Meditation and Immune Function: The Impact of Stress Management on the Immune System

Thibodeaux, Nicole; Rossano, Matt J.

doi:10.21926/obm.icm.1804032

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 82 publications

(93 reference statements)

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“…However, the diversity across sites did seem to provide some internal replications to support the robustness of the findings, which followed a generally consistent pattern between cohorts. Finally, biometric data were not included in this analysis, although the use of such measures, particularly those identified in prior research on the health benefits of contemplative practices, such as markers of immune system function [ 20 , 86 ], salivary cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability [ 87 ], blood pressure [ 36 ], electroencephalogram (EEG) [ 88 ], and MRI and fMRI [ 89 ], would strengthen future investigations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contemplative Practices Behavior Is Positively Associated with Well-Being in Three Global Multi-Regional Stanford WELL for Life Cohorts

Rich

Chrisinger

Kaimal

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Positive associations between well-being and a single contemplative practice (e.g., mindfulness meditation) are well documented, yet prior work may have underestimated the strength of the association by omitting consideration of multiple and/or alternative contemplative practices. Moreover, little is known about how contemplative practice behavior (CPB) impacts different dimensions of well-being. This study investigates the relationship of CPB, consisting of four discrete practices (embodied somatic-observing, non-reactive mindfulness, self-compassion, and compassion for others), with multiple dimensions of well-being. As with other canonical lifestyle behaviors, multiple contemplative practices can be integrated into one’s daily routine. Thus, it is critical to holistically consider these behaviors, extending them beyond a simple uni-dimensional measure (e.g., daily mindfulness meditation practice). We developed an integrative measure of four types of contemplative practice and found it to be significantly associated with a multi-dimensional measure of well-being. Importantly, our findings were from three large global multi-regional cohorts and compared against better-understood lifestyle behaviors (physical activity). Data were drawn from California/San Francisco Bay Area, (n = 6,442), Hangzhou City (n = 10,268), and New Taipei City (n = 3,033). In all three cohorts, we found statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive associations between CPB and well-being, both overall and with all of the constituent domains of well-being, comparable to or stronger than the relationship with physical activity across most well-being outcomes. These findings provide robust and cross-cultural evidence for a positive association between CPB and well-being, illuminate dimensions of well-being that could be most influenced by CPB, and suggest CPB may be useful to include as part of fundamental lifestyle recommendations for health and well-being.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contemplative Practices Behavior Is Positively Associated with Well-Being in Three Global Multi-Regional Stanford WELL for Life Cohorts

Rich

Chrisinger

Kaimal

et al. 2022

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, the complicated relationship between meditation, sleep, and improved performance remains unclear and warrants further investigation. In another review, Thibodeaux and Rossano [19] examined the impact of meditation on immune function. Meditation appears to affect positively on natural killer cell activity and proportions, B-lymphocyte numbers, and telomerase activity while keeping CD8+ T-cell numbers in check during times of high stress.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Landscape of Current Meditation Research: An Overview to the Special Issue on “Health Benefits of Meditation”

Ooi¹,

Pak²

2019

obm icm

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Virtual Reality Therapy in Palliative Care: A Case Series

Seiler

Schettle²,

Amann³

et al. 2022

J Palliat Care

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Objectives Virtual reality (VR) opens a variety of therapeutic options to improve symptom burden in patients with advanced disease. Until to date, only few studies have evaluated the use of VR therapy in the context of palliative care. This case series aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of VR therapy in a population of palliative care patients. Methods In this single-site case series, we report on six palliative care patients undergoing VR therapy. The VR therapy consisted of a one-time session ranging between 20 to 60 minutes depending on the patient's needs and the content chosen for the VR sessions. A semi-structured survey was conducted and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and the Distress Thermometer were performed pre- and post-intervention. Results Overall, VR therapy was well accepted by all patients. Five out of six patients reported having appreciated VR therapy. There were individual differences of perceived effects using VR therapy. The semi-structured survey revealed that some patients felt a temporary detachment from their body and that patients were able to experience the VR session as a break from omnipresent worries and the hospital environment (“I completely forgot where I am”). There was a considerable reduction in the total ESAS score post-treatment (T0 ESASTot = 27.2; T1 ESASTot = 18.8) and a slightly reduction in distress (T0 DTTot = 4.4; T1 DTTot = 3.8). However, two patients were more tired after the intervention. Significance of Results: Our preliminary results demonstrate that VR therapy is acceptable, feasible and safe for use within a palliative care population and appears to be a viable treatment option. Clinical trials are both warranted and necessary to confirm any therapeutic effects of VR therapy, as is the need to tailor VR systems better for use in palliative care settings.

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Meditation and Immune Function: The Impact of Stress Management on the Immune System

Cited by 5 publications

References 82 publications

Contemplative Practices Behavior Is Positively Associated with Well-Being in Three Global Multi-Regional Stanford WELL for Life Cohorts

Contemplative Practices Behavior Is Positively Associated with Well-Being in Three Global Multi-Regional Stanford WELL for Life Cohorts

The Landscape of Current Meditation Research: An Overview to the Special Issue on “Health Benefits of Meditation”

Virtual Reality Therapy in Palliative Care: A Case Series

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