Researchers at Harvard University, Boston, found thousands of differences in gene expression between people who regularly practised the techniques for several years and those who had not.
The study, published two weeks ago in an international science journal, found more than 2200 genes were expressed differently in individuals who had regularly practised relaxation techniques.
The researchers hypothesised that for those people practising the techniques, gene expression altered in ways that served to counteract the negative impact of stress.
Dr Horwath, who works in the university's nutrition department, yesterday said earlier research had shown the relaxation techniques developed by Harvard Medical School 20 years ago had a positive impact on reducing blood pressure, heart rate, headaches, anxiety and the effects of stress.
Until now, no-one knew how this happened.
"This research shows using the techniques enables the body to kind of reprogramme itself."
She first became interested in the techniques while on sabbatical leave in the US 10 years ago and studied them at Harvard.
Recently, her own research showed overweight Dunedin women doing 10 weeks of training in relaxation techniques experienced substantial long-term improvements in medical symptoms, stress, anxiety and depression.
For the past two years she has taught the technique privately.
Dr Horwath will give a free talk on the techniques and research findings at noon today, in the Heart Foundation building, 97 Frederick St, Dunedin.
