Breathing to younger skin: 'reversing the molecular mechanism of skin aging with yoga'

Analogy between classical Yoga/Zen breathing and modern clinical respiratory therapy

Anesthesiologists and intensivists are modern-day professionals who provide appropriate respiratory care, vital for patient survival. Recently, anesthesiologists have increasingly focused their attention on the type of spontaneous breathing made by non-intubated patients with pulmonary disease cared for in an intensive care unit, and also patients with chronic pain receiving cognitive behavioral therapy. Prior to our modern understanding of respiratory physiology, Zen meditators recognized that breathing has a significant impact on a person’s mental state and general physical well-being. Examples of this knowledge regarding respiration include the beneficial effects of deep inhalation and slow exhalation on anxiety and general wellness. The classical literature has noted many suggestions for breathing and its psycho-physical effects. In the present review, we examine the effect of classical breathing methods and find an analogy between typical Yoga/Zen breathing and modern clinical respiratory therapy. Evidence is increasing about historical breathing and related meditation techniques that may be effective in modern clinical practice, especially in the field of anesthesiology, such as in improving respiratory function and reducing chronic pain. Clarification of the detailed mechanisms involved is anticipated.

The effect of living a 'yogic lifestyle' on stress response and self-image in healthcare professionals: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Healthcare staff in modern metropolitan settings face higher rates of burnout characterized by emotional stress and difficulty coping with not only building work pressure but also balancing personal life stress. The aim of this pilot study was to see the impact of a yogic lifestyle, incorporating diet, exercise and mindfulness activities based on tantra yoga.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Fifteen participants were recruited and completed three or more of the interventions.

RESULTS

The 4-week pilot study showed increased self-compassion and decreased stress among the participants.

Skin microbiome & host immunity: applications in regenerative cosmetics & transdermal drug delivery

Recent advances in our understanding of the function of the skin and its microbiome have shown that there is a strong symbiotic relationship between the microbiota of the skin and its host immune functions. The dysbiosis or imbalance of the microbiome and other factors that have an influence on the surface microbiota can influence keratinocyte regulation and homeostasis as well as the skin barrier function. In this perspective paper, we review the evidence that connects the skin's microbiome and the barrier function of the epidermis and explore the future potential for applying this unique dialogue in developing innovative cosmetics and transdermal drugs for wellbeing and beauty.

The microbiome on the skin has a unique dialogue with the host through the host immune system. This dialogue makes the basis of several host immune responses and help shape the host immunity. In this article, we explore this microbiome and host interaction, and see how this can influence our understanding of skin barrier function, and future applications toward transdermal delivery of topicals.