Yoga, mindfullness and the immune system
Mindfulness is the awareness that emerges when paying attention on purpose and nonjudgmentally to the present moment and the unfolding experience. Mindfulness meditation is the cultivation of this state through intentional and sustained practices.
Yoga is an ancient practice that originates from India and has been around since 5000 BC. It promotes the unity of body, mind and spirit. The mind influences the body and the body’s condition has impact on the mind. Taking care of them therefore is a key to general well-being.
Should you practice them for a better health?
Many mental and physical health conditions are connected to immune system activity, therefore observing these immune markers are the easiest way to see whether mindfulness meditation and yoga benefits the human body in a positive way or not.
This holistic healing system has gained attention among scientists as well. There are so called mind-body therapies (MBT) that incorporate relaxation and stress reduction in order to promote beneficial conditions within the body, therefore potentially preventing or treat a variety of diseases.
Psychological distress effects physiological systems. When there is stress in the body and the immune system starts working there is a change in the chemical build-up of the blood, tissue liquid and in the body in general. This can be tracked through biomarkers, to show how active the immune system is and how the body is reacting.
Yoga and meditation can help to reduce this stress on the body. It calms the mind down and relaxes the body. It is believed that sustained practice can lead to consistent decrease in the biomarkers. All in all, yoga can downregulate pro-inflammatory parameters and therefore can be a potential complementary treatment and prevention of inflammation associated diseases.
Respect yourself and take this step towards a healthier you. Start practicing yoga and meditation, it can change your life!
