Meditation and Immune Function

Meditation and Immune Function refers to the body of research on how contemplative practices modulate immune system parameters.

Summary

Research spans innate and adaptive immunity, including natural killer cell activity, cytokine profiles, antibody response to vaccination, and inflammatory biomarkers.

Key Findings

Meditation practice is associated with reduced pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6, CRP, NF-kB) and enhanced cell-mediated immunity. Mindfulness-based interventions show improved antibody response to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Long-term practitioners demonstrate lower markers of immune senescence.

Methodology

Studies range from randomized controlled trials of 8-week MBSR programs to cross-sectional comparisons of long-term meditators. Immune measures include flow cytometry, ELISA for cytokines, and antibody titers post-vaccination.

Limitations

Heterogeneity in meditation types, dosing, and outcome measures makes cross-study comparison difficult. Most trials are short-term with small samples.

Verification Notes

• Reviews by Black & Slavich (2016) and subsequent meta-analyses inform these findings.
• Audited through 2020s literature.