call a molecular signature in our cells, which reverses the effect that stress or anxiety would have on the body by changing how our genes are expressed. The MBIs cause the brain to steer our DNA processes along a path which improves our wellbeing.

The research is published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.