Toward a Unified Field of Study: Longevity, Regeneration, and Protection of Health through Meditation and Related Practices

Abstract

The orientation of this volume and the Longevity and Optimal Health: Integrating Eastern and Western Perspectives conference is that there is abundant evidence in the scientific and medical literatures that the diligent practice of certain yoga-meditational regimens can lead to a spectrum of health enhancements, ranging from modest to profound, and that these can be investigated in a scientifically rigorous fashion. This overview will summarize these possibilities regarding improved human longevity, regeneration, and protection of health and serve to introduce the perspectives of conference participants from all of the traditions represented.

Telomere length correlates with subtelomeric DNA methylation in long-term mindfulness practitioners

“…This could be accounted for, at least in part, the fact that meditation significantly reduces stress and the biological correlates of stress on the human body 58,59 . Consistent with this idea, meditation has also been associated with longevity 60,61 . Anyhow, this is an exploratory study and the underlying molecular changes still need further investigation.…”

Meditation and Yoga Practices as Potential Adjunctive Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19: A Brief Overview of Key Subjects

“…[64][65][66] Furthermore, according to a small but relevant body of research, certain meditation and yoga practices bring another set of key neuroendocrine factors into the picture, in particular melatonin, which in addition to its systemic health-promoting properties has beneficial effects on mood, affect, emotion, and mental state and functioning. 26,27,67,68 Studies provide insight into the epigenetic and microbiome pathways of complementary practices relevant to inflammatory processes. 24,[64][65][66]69 Meditation and Yoga May Potentially Enhance the Activity of Melatonin, One of the Most Beneficial Pleiotropic Natural Substances Known…”

“…25 With this in mind, in 2009, one of the authors (W.B. ), with the collaboration of Neil Theise MD (then of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine), began to review the scattered and disparately emerging body of research on the inflammatory cytokine-based pathogenesis of many virulent infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, other) and ''cytokine storms,'' 26 following the pioneering work of Clark et al 27 and others. This was connected with research into the potential anti-inflammatory, antistress, and anti-infectious properties of meditation and yoga practices, thereby beginning the development of a scientific model in behavioral health.…”

“…This was connected with research into the potential anti-inflammatory, antistress, and anti-infectious properties of meditation and yoga practices, thereby beginning the development of a scientific model in behavioral health. 26,28 This developing scholarly territory needs to be fully explored with scientific rigor and open minds due to both its inherent value and the urgency of the present situation. 29,30…”

Medicina moderna: rumo à prevenção, à cura, ao bem-estar e à longevidade

“…Pesquisas sobre meditação como um complemento à medicina moderna merecem atenção especial. Algumas frentes promissoras sobre longevidade e saúde por meio da meditação yogue estão em curso (Bushell, 2009), bem como sobre meditação em geral (Bushell e Thiese, 2009); práticas meditativas para a saúde (Ospina et al, 2007), e seus experimentos clínicos (Ospina et al, 2008); sudarshan kriya (técnica de respiração) em situações de estresse, ansiedade e depressão (Brown e Gerbarg, 2009); meditação transcendental e longevidade (Alexander et al, 1989); meditação e retardamento do envelhecimento (Epel et al, 2009); atenção plena (mindfulness) e sofrimento (Jain et al, 2007); e atenção plena e bem-estar (Shapiro et al, 2008). A espiritualidade e estudos científicos sobre o tema requerem igualmente exame minucioso.…”