The Relaxation Effect

A great post from our friends at Wild Divine that we want to pass on:

Achieving perfect health by simply relaxing seems a little bit too easy. Even so, according to cutting-edge scientific research from researchers at Harvard Medical School, deep relaxation has a remarkable effect on a wide variety of medical conditions. This research illustrates that in long-term practitioners of relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, far more "disease-fighting genes" were found present and active in comparison to individuals who practiced no relaxation or stress-relief techniques.

Researchers found particular genes that protect from certain disorders and ailments "switched on," due to what they call "the relaxation effect," a phenomenon that is beginning to cause medical professionals to believe this relaxation effect is just as effective and powerful as any medical drug. The upside to natural relaxation techniques in comparison to medical drugs is that risks of negative side effects some of these drugs can cause are eliminated.

Dr. Herbert Benson, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School explains how the research is so critical because it signifies how a person's state of mind influences their body on a physical and even genetic level. Jake Toby, hypnotherapist at London's BodyMind Medicine Centre explains relaxation as an action the body takes when the "parasympathetic nervous system switches on and is linked to better digestion, memory, and immunity."

With scientific research proving that relaxation techniques can boost immunity, improve fertility, lessen irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, lower blood pressure, and prevent inflammation that is linked to heart disease, arthritis, and asthma as well as some skin conditions, it is no wonder that people who value their health or who have become frustrated with traditional medicine are looking deeper into finding ways to relax naturally and reduce their stress on a daily basis.

At Wild Divine we find scientific research shedding light on the benefits of relaxation, stress relief, and meditation especially interesting, because this kind of research and knowledge helps in our mission of guiding the way to healthier and happier lives. Regardless of whether you have a high stress job, a hectic household, suffer from anxiety, or are simply concerned with preventing future health issues, we hope you find this article just as useful and interesting as we do!