Mindfulness Practice for Mitochondrial DNA

Overseen By Peter Hudoba De Badyn, MD, FRCS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Sha Research Foundation

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Cancer, Genetic illnesses, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 12 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a daily mindfulness practice using Tao Calligraphy can improve mitochondrial DNA, crucial for energy production in cells. Participants will engage in this mindfulness routine for at least 30 minutes daily over a year. The trial is open to individuals who are generally healthy or have non-genetic illnesses, provided they can commit to the daily practice and data collection. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research in mindfulness and cellular health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on mindfulness practice, so you may not need to change your medication routine, but it's best to confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this mindfulness practice is safe?

Research shows that mindfulness practices, such as Tao Calligraphy, are generally safe and manageable for most people. Studies on similar mindfulness activities have not reported any serious side effects. This practice includes meditation and art, which are gentle and non-invasive. Participants often report feeling relaxed and calm afterward. Although specific safety data for this trial is not available, mindfulness practices are known to be safe for most individuals. If there are any concerns, consulting a healthcare provider before joining a trial is advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Mindfulness Practice with Tao Art, including Calligraphy and Song Greatest Love, because it offers a unique approach to influencing mitochondrial DNA, unlike traditional treatments. Most existing treatments for mitochondrial health are focused on pharmacological interventions or lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. However, this practice combines mindfulness with artistic expression, potentially enhancing well-being on a cellular level through stress reduction and emotional balance. This holistic method could pave the way for a new category of non-invasive treatments aimed at improving mitochondrial function.

What evidence suggests that this mindfulness practice is effective for improving mitochondrial DNA?

Research has shown that mindfulness activities, such as Tao Calligraphy, might positively affect mitochondrial DNA, the tiny parts of cells that help produce energy. These activities involve interacting with art to lower stress and boost overall health. Early results suggest these techniques might enhance cellular energy production. Although specific data on Tao Calligraphy is limited, similar mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve cell health. This trial will investigate whether these benefits also increase mitochondrial DNA over time through the practice of Mindfulness with Tao Art, which participants will engage in for 12 months. ^{2 3 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Peter Hudoba De Badyn, MD, FRCS

Principal Investigator

Sha Research Foundation

Cynthia Hamilton, PhD

Principal Investigator

Sha Research Foundation

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults interested in exploring how Tao Calligraphy Mindfulness, which involves calligraphy and song, might affect their mitochondrial DNA and quality of life. Participants must commit to daily 30-minute practice sessions and be willing to have their blood tested regularly over a year.

Inclusion Criteria

Willingness to allow their data to be used for research purposes and published as deemed fit by Sha Research Foundation while conforming to all applicable privacy laws

Willingness and ability to comply with data collection requirements

Submission of required documentation before entering the study, including informed consent and consent to release of information

Exclusion Criteria

Not meeting any of the inclusion criteria

Pregnant or nursing. Participants who become pregnant during the study will be required to end their participation to avoid any potential negative effect of the study on the fetus

No exclusion criteria related to national origin, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, physical disability, sexual orientation, religion, or spiritual practices

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants practice Mindfulness with Tao Calligraphy for at least 30 minutes daily

12 months

Blood samples and questionnaires at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in mitochondrial DNA content and quality of life

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mindfulness practice with Tao Art (Calligraphy and Song Greatest Love)

Trial Overview

Researchers are testing if practicing Tao Calligraphy Mindfulness can significantly improve the content of mitochondrial DNA in white blood cells. They'll check this by comparing participants' mitochondrial DNA at the start with after 3, 6, and 12 months of practice.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: The Practice Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Practice group will start practices at baseline time-point and will stop practices after 12 months at 12-months time-point. The participants in Practice group will practice Mindfulness practice with Calligraphy at least 30 minutes daily for 12 months. All participants in Practice group will have the blood drawn for Mitochondrial DNA content analysis and complete the SF-36 questionnaire upon entry into the study - Baseline time-point; at 3-months time-point, at six-months time point and at twelve-months time point.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Sha Research Foundation

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2

Recruited

60+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07261111?term=NA

Effect of Subtle Energy Transmission and Tao Calligraphy ...

The goal of this study is to measure the effects of a unique form of Tao Calligraphy mindfulness practice that involves engaging with Tao art ( ...

2.

cdn.clinicaltrials.gov

cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/11/NCT07261111/Prot_SAP_000.pdf

Effect of Subtle Energy Transmission and Tao Calligraphy ...

It focuses on the effects of transmission of subtle energy (blessing) and meditation on improving the Mitochondrial. DNA content in peripheral blood leucocytes.

3.

trialx.com

trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/295615/the-effects-of-mindfulness-practice-with-tao-art-love-peace-harmony-calligraphy-and-song-on-well-being/

The Effects of Mindfulness Practice With Tao Art (Love ...

The goal of this study is to measure the positive effects of a unique form of mindfulness practice that involves engaging with Tao art (tracing ...

4.

cdn.clinicaltrials.gov

cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/41/NCT06803641/Prot_SAP_000.pdf

The Effects of Mindfulness Practice with Tao Art (“Love ...

The goal of this study is to measure the positive effects of a unique form of mindfulness practice that involves engaging with Tao art ...

5.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35757176/

Effect of intensive weekend mindfulness-based ...

Effect of intensive weekend mindfulness-based intervention on BDNF, mitochondria function, and anxiety. A randomized, crossover clinical trial.

6.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07261111

Effect of Subtle Energy Transmission and Tao Calligraphy ...

The goal of this study is to measure the effects of a unique form of Tao Calligraphy mindfulness practice that involves engaging with Tao art ( ...

7.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-telomere-length-5-2023-80ecf

Mindfulness Practice for Telomere Length

This trial explores whether a mindfulness practice involving Tao Calligraphy and a Subtle Energy Transmission can lengthen telomeres (protective caps on ...