March 27, 2012

Control of Involuntary Responses of the Immune System Through Meditation?

Endotoxin Structure
     Did you ever think it was possible to have control over the involuntary responses of the nervous and immune systems?  It is clear to see that the immune protects us from viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances. But, if the systems are active too much, damage can be caused to organs and tissues. Autonomic responses play a huge role in the immune and nervous systems. Autonomic responses are difficult to influence, if they can be influenced.
     "Iceman" Wim Hof, who is well known for the several activities he has accomplished in low temperatures, believes that it is possible to control his immune response through concentration and meditation. Professor Peter Pickkers administered endotoxin, a component of bacteria that the immune system will react to as it gives "flu-like" symptoms, to Hof while he was meditating to see if his immune system would react. Hof's immune response was decreased by 50% compared to other healthy volunteers. Also, Hof barely showed any "flu-like" symptoms. Because these results have only been collected from one subject, several other people will have to be tested in order to confirm that this is possible.

2 comments:

vas said...

wow this is very interesting and informative! I definitely learned something new.

Fariha said...

Huh, that's sounds pretty cool. I don't think it would work for everyone though.