Meditation, yoga, a vegetarian diet and massages are good for your health, according to a study released Friday by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.
In a novel controlled clinical trial, participants in a six-day Ayurvedic-based well-being program experienced measurable decreases in a set of blood-based metabolites associated with inflammation, cardiovascular disease risk and cholesterol regulation.
The findings were published in today’s issue of “Scientific Reports.”
The study represents a rare attempt to use metabolic biomarkers to assess the reported health benefits of integrative medicine and holistic practices, according to Dr. Deepak Chopra, senior author of the study, which included researchers from multiple institutions. Chopra is a clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health at UCSD School of Medicine and a noted proponent of integrative medicine.
“It appears that a one-week panchakarma program can significantly alter the metabolic profile of the person undergoing it,” Chopra said. The Chopra Foundation provided funding for the study.
The study was co-authored by Paul J. Mills, PhD, a professor of family medicine and public health and director of the Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, both at UCSD School of Medicine.
Mills noted that alternative and integrative medicine practices, such as meditation and Ayurveda, are extremely popular, but their effects on the human microbiome, genome and physiology are not fully understood.
“Our program of research is dedicated to addressing these gaps in the literature,” Mills said.
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