Commentary
Rima Dada, Shiv Basant Kuma
Abstract
Yoga and meditation (encompassing physical postures, breathing practices, relaxation techniques and meditation) is known to modulate neural, endocrine and immune functions at the cellular level through influencing cell cycle control, aging, oxidative stress (OS), apoptosis and several pathways of stress signalling. Individuals with high level of oxidative stress are in great need of safe, inexpensive, non-pharmacologic, accessible, and effective adjunctive therapies to enhance well-being, reduce the burden of such stress and prevent its chronic sequelae. OS is the aetiology in several complex lifestyle diseases (coronary artery disease, hypertension, primary open angle glaucoma, idiopathic male infertility) and autoimmune disorders. Seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage may be the common underlying cause for infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortions, congenital malformations and complex neuropsychiatric disorders in children and in certain childhood cancers. Thus management by antioxidants and simple life style modifications and interventions like meditation and yoga are highly efficacious in management of oxidative stress and its sequelae.