Tomorrow is the International Yoga Daywhich is celebrated on June 21 and in these days an interesting news comes from the world of research: yoga and meditation can slow down – and even reverse – brain aging. This is what emerges from a study published in the magazine MindfulnessSS and made by a team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centerboth affiliated toHarvard University.
The investigation examined people who had participated in the Samyama Sadhanaan intensive retreat of eight days focused on meditation and yogic practices. Use EEG technologies during sleepscientists measured the so -called cerebral agecomparing it with the chronological age of the participants.
The result was surprising: On average, the brain of the meditators was 5.9 years younger. A figure that suggests potentially important neuroprotective effects, also in a preventive perspective for cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
What changes in the brain of those who meditate
Improvement of brain age is not the only benefit observed. The authors of the study also found an increase in the Deep sleep qualitya fundamental aspect for neural regeneration and the consolidation of memory.
In addition, the participants in the program showed:
All signs of a more active, reactive and healthy brain.
The measurements were carried out through the Brain Age Index (Bai)a parameter that allows you to estimate the state of “functional aging” of the brain, using the electrical activity recorded during sleep. Bai is considered a reliable biomarker For cognitive decline and general neurological health.
The Dr. Balachundhar Subramaniamone of the senior authors of research, underlined how the data collected offer “concrete tests that deep meditative practices can have an objective impact on brain health”.
Although the authors recommend further insights on larger and more different populations, this study opens the way to a more serious dialogue between western medicine and contemplative practices, to understand if, and to what extent, meditation can become an instrument of neurological prevention.
Other effects observed: immunity and metabolism
The same program Samyama had already been the subject of previous research, which they had highlighted an improvement in the immune response, reduction of systemic inflammation And benefits on metabolism. Also in that case, the results suggested a positive influence of structured yogic practices on overall well -being.
In this study, however, the focus focused exclusively on verifiable neurological data – In particular during sleep, a phase in which the brain regenerates and reorganizes.
