Research reveals benefits of vacation over meditation for bursting stress

ESEARCHERS have been using a rigorous study design to assess the biological impact of meditation as compared to going on a vacation.

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Examining the effect of meditation on gene expression patterns in both novice and regular meditators, they found that a resort vacation provides a strong and immediate impact on molecular networks associated with stress and immune pathways, in addition to shortterm improvements in well-being, as measured by feelings of vitality and distress.

A meditation retreat for those who already used meditation reg: ularly, was associated with molecular networks characterized by antiviral activity.

The molecular signature of long-term meditators was distinct from the non-meditating vacationers.

The study involved 94 healthy women, aged 30-60. Sixty-four women were reeruited who were not regular meditators.

Participants stayed at the same resort. in California for six days, and randomized so that half were simply on vacation while the other half joined a meditation training program for Well Being.

The meditation program included training in mantra meditation, yoga, and self reflection exercises.