What is the Evidence and Possible Mechanisms of How Meditation Can Change Our Biology to Prevent or Reverse Serious Disease in the Individual & In Those Who Receive Intentional Meditation From Others.
Description
What is the Evidence and Possible Mechanisms of How Meditation Can Change Our Biology to Prevent or Reverse Serious Disease in the Individual and In Those Who Receive Intentional Meditation From Others…
Hemal H. Patel, PhDProfessor & Vice-Chair for Development and AdvancementDirector, UCSD Cardiac/Neuro Protection Laboratories VA Research Career Scientist, VA San Diego Healthcare SystemDepartment of Anesthesiology, University of California, San DiegoBiomedical Sciences Building, Mail Code 0629, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92093-0629. e-mail: hepatel@ucsd.edu (08/13/25)
Meditation-induced bloodborne factors as an adjuvant treatment to COVID-19 disease. Brain Behav Immun Health. 2023 Aug 7;32:10 0675. PDF
Key Findings…
* Length of meditation practice may influence susceptibility and management of COVID-19.
* Blood plasma from mediators can limit viral infection in cultured lung cells.
* Meditation elevates SERPINA5, a major player in coagulation and the immune response.
* Regular meditation practice can improve well-being by modulation of biological processes.
“Multidimensional Analysis of Twin Sets During an Intensive Week-Long Meditation Retreat: A Pilot Study,” Mindfulness (N Y). 2025;16(6):1634-1655. PDF
Key Findings…
* Meditation may increase a family of proteins called “plasmalogens” that act as antioxidants – which protect us from a number of chronic diseases and have an anti-aging effect.
* Meditation may increase tryptophan metabolism. This leads to the production of serotonin – a vital mood regulator; and melatonin – a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
* Meditation may elevate proteins in the blood that lead to tissue repair and regeneration.
(Otter.Ai Generated Summary of Partial Transcript)
Initial Research Findings and Personal Experiences
Dr. Patel shares his initial skepticism and eventual participation in meditation events, which led to significant personal and professional insights.
He describes the unique research environment at meditation events, where participants are controlled for various factors, making it easier to study biological changes.
Dr. Patel highlights the dramatic biochemical shifts observed in novice meditators compared to experienced meditators and controls.
He discusses the potential for meditation to impact a wide range of diseases, drawing parallels to the development of pharmaceutical drugs for specific diseases.
Biological Measurements and Data Collection
Dr. Patel explains the comprehensive data collection at meditation events, including wearable devices, blood samples, saliva, and stress markers.
He describes the use of video diaries to capture participants' facial expressions and speech, which can be analyzed for changes in biology.
Dr. Patel discusses the goal of providing biofeedback to participants, allowing them to monitor their meditation practices and health.
He highlights the unexpected prevalence of mental health and other diseases among meditation event participants, suggesting a broader impact of meditation on health.
Meditation and Biological Changes
Dr. Patel elaborates on the biological changes observed in meditation participants, including shifts in the microbiome, heart rate variability, and brainwave patterns.
He describes the concept of the "human collectome," encompassing all measurable biological factors in an individual.
Dr. Patel discusses the potential for meditation to create a synergistic effect when combined with Western medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer.
He shares his personal approach to health, emphasizing the importance of combining various therapies and maintaining an open mind.
Covid-19 Study and Meditation
Dr. Patel explains the study on meditation-induced factors as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19, which was conducted using pseudo viruses to simulate the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
He describes the survey data showing that avid meditators had less severe COVID-19 symptoms and faster recovery times.
Dr. Patel details the laboratory experiments showing that plasma from meditators inhibited the virus from entering cells, suggesting a protective effect.
He identifies serpin A5 as a key protein elevated in meditators, which may contribute to this protective effect.
Twin Study and Socialization Dynamics
Dr. Patel discusses the twin study, which explored the socialization and connectedness of identical and fraternal twins during a week-long meditation retreat.
He describes the methodology, including separating twins at specific times during the retreat to measure their individual and collective changes.
Dr. Patel highlights the significant biological divergence observed in twins during the retreat, followed by a convergence at the end.
He speculates on the potential for socialization and connectedness to influence biological changes, beyond genetic factors.
Future Research and Conclusion
Dr. Patel mentions ongoing studies on the effects of meditation on aging, involving pairs of individuals with a 30-year age difference.
He discusses the potential for meditation to improve healthy aging and the importance of multi-generational interactions.
Dr. Patel touches on the concept of distant healing, where groups focus on individuals remotely, and the preliminary data showing significant biological changes.
He concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms behind meditation's health benefits.
* Practice, Persistence and Patience - My Favorite. The first story of transformation that “jumped out” at me before my cancer and then the first one “sent” to me after my cancer diagnosis. A physician cures herself of a rare, life threatening sarcoma after chemo, radiation and alternative therapies had been tried.
* ”Source” the Documentary - The Science behind the practice. Highly recommended.
* Proof - Stories of Transformation (listen to a few stories of transformation from serious health problems)
* Stories of Transformation - YouTube Channel
* Research: The Science Behind Mind/Body Healing and Meditation
* Dr. Joe Dispenza’s Book: Becoming Supernatural
Falun Dafa – Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance Brief Introduction to Falun Dafa Books & Recent Writings of Mr. Li HongzhiVideo & Audio MaterialsTake an Online Class
Kirk Hamilton PA-CHealth Associates Medical Group3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3Sacramento, CA 95825(916) 489-4400 (w)krhammer@surewest.net<a href="https://substack.com/redirect/1da661ff-1141-4213-8e5c-9e9afbfe14cc?j=eyJ1IjoiMWZobXA5In0.xtPrv36k8WOFWwTDAeZWBuyinhhTY3_n7YOw9sj-kNQ
United States
