For the past few years, some research studies have appeared to suggest that regular practice of mind-body based practices such as yoga, Tai Chi and meditation may be able to alter gene expression over a period of time. These practices may be able to influence the up-regulation of protective genes and simultaneous down-regulation of genes involved in inflammatory response. A systematic review published in the journal Frontiers of Immunology* in 2017 tends to support this notion. The paper suggested, “that these practices are associated with a down-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B pathway; this is the opposite of the effects of chronic stress on gene expression and suggests that MBI practices may lead to a reduced risk of inflammation-related diseases.”
*Buric, et al. (2017). What is the Molecular Signature of Mind–Body interventions? A Systematic Review of Gene expression Changes induced by Meditation and Related Practices. Frontiers of Immunology, 8, 670.