Meditation and yoga versus stress
Most people already know that relaxation is good against stress. Meditation and yoga also have a positive influence on reducing stress. Because hyperventilation often goes together with stress, it is also recommended for this target group.
MBI
Mind-Body Interventions (MBI’s) are based on the idea that the mind can affect the body. MBI’s are often touted as means to reduce stress. Unfortunately, little is known about their effects on biological mechanisms involved in stress reactions.
The current study therefore brings together eighteen existing studies, carried out over a period of eleven years. And include a total of 846 participants. The results show a pattern of molecular changes in the body. These changes occur as a result of practicing MBI’s such as yoga and mindfulness.
Gene expression
The scientists looked specifically at the influence of MBI’s on gene expression. Genes that produce proteins and thus influence the biological composition of the body and the immune system. When you experience stress, the sympathetic nervous system activates. That is also responsible for the flight or fight reaction. Or for an immobilized reaction of the subject. Also called the famous ‘fight, flight, freeze response’. This stimulates the production of a molecule called ‘nuclear factor kappa B’ (NF-kB). This molecule increases the production of cytokines, a certain type of proteins.
Cytokines
Cytokines cause inflammation at a cellular level. This is useful for short-term stress reactions because it strengthens the immune system. But in the longer term it leads to higher risks for cancer, for example. And psychiatric problems like depression. In our current society, where stress occurs frequently and often for a long time, these are serious risks.
According to the study, people who practice MBI’s have the opposite effect. Namely a lower production of NF-kB and cytokines. This reduces the risk of inflammatory related conditions.
Ivana Buric, who conducts PhD research at both Coventry University and Radboud University, explains it as follows. ‘Our results show that yoga and mindfulness have opposite effects on gene expression as stress or anxiety. More research is needed to fully understand these effects. For example, we are curious about the role of other healthy behaviors, such as sports or a healthy diet, on the molecular differences that we find. Nonetheless, this is an important finding to build on with future research into increasingly popular MB’Is as yoga.’
Hyperventilation
For people with chronic hyperventilation, yoga, mindfulness and other relaxation exercises are extremely good. It gives the body the necessary relaxation. And that is one of the keys in the healing process.
