Acem Meditation

Our blood contains several types of white blood cells that protect us under stress or infection. Normally, these cells increase when the body is under pressure—like a defense mode. Interestingly, recreational runners who practiced Acem Meditation daily had lower baseline levels of certain white blood cells compared to similar runners who did not meditate. Yet, after a tough half-marathon, their white blood cell count increased normally—just like non-meditators. This suggests that meditation may lower the body’s baseline stress, while keeping its defense response fully intact. Research references Solberg EE, Halvorsen R, Holen A. Effect of meditation on immune cells. Stress Medicine. 2000;16:185-90.