Does meditation make sense?

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In the present era, a majority of individuals are experiencing chronic stress, which is both unavoidable and detrimental. In search of methods to decrease stress, gain energy, and strength, people are increasingly turning to meditation. The question remains, does the practice of meditation have any impact on human health, and is it worthwhile at all?

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What function does meditation fulfill?

Meditation is a relaxation technique that aims to train and cleanse the mind. The first mention of meditation dates back to ancient times when this practice was an integral part of religious beliefs and traditions. In contemporary times, meditation is employed to cleanse the mind and alleviate a wide range of health issues such as hypertension, depression, and anxiety. Through meditation, negative emotions can be eliminated, stress levels can be decreased, and the body can be brought into a state of calm.

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Meditation and its effects on health

To comprehend the way meditation may impact human health, it is necessary to understand telomeres and how these chromosomal components function. Telomeres, which are integral parts of chromosomes, are responsible for safeguarding genetic information. Over time, human DNA becomes increasingly susceptible to damage due to telomeres shortening as a result of numerous cell divisions. Long telomeres signify a young age and a decreased susceptibility to civilizational diseases and age-related diseases. Short telomeres, however, indicate advanced age. Research has demonstrated that meditation can influence the lengthening of telomeres, leading to prolonged life and protection against civilizational diseases (Q. Q. A. Conklin et al. 2018).

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Physical exertions and aging processes

Frequent physical exertions can have a beneficial impact on telomere length and reduce the risk of civilizational diseases linked with aging, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, or chronic stress. Research has shown that high levels of physical activity can affect the maintenance of longer telomeres in both athletes and amateur athletes. This association is of particular importance in older adults (N. C. Arsenis et al., 2017; L. Figlioni, S. Paillard-Borg, B. Winblad, 2004). Long-term yoga practice, which includes both physical and mental training, appears to be a good solution. In one study, the impact of yoga on telomere length was investigated. The participants were yoga practitioners aged 30-40 years with at least two years of practice. Individuals with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other systemic diseases were excluded. The control group consisted of healthy individuals who did not engage in any sports activities and only performed daily activities. The study showed that the telomeres of individuals who regularly practiced yoga were longer than those of individuals who did not exercise. Therefore, it can be inferred that long-term yoga practice can delay the aging process of cells (B. Hari Krishna et al., 2015).

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Summary

Meditation has been practiced since ancient times. Its regular practice can bring many positive effects to mental and physical health. It enhances life quality and reduces the risk of civilization diseases. It is also an effective tool in combating stress. A properly balanced diet, especially one based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet, combined with regular physical exercise can also help counteract the shortening of telomeres, which has an impact on life extension. Yoga, in particular, is worth noting, which combines meditation practice with physical activity.

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