The Intersection of Neuroscience and Meditation

Recent studies have found that mindfulness meditation training lasting as little as 27 minutes a day for eight weeks can result in brain structure changes. These measurable changes in brain regions are associated with memory, sense of self, empathy, and stress. These cognitive and psychological benefits involved the thickening of the cerebral cortex in areas associated with attention and emotional integrations.

In addition, participants of these studies reported reductions in stress, which were correlated to decreased grey-matter density in the amygdala, which is known to play a fundamental role in anxiety and stress. Therefore, this and related research shows us that we can play an active role in changing our brains, and increasing our well-being and quality of life.

The primary goal of the practice of meditation is to alter the baseline state of experience and to eliminate the distinction between the meditative and post-meditative states. The goal typically involves cultivating an increased awareness of a more subtle baseline during which the sense of an "autobiographical or narrative self is de-emphasized."

Extended training has been said to reduce egocentric traits and alter the emotional baseline. Aims also include experiencing the present in the sense of "nowness," and affects in regards to the "attentional baseline" by reducing distractions or daydream-like thoughts. Therefore, meditative practices are typically designed to cultivate specific features or qualities of experience in which endure through time, and are relatively independent of consistent changes in somatosensory or external stimuli/events.


The neurobiology of consciousness and cognitive, affective, and social neuroscience, have become well-accepted areas of research in the neurosciences over the past two decades. Such acceptance has lead to the legitimacy of research in regards to mediation. In regards to Transcendental Meditation, the standard EEG correlate is an increase in alpha rhythm amplitude and frequency followed by a slowing in frequency by 1-3 Hz and a spreading of this pattern into the frontal channels.

Concerning Attention Meditation, a similar EEG signature has been found, where an increase in alpha activity, mostly over the central and frontal electrodes, happens immediately after meditation begins. In Objectless Meditation, long-term practitioners have been found to self-induce sustained EEG high-amplitude gamma-band oscillations and phase synchrony during meditation.

Health Benefits of Meditation ---

The term meditation is widely utilized, but it is typically utilized in a highly vague manner, whereby rendering its descriptive authority inadequate. This inadequacy stems from its general usage as a reference to various practices and methods.

The diversity of meditation can reach back through time to African ritualistic tribal dance, Tibetan tantric practices, etc. The generic utilization of meditation, or applying such a diversity of practices to the term, ultimately results in the trivialization of the practices themselves.

However, while diverse in approach, many traditions have independently developed techniques that in the end, appear to lead to similar and measurable results.

Similarities include claims in regards to the ultimate fundamental meaning or nature of the state of consciousness attained, the metaphysical phenomenological descriptions, and the effects of meditative practices on the brain and body.

Mental Health - Implementing a simple meditative practice into your life for as little as 15 minutes a day can assist individuals in controlling stress, decreasing anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, and achieve a more profound capacity for relaxation.

Mental health also increases our likelihood to make positive behavioral decisions, where psychological issues can conversely result in poor behavioral decisions and actions that can contribute to various types of medical conditions.

These poor behavioral decisions and actions can include smoking, excessive alcohol or drug usage, poor eating habits, various types of reckless behavior, and can all result in severe physiological issues and a need for medical services and treatment.

Physical Health - Meditation has been found though scientific studies to be accompanied by a host of biochemical and physiological alterations in the body of which can alter and benefit your metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and brain activity. Characteristic responses also include decreased cortisol, which is a type of hormone associated with stress.

(Adapted from the A Quantum Approach Textbook Series - by Dr. Theresa M. Kelly.) Copyright 2011 - Dr. Theresa M. Kelly - All Rights reserved - www.QPsychics.com