An extensive study out of Harvard Medical School has proven that deep relaxation improves and sort of "wakes up" our disease fighting genes. The effect was said to be so significant, so strong, that it parallels medical drugs - yet without unwanted side effects.

Researchers noted their findings of the study, yet weren't satisfied to stop there. These inquisitive scientists took their study even further by putting the control group on a relaxation program as well...

"After two months, their bodies began to change – the genes that help fight inflammation, kill diseased cells and protect the body from cancer, all began to switch on."

More encouraging still, the benefits of the relaxation effect were found to increase with regular practice – the more people practised relaxation methods such as meditation or deep breathing, the greater their chances of remaining free of arthritis and joint pain with stronger immunity, healthier hormone levels and lower blood pressure. ..

...On a biological level, stress is linked to fight-flight and danger," explains Dr Jane Flemming, a London-based GP. "In survival mode, heart rate rises and blood pressure shoots up. Meanwhile muscles, preparing for danger, contract and tighten. And non-essential functions such as immunity and digestion go by the wayside."

Relaxation, on the other hand, is a state of rest, enjoyment and physical renewal. Free of danger, muscles can relax and food can be digested. The heart can slow and blood circulation flows freely to the body's tissues, feeding it with nutrients and oxygen. This restful state is good for fertility, as the body is able to conserve the resources it needs to generate new life.

While relaxation techniques can be very different, their biological effects are essentially similar. "When you relax, the parasympathetic nervous system switches on and that is linked to better digestion, memory and immunity, among other things," explains Jake Toby. "So as long as you relax deeply, you'll reap a variety of rewards."

The notable benefits of deep relaxation are improved immunity, fertility, and blood pressure, while lesseneing the effects of irritable bowel syndrome, pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation.

So what are you waiting for? Take a deep breathe, smile, relax and exhale slowly. Now, schedule yourself for a yoga class today.

Thanks, The Independent