Build Your Immune System With The Practice Of Mindfulness

We all know stress is immunosuppressive. Research from Harvard recently shows the evidence meditation has on our immune function. Due to its ability to reduce stress, these profound effects increase our overall health and decrease disease.

How Does Mindfulness Reduce Stress ?

The definition of equanimity is staying even-tempered, especially in a difficult situation. Focused attention is the ability to keep the mind’s attention on something and reduce the tendency towards ruminative thinking that can activate stress pathways in the brain. Mindfulness according to an article written by David R Vago enhances the vagal tone, which in turn suppresses the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway(line 9). Also reducing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity in response to stressful emotions. Reducing cortisol and other downstream stress-related processes.

The evidence for meditation's effects on the immune system supports protection and recovery modal. The cartoon illustrates below being caught in a rainstorm, at first without a raincoat or towel. The raincoat is preventive and the towel being palliative. In a torrent of stress mindfulness is both a raincoat and a towel. Additional studies taken from an 8-week mindfulness course showed results for the prefrontal cortex activating, increased antibody productivity, and enhanced immune response after receiving a flu vaccine.