Those who practice yoga are adamant that it reduces stress; those of don’t practice yoga and the scientists of our world have, up until now, been cautious in their beliefs that yoga reduces stress. This about to change, not just because this latest study carried out by UCLA demonstrated positive results, but because researchers now know why.
The latest study demonstrated that by using a specific type of yoga and doing a simple yet brief meditation every day reduced the levels of stress for those who care for people that are suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Previous studies have suggested that the type of yoga known as chanting yogic meditation for 12 minutes a day, for a period of 8 weeks, resulted in a decrease in the biological mechanisms that are responsible for a rise in our immune system’s response to inflammation, which if not controlled can lead to chronic health difficulties.
UCLA’s study, led by Dr Helen Lavretsky, worked with 45 family dementia carers and found that 68 genes, following Kirtan Kriya Meditation (KKM), responded differently and resulted in a decrease in inflammation. It is known that the older the carer, the higher the level of stress and depressive symptoms, plus a decrease in energy, life satisfaction and general wellbeing. These carers also have increased levels of inflammation biological markers. Current US figures show that there are a minimum of 5 million carers that are suffering from dementia.
Dr Lavretsky said, “We know that chronic stress places caregivers at a higher risk for developing depression. On average, the incidence and prevalence of clinical depression in family dementia caregivers approaches 50%. Caregivers are also twice as likely to report high levels of emotional stress.”
Previous research has indicated that psychosocial interventions, such as medication, can have a positive effect and reduce the adverse symptoms of being a carer, as well as the stress on mental and physical health. But to date, the reason why these interventions work has been unclear. The participants in this latest study were separate into two random groups. One group practised daily 12 minute yogic practice meditation, including KKM (Kirtan Kriya Meditation) for a period of 8 weeks. The other group relaxed for 12 minutes a day with eyes closed and listening to instrumental, relaxation music, for a period of 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken from the participants both before the trial began and at the end of 8 weeks.
Lavretsky concluded, “The goal of the study was to determine if meditation might alter the activity of inflammatory and antiviral proteins that shape immune cell gene expression. Our analysis showed a reduced activity of those proteins linked directly to increased inflammation.” She added, “Caregivers often don’t have the time or energy to take part in traditional forms of stress relief, so being able to practice a form of yogic meditation for just 12 minutes a day, which is easy to learn, is a very useful tool.”
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