Fran Spelgatti

Researchers at the Harvard Medical School have found that deep relaxation seems to switch off 'disease causing' genes, while switching on genes that actively protect us from disorders such as high blood pressure to pain to infertility and even rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers attribute these changes to a phenomenon they call the ‘Relaxation Effect.’ The researchers compared the genetic profile of individuals who were long-term practitioners of relaxation methods such as yoga and meditation to a control group of individuals who were not relaxation practitioners.

In the words of Dr Herbert Benson, who led the research group at the Harvard Medical School, “We found a range of disease fighting genes that were active in the relaxation practitioners but not active in the control group.” Interestingly, in as little as two months after the control group began meditating, their genetic profile changed to resemble those of the relaxation practitioners.

Meditation is a term coined to encompass a variety of practices that help you focus your attention and control your thoughts.  Meditation is not just a way for us to get in touch with ourselves and calm a busy mind. It appears that meditation, by improving our spiritual and mental health, is also responsible for our physical and genetic health.

At Positive Changes we use the Gemini Light and Sound machine to help facilitate the meditate state for our clients. The Gemini is an effective device for presenting the client with a relaxing and meditative experience. The Gemini, channels precise frequencies of light and sound, electric impulses, and pulsed magnetic fields through the headset and the glasses into the brain, with the intention of creating accelerated learning, heightened creativity, and meditative states at the touch of a button.  Also, the stimulation from the lights and sound cause the brain to release or step up production of the brain chemicals associated with pleasure, mood and memory.

So, motivate yourself this holiday season and throughout the year to use your Gemini Light & Sound Machine on a daily basis. For those who don’t have a Gemini yet, check with your local Positive Changes Center and see when they will be on sale this month.

 References:
1. http://www.youramazingbrain.org.uk/brainchanges/stressbrain.htm
2. http://www.meditationcommunity.com/benefits.html
3. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-2191.html
4. Mind and Body by Priya D. Lal. Published by Gyan Books, 2002
5. http://www.newsweek.com/id/141984?from=rss