Difference between revisions of "Brain activity and meditation"
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | <nomobile>{{DisplayImages|2847|379|492|1631|1998|1064|284|3958 | + | <nomobile>{{DisplayImages|2847|379|492|1631|1998|1064|284|3958}}</nomobile> |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Line 14: | Line 18: | ||
− | Electroencephalography ({{Wiki|EEG}}) has been used in many studies as a primary method for evaluating the [[meditating]] {{Wiki|brain}}. Electroencephalography uses electrical leads placed all over the scalp to measure the collective electrical [[activity]] of the [[cerebral cortex]]. Specifically, {{Wiki|EEG}} measures the electric fields of large groups of {{Wiki|neurons}}. {{Wiki|EEG}} has the [[benefit]] of {{Wiki|excellent}} {{Wiki|temporal}} resolution and is able to measure [[aggregate]] [[activity]] of portions or the entire cortex down to the millisecond scale. Unlike other [[imaging]] based methods, {{Wiki|EEG}} does not have good spatial resolution and is more appropriately used to evaluate the running spontaneous [[activity]] of the cortex. This spontaneous [[activity]] is classified into four main classifications based on the frequency of the [[activity]], ranging from low frequency delta waves (< 4 Hz) commonly found during sleep to beta waves (13–30 Hz) associated with an awake and alert brain. In between these two extremes are theta waves (4–8 Hz) and alpha waves (8–12 Hz). | + | Electroencephalography ({{Wiki|EEG}}) has been used in many studies as a primary method for evaluating the [[meditating]] {{Wiki|brain}}. Electroencephalography uses electrical leads placed all over the scalp to measure the collective electrical [[activity]] of the [[cerebral cortex]]. Specifically, {{Wiki|EEG}} measures the electric fields of large groups of {{Wiki|neurons}}. {{Wiki|EEG}} has the [[benefit]] of {{Wiki|excellent}} {{Wiki|temporal}} resolution and is able to measure [[aggregate]] [[activity]] of portions or the entire cortex down to the millisecond scale. Unlike other [[imaging]] based [[methods]], {{Wiki|EEG}} does not have good spatial resolution and is more appropriately used to evaluate the running spontaneous [[activity]] of the cortex. This spontaneous [[activity]] is classified into four main classifications based on the frequency of the [[activity]], ranging from low frequency delta waves (< 4 Hz) commonly found during sleep to beta waves (13–30 Hz) associated with an awake and alert brain. In between these two extremes are theta waves (4–8 Hz) and alpha waves (8–12 Hz). |
− | Many studies on mindfulness meditation, assessed in a review by Cahn and Polich in 2006, have linked lower frequency alpha and theta waves to meditation. Much older studies report more specific findings, such as decreased alpha blocking and increased frontal lobe specific theta activity. Alpha blocking is a phenomenon where the active brain, normally presenting beta wave activity, cannot as easily switch to alpha wave activity often involved in memory recall. These findings would suggest that in a meditative state a person is more relaxed but maintains a sharp awareness. | + | Many studies on [[mindfulness meditation]], assessed in a review by Cahn and Polich in 2006, have linked lower frequency alpha and theta waves to meditation. Much older studies report more specific findings, such as decreased alpha blocking and increased frontal lobe specific theta activity. Alpha blocking is a phenomenon where the active brain, normally presenting beta wave activity, cannot as easily switch to alpha wave activity often involved in memory recall. These findings would suggest that in a meditative state a person is more relaxed but maintains a sharp awareness. |
Neuroimaging | Neuroimaging | ||
Line 25: | Line 29: | ||
− | As a relatively new technology, fMRI has only recently been used to assess brain state changes during meditation. Recent studies have shown heightened activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, frontal cortex, and prefrontal cortex, specifically in the dorsal medial prefrontal area during Vipassana meditation. Similarly, the cingulate cortex and frontal cortex areas were shown to have increased activity during Zen meditation. Both studies comment on the possibility that these findings could indicate some state of heightened voluntary control over attention during mindfulness meditation. | + | As a relatively new technology, fMRI has only recently been used to assess brain state changes during meditation. Recent studies have shown heightened activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, frontal cortex, and prefrontal cortex, specifically in the dorsal medial prefrontal area during Vipassana meditation. Similarly, the cingulate cortex and frontal cortex areas were shown to have increased activity during Zen meditation. Both studies comment on the possibility that these findings could indicate some state of heightened voluntary control over attention during [[mindfulness meditation]]. |
Study on meditation and emotion | Study on meditation and emotion | ||
Line 47: | Line 51: | ||
− | Brain activity in the amygdala, cingulate, and frontal cortex areas seems to suggest that meditation has an impact on mood and emotion as previously discussed. Clinical studies have attempted to deploy this effect to treat emotional disorders and several studies have showed significant success in using mindfulness meditation to treat depression. These studies demonstrated that meditation was statistically effective at combating depression as well as preventing it. Another similar study cited success in reducing depression relapse, especially in patients that have relapsed three or more times. | + | Brain activity in the amygdala, cingulate, and frontal cortex areas seems to suggest that meditation has an impact on mood and emotion as previously discussed. Clinical studies have attempted to deploy this effect to treat emotional disorders and several studies have showed significant success in using [[mindfulness meditation]] to treat depression. These studies demonstrated that meditation was statistically effective at combating depression as well as preventing it. Another similar study cited success in reducing depression relapse, especially in patients that have relapsed three or more times. |
Line 53: | Line 57: | ||
<poem> | <poem> | ||
Ahir, D.C. (1999). [[Vipassana]] : A [[Universal]] [[Buddhist Meditation]] Technique. {{Wiki|New Delhi}}: [[Sri Satguru Publications]]. | Ahir, D.C. (1999). [[Vipassana]] : A [[Universal]] [[Buddhist Meditation]] Technique. {{Wiki|New Delhi}}: [[Sri Satguru Publications]]. | ||
− | [[Kabat-Zinn]], Jon (1998). Wherever You Go, There You Are : [[Mindfulness | + | [[Kabat-Zinn]], Jon (1998). Wherever You Go, There You Are : [[Mindfulness Meditation]] in Everyday [[Life]]. [[New York]]: Hyperion. |
Cahn BR, Polich J (2006). "[[Meditation]] states and traits : {{Wiki|EEG}}, ERP, and {{Wiki|neuroimaging}} studies". [[Psychological]] Bulletin 132 (2): 180–211. | Cahn BR, Polich J (2006). "[[Meditation]] states and traits : {{Wiki|EEG}}, ERP, and {{Wiki|neuroimaging}} studies". [[Psychological]] Bulletin 132 (2): 180–211. | ||
Kasamatsu KH, [[Hirai]] T (1966). "An {{Wiki|electroencephalographic}} study on the [[zen]] [[meditation]] ([[Zazen]])". Folia Psychiatrica et Neurologica Japonica 20: 315–336. | Kasamatsu KH, [[Hirai]] T (1966). "An {{Wiki|electroencephalographic}} study on the [[zen]] [[meditation]] ([[Zazen]])". Folia Psychiatrica et Neurologica Japonica 20: 315–336. | ||
− | Chiesa A, Serretti, A (2010). "A systematic review of neurobiological and clinical features of [[mindfulness | + | Chiesa A, Serretti, A (2010). "A systematic review of neurobiological and clinical features of [[mindfulness meditations]]". [[Psychological]] [[Medicine]] 40 (8): 1239–1252. |
Holzel BK, Ott U, Hempel H, Hackl A, {{Wiki|Wolf}} K, Stark R, Vaitl D (2007). "Differential engagement of {{Wiki|anterior cingulate}} and adjacent medial frontal cortex in {{Wiki|adept}} [[meditators]] and non-meditators". {{Wiki|Neuroscience}} Letters 421: 16–21. | Holzel BK, Ott U, Hempel H, Hackl A, {{Wiki|Wolf}} K, Stark R, Vaitl D (2007). "Differential engagement of {{Wiki|anterior cingulate}} and adjacent medial frontal cortex in {{Wiki|adept}} [[meditators]] and non-meditators". {{Wiki|Neuroscience}} Letters 421: 16–21. | ||
Stigsby B, Rodenberg JC, Moth HB (1981). "Electroencephalographic findings during [[mantra meditation]] ([[transcendental meditation]]). A controlled, quantitative study of [[experienced]] [[meditators]]". Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology 51: 434–442. | Stigsby B, Rodenberg JC, Moth HB (1981). "Electroencephalographic findings during [[mantra meditation]] ([[transcendental meditation]]). A controlled, quantitative study of [[experienced]] [[meditators]]". Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology 51: 434–442. | ||
Line 66: | Line 70: | ||
Jha AP, Krompinger J, Baime MJ (2007). "[[Mindfulness]] {{Wiki|training}} modifies subsystems of [[attention]]". [[Cognitive]], Affective and {{Wiki|Behavioral}} {{Wiki|Neuroscience}} 7: 109–119. | Jha AP, Krompinger J, Baime MJ (2007). "[[Mindfulness]] {{Wiki|training}} modifies subsystems of [[attention]]". [[Cognitive]], Affective and {{Wiki|Behavioral}} {{Wiki|Neuroscience}} 7: 109–119. | ||
Chambers R, Lo BCY, Allen NB (2008). "The impact of intensive [[mindfulness]] {{Wiki|training}} on attentional control, [[Wikipedia:cognition|cognitive]] style and affect". [[Cognitive]] Therapy and Research 32: 303–322. | Chambers R, Lo BCY, Allen NB (2008). "The impact of intensive [[mindfulness]] {{Wiki|training}} on attentional control, [[Wikipedia:cognition|cognitive]] style and affect". [[Cognitive]] Therapy and Research 32: 303–322. | ||
− | Ma SH, Teasdale JD (2004). "Mindfulness-based [[Wikipedia:cognition|cognitive]] therapy for {{Wiki|depression}}: Replication and exploration of differential relapse prevention effects". Journal of Consulting and Clinical {{Wiki|Psychology}} 72: 31–40. | + | Ma SH, Teasdale JD (2004). "[[Mindfulness]]-based [[Wikipedia:cognition|cognitive]] therapy for {{Wiki|depression}}: Replication and exploration of differential relapse prevention effects". Journal of Consulting and Clinical {{Wiki|Psychology}} 72: 31–40. |
− | Segal, Z. V. (2002). Mindfulness-based [[Wikipedia:cognition|cognitive]] therapy for {{Wiki|depression}}: A new approach to preventing relapse. [[New York]]: Guilford Press. | + | Segal, Z. V. (2002). [[Mindfulness]]-based [[Wikipedia:cognition|cognitive]] therapy for {{Wiki|depression}}: A new approach to preventing relapse. [[New York]]: Guilford Press. |
− | Teasdale JD, Segal ZV, [[Williams]] JMG, Ridgeway VA, Soulsby JM, Lau MA (2000). "Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major {{Wiki|depression}} by mindfulness-based [[Wikipedia:cognition|cognitive]] therapy". Journal of Consulting and Clinical {{Wiki|Psychology}} 68: 615–623. | + | Teasdale JD, Segal ZV, [[Williams]] JMG, Ridgeway VA, Soulsby JM, Lau MA (2000). "Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major {{Wiki|depression}} by [[mindfulness]]-based [[Wikipedia:cognition|cognitive]] therapy". Journal of Consulting and Clinical {{Wiki|Psychology}} 68: 615–623. |
Young, SN (2011). "Biologic effects of [[mindfulness meditation]]: growing [[insights]] into neurobiologic aspects of the prevention of {{Wiki|depression}}". Journal of [[Psychiatry]] and {{Wiki|Neuroscience}} 36 (2): 75–77. | Young, SN (2011). "Biologic effects of [[mindfulness meditation]]: growing [[insights]] into neurobiologic aspects of the prevention of {{Wiki|depression}}". Journal of [[Psychiatry]] and {{Wiki|Neuroscience}} 36 (2): 75–77. | ||
Hanson, Rick (2009). [[Buddha’s]] {{Wiki|Brain}}: The Practical {{Wiki|Neuroscience}} of [[Happiness]], [[Love]], and [[Wisdom]]. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publication, INC. | Hanson, Rick (2009). [[Buddha’s]] {{Wiki|Brain}}: The Practical {{Wiki|Neuroscience}} of [[Happiness]], [[Love]], and [[Wisdom]]. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publication, INC. |
Latest revision as of 19:32, 29 December 2023
Meditation and its effect on the central nervous system has become a focus of collaborative research in neuroscience, psychology and neurobiology during the latter 20th century. Research on meditation sought to define and characterize various practices. Meditation’s effect on the brain can be broken up into two categories: state changes and trait changes, respectively alterations in brain activities during the act of meditating and changes that are the outcome of long-term practice.
Mindfulness meditation is frequently studied, a Buddhist meditation approach found in Zen and Theravada/Vipassana. Jon Kabat-Zinn describes mindfulness meditation as a complete, unbiased attention to the current moment.
Electroencephalography
Electroencephalography (EEG) has been used in many studies as a primary method for evaluating the meditating brain. Electroencephalography uses electrical leads placed all over the scalp to measure the collective electrical activity of the cerebral cortex. Specifically, EEG measures the electric fields of large groups of neurons. EEG has the benefit of excellent temporal resolution and is able to measure aggregate activity of portions or the entire cortex down to the millisecond scale. Unlike other imaging based methods, EEG does not have good spatial resolution and is more appropriately used to evaluate the running spontaneous activity of the cortex. This spontaneous activity is classified into four main classifications based on the frequency of the activity, ranging from low frequency delta waves (< 4 Hz) commonly found during sleep to beta waves (13–30 Hz) associated with an awake and alert brain. In between these two extremes are theta waves (4–8 Hz) and alpha waves (8–12 Hz).
Many studies on mindfulness meditation, assessed in a review by Cahn and Polich in 2006, have linked lower frequency alpha and theta waves to meditation. Much older studies report more specific findings, such as decreased alpha blocking and increased frontal lobe specific theta activity. Alpha blocking is a phenomenon where the active brain, normally presenting beta wave activity, cannot as easily switch to alpha wave activity often involved in memory recall. These findings would suggest that in a meditative state a person is more relaxed but maintains a sharp awareness. Neuroimaging
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is another highly utilized methodology for studying state changes in meditating brains. fMRI detects subtle increases in blood flow to areas of the brain with higher metabolic activity. Thus these areas of increased metabolic activity indicate which regions of the brain are currently being used to process whatever stimuli presented. Counter to EEG, the advantage of fMRI is its spatial resolution, with the ability to produce detailed spatial maps of brain activity.
Topographical findings
As a relatively new technology, fMRI has only recently been used to assess brain state changes during meditation. Recent studies have shown heightened activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, frontal cortex, and prefrontal cortex, specifically in the dorsal medial prefrontal area during Vipassana meditation. Similarly, the cingulate cortex and frontal cortex areas were shown to have increased activity during Zen meditation. Both studies comment on the possibility that these findings could indicate some state of heightened voluntary control over attention during mindfulness meditation.
Study on meditation and emotion
The review by Cahn also notes findings describing a heightened emotional state of meditators. A more complex study, conducted in 2008 by Lutz et al., focused on emotional response during meditation. This investigation involved the creation of a “compassion meditation” state by novice and experienced meditators and testing the meditators response to emotionally charged sounds. fMRI results indicated heightened activity in the cingulate cortex but also in the amygdala, temporo-parietal junction, and right posterior superior temporal sulcus in response to the emotional sounds. The authors of this study believe this indicates greater sensitivity to emotional expression and positive emotion due to the neural circuitry activated. Changes in brain due to prolonged practice of meditation
Electroencephalography
Similar to research into state changes in brain function, older studies make more specific claims about trait changes in meditators versus non-meditators. Changes to the alpha wave were indicated to be a trait, as well as state, phenomena. Studies have reported an increase in the specific frequencies expressed in the alpha range, increased alpha band power, and an overall slowing (reduction in frequency) in EEG activity in experienced meditators versus less experienced meditators while meditating. The alpha blocking phenomena, observed as a state change in brain function, was investigated as a possible trait change as well. One study that examined a variety of meditation techniques tried to show that alpha blocking was affected by the long term practice of meditation by testing response to auditory stimuli.
Neuroimaging
Brain trait changes have also been observed in neuroimaging studies, most often employing fMRI. A long-term increase in activity was discovered in the prefrontal cortex, the right anterior insula, and right hippocampus, suggesting a heightened ability to control attention and awareness. The review by Chiesa attribute these findings to the direct attention to and awareness of bodily sensations. One neuroimaging study also found some evidence for protection against the natural reduction in grey matter volume with aging, which could suggest a better attentiveness in aging meditators versus non-meditators.
Mood
Brain activity in the amygdala, cingulate, and frontal cortex areas seems to suggest that meditation has an impact on mood and emotion as previously discussed. Clinical studies have attempted to deploy this effect to treat emotional disorders and several studies have showed significant success in using mindfulness meditation to treat depression. These studies demonstrated that meditation was statistically effective at combating depression as well as preventing it. Another similar study cited success in reducing depression relapse, especially in patients that have relapsed three or more times.
References
Ahir, D.C. (1999). Vipassana : A Universal Buddhist Meditation Technique. New Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications.
Kabat-Zinn, Jon (1998). Wherever You Go, There You Are : Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. New York: Hyperion.
Cahn BR, Polich J (2006). "Meditation states and traits : EEG, ERP, and neuroimaging studies". Psychological Bulletin 132 (2): 180–211.
Kasamatsu KH, Hirai T (1966). "An electroencephalographic study on the zen meditation (Zazen)". Folia Psychiatrica et Neurologica Japonica 20: 315–336.
Chiesa A, Serretti, A (2010). "A systematic review of neurobiological and clinical features of mindfulness meditations". Psychological Medicine 40 (8): 1239–1252.
Holzel BK, Ott U, Hempel H, Hackl A, Wolf K, Stark R, Vaitl D (2007). "Differential engagement of anterior cingulate and adjacent medial frontal cortex in adept meditators and non-meditators". Neuroscience Letters 421: 16–21.
Stigsby B, Rodenberg JC, Moth HB (1981). "Electroencephalographic findings during mantra meditation (transcendental meditation). A controlled, quantitative study of experienced meditators". Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology 51: 434–442.
Becker DE, Shapiro D (1981). "Physiological responses to clicks during Zen, yoga, and TM meditation". Psychophysiology 18: 694–699.
Andersen J (2000). "Meditation meets behavioural medicine: The story of experimental research on meditation". Journal of Consciousness Studies 7: 17–73.
Holzel BK, Ott U, Gard T, Hempel H, Weygandt M, Morgen K, Vaitl D (2008). "Investigation of mindfulness meditation practitioners with voxel-based morphometry". Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience 3 (1): 55–61.
Lazar SW, Kerr CE, Wasserman RH, Gray JR, Greve DN, Treadway MT, McGarvey M, Quinn BT, Dusek JA, Benson H, Rauch SL, Moore CI, Fischl B (2005). "Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness". NeuroReport 16 (17): 1893–1897.
Pagnoni G, Cekic M (2007). "Age effects on gray matter volume and attentional performance in Zen meditation". Neurobiology of Aging 28 (10): 1623–1627.
Jha AP, Krompinger J, Baime MJ (2007). "Mindfulness training modifies subsystems of attention". Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience 7: 109–119.
Chambers R, Lo BCY, Allen NB (2008). "The impact of intensive mindfulness training on attentional control, cognitive style and affect". Cognitive Therapy and Research 32: 303–322.
Ma SH, Teasdale JD (2004). "Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: Replication and exploration of differential relapse prevention effects". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 72: 31–40.
Segal, Z. V. (2002). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: A new approach to preventing relapse. New York: Guilford Press.
Teasdale JD, Segal ZV, Williams JMG, Ridgeway VA, Soulsby JM, Lau MA (2000). "Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 68: 615–623.
Young, SN (2011). "Biologic effects of mindfulness meditation: growing insights into neurobiologic aspects of the prevention of depression". Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience 36 (2): 75–77.
Hanson, Rick (2009). Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publication, INC.
Source
http://www.dhammawiki.com/index.php?title=Brain_activity_and_meditation