Yes, meditation is a great way to relax. Also, it improves our focus and productivity, and can even make us more resilient. If you meditate on a consistent basis, you have likely experienced how it can improve your overall well-being.

Now we also know that regular meditation improves our immune system. Recent research, stemming from the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza, has scientifically proven this.

Who is Dr. Joe Dispenza?

Some of you may know that I follow the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza. My journey with his books and online meditations started years ago when I first watched the documentary “What the Bleep Do We Know.” In that movie, Dr. Joe described how he practically willed himself back into health through meditative and visualization practices, supported by proper nutrition and supplementation, after a severe spinal injury when doctors had predicted he would never walk again.

In his extensively researched work, he delves into neuroscience, epigenetics, metathinking, and the incredible power of our minds. One of his most representative books is “You Are the Placebo”. It is filled with intriguing cases from the past and current research that will change your perspective on your own mind.

The Research and Its Implications

A few weeks ago, Dr. Joe published a blog post describing the results of research that came out of his long-time work, alongside other scientists and researchers. This research addresses the effects of meditation on our immune system. It has been accepted for publication in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity-Health, titled “Meditation-induced bloodborne factors as an adjuvant* treatment to COVID-19 disease.”

• Adjuvant – A substance that enhances the body’s immune response to an antigent

Here is the link to the paper.

The study reveals that meditation elevates levels of the protein SERPINA5 in the blood, enhancing the body’s immune response against COVID-19.

Understanding SERPINA5

My layman’s research of this highly specialized term resulted in the following summary of SERPINA5. I hope it correctly relays the main characteristics (relevant to this study) of this protein. Also known as Protein C Inhibitor (PCI), it is a glycoprotein crucial in regulating the immune system and various physiological processes. It plays a role in :

1. Coagulation and Anti-Coagulation: SERPINA5 is a serine protease inhibitor that acts as an anticoagulant.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Activity: SERPINA5 has anti-inflammatory properties and can help modulate the immune response. By inhibiting certain proteases involved in inflammation, it contributes to reducing inflammation and promoting immune system homeostasis.
3. Modulation of Immune Response: SERPINA5 has been implicated in the regulation of immune responses. It can influence immune cell behavior and function, impacting processes such as cell migration, adhesion, and tissue invasion. This suggests its role in modulating immune reactions to maintain a balanced immune system.
4. Cellular Protection: SERPINA5 can protect cells from apoptosis (programmed cell death) induced by inflammatory and cytotoxic stimuli. This cellular protection can contribute to maintaining tissue integrity and overall immune system health.

Note:

What is important to note here is that SERPINA5 is not only found to inhibit COVID-19 but is also being studied for its potential impacts on cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, digestive disorders, and immune regulation. 

What Does It Mean?

If you prefer a summarized version, here are the main takeaways from the scientific paper:

• Meditation can enhance the body’s immune response in fighting COVID-19 by increasing the levels of a protein called SERPINA5 in the blood.
• The more experienced and frequent the meditation practice, the greater the protection against the virus.
• Meditation has potential implications for various conditions and diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and immune regulation.

So here we go. Now, I specifically checked what was considered a “more experienced meditator” in the study. To be honest I was expecting someone with years and years of meditative practice. But no, those were the subjects with only 6 months of consistent practice.

Don’t you find this amazing and encouraging? In only 6 months such profound results can be achieved with proper consistency. If this doesn’t make you at least give meditation a try, I don’t know what will, because this clearly shows the profound impact that consistent meditation can have in a relatively short time.

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