Dr. Herbert Benson (often considered the founder of mindbody medicine) was particularly interested in the link between mindbody practices and gene expression. Research from him and his team at Harvard demonstrated that a host of mindbody practices could bring people to an altered state physiological called the “relaxation response”.

This is a state where there is a marked reduction in oxygen consumption, because the body is in a state of deep rest and needs less energy. Benson et al found that over a period of about 8weeks where someone was regularly entering this state, expression of genes involved in inflammation reduced, while those that enhanced energy production were upregulated. Various practices of yoga are believed to support one’s transition into the physiological state of the relaxation response.

Watch the full video to understand gene expression.

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