Scientific Zen Program

Harnessing the Biology of Rejuvenation through a Japanese-Inspired Protocol

The Japan Longevity Consortium has pioneered a preliminary observational study to evaluate whether a traditional lifestyle-inspired intervention could reverse biological aging. Using advanced second-generation epigenetic clocks, we assessed lifespan modulation in prostate cancer survivors aged 66–76 following radical therapy. Participants underwent a 2-day program that combined a Japanese whole-food diet, mild fasting (up to 600 kcal/day), and yoga.

The results demonstrated a statistically significant rejuvenation effect on GrimAgeV2-based epigenetic age rejuvenation. Notably, individuals showing stronger activation of nutrient-sensing genes (such as SIRT1 and ribosomal genes) exhibited a greater age-reversal response, emphasizing the mechanistic role of these genes in the program's efficacy.

In a parallel study, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) improved heart rate variability (HRV), enhanced autonomic nervous system regulation, and reduced PhenoAge-based epigenetic age by more than 2 years.

Fig. 1: Effects of 2-day program on GrimAgeV2 acceleration

Fig. 2: SIRT1 gene expression change

Fig. 3: Enrichment analysis of 105 up-regulated genes

Fig. 4: Effects of TEAS on PhenoAge acceleration

Fig. 5: Effects of TEAS on HRV

Proposed Clinical Trial

An 8-Week Scientific Zen Intervention Study

We are now initiating an 8-week intervention trial with a pre-post design. This clinical study will explore the impact of the full Scientific Zen protocol on biological age and functional health in men and women aged 50–80. The core elements include:

  • Japanese whole-food diet + intermittent mild fasting

  • Yoga and breathing exercises

  • Resistance training

  • Cognitive stimulation

  • Targeted nutritional supplementation

  • Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS)

  • Far-infrared therapy

Primary endpoints

Muscle
Strength

Cognitive
Performance

Immune
Markers

Secondary endpoints

Change in epigenetic
age acceleration

Timeline