Relaxation and meditation linked to longer lifespan
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Relaxation and meditation linked to longer lifespan
Meditation not only helps people relax and achieve better life balance, but can also have a positive impact on longevity, according to researchers at the Universities of California, Davis and San Francisco.
Their paper, which will appear in the journal Psychoneuroendrocrinology, reports that optimal mental, emotional and physical well-being – which are some significant benefits of Dahn Yoga – is linked to the increased activity of telomerase in the body. This enzyme is responsible for rebuilding and lengthening telomeres, sequences of DNA that get shorter as a person ages.
"This work is among the first to show a relation between positive psychological change and telomerase activity," lead author Tonya Jacobs explained. "Because the finding is new, it should serve to inspire future studies to replicate and extend what we have found."
According to the researchers, study participants who engaged in meditation reported many positive effects. These included a greater feeling of control over their lives and surroundings, increased mindfulness and a sense of renewed purpose.
A regimen such as Dahn Yoga benefits anyone of any age by helping them be at peace and find greater life balance.
