Can MBSR strengthen the immune system?

The MBSR meditation program can reduce stress, strengthen the emotional well-being. That it can also have positive effects on the immune system, has demonstrated an American study.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is one of the best evaluated through studies meditation programs at all. That it can provide lasting relaxation and promote the mental balance, there is no doubt. Again and again, studies have pointed out that MBSR may have a positive impact on physical health – though with not quite as clear results.

To investigate the effects of MBSR on our immune system, Temple University in Philadelphia cancer researcher organized group from 24 subjects, each of them took a part in eight-week MBSR program. Participants completed a questionnaire at baseline and two weeks after about their mental constitution and blood test sample. As expected, significant improvements in anxious symptoms and stress could be detected after participating in the meditation program.

Less inflammation activities after MBSR.

Buy meditation not only on the psyche had a positive effect. The blood samples had an increase in the activity of killer cells, which corresponds about a strengthening of the immune system. At the same time was find less of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. CRP is a very sensitive laboratory test for abnormal changes in the body that is particularly elevated in inflammation.

However, knowing only the patients who reported an improvement in their mental well-being through meditation, also has enhanced killer cell activity and reduced levels of CRP. This is not surprising because the link between mental constitution and immune defense is already well known. However the results clearly show that strengthening of the psychological well-being through the Meditation program MBSR can improve the immune status and thus promote the physical health.