Brain waves and meditation

Date: March 31, 2010

Source: The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Summary: We all know that meditation helps relax people, but what exactly happens in the brain during meditation? A new study suggests that nondirective meditation yields more marked changes in electrical brain wave activity associated with wakeful, relaxed attention than just resting without any specific mental technique.

Meditate regularly for an improved attention span in old age

Extensive study finds that regular meditation sessions can have a long-lasting effect on a person’s attention span and other cognitive abilities

Date:March 28, 2018

Source: Springer

Summary: Regular and intensive meditation sessions over the course of a lifetime could help a person remain attentive and focused well into old age. This is according to the most extensive longitudinal study to date examining a group of meditation practitioners. The research evaluates the benefits that people gained after three months of full-time meditation training and whether these benefits are maintained seven years later.

Mental training changes brain structure and reduces social stress

Date: October 4, 2017

Source: Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences

Summary: Meditation can have positive effects on our health and well-being. However, it has been unclear which mental practice has which effect, and what the underlying processes are. Researchers have discovered that different pieces of training affect either our attention or our social competencies and modify different brain networks. One mental technique was able to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. These results may influence the adaptation of mental training in clinics and education.

What is mindfulness-based meditation and why should i try it?

Date: June 19, 2017

Source: Valley Health System

Summary: It seems like we are hearing more and more about mindfulness-based meditation and the role it plays in stress reduction. But what exactly is mindfulness-based meditation and why is the practice getting so much attention?

Systems biology research study reveals benefits of vacation, meditation

Date: August 30, 2016

Source: Mount Sinai Health System

Summary: Scientists used a rigorous study design to assess the biological impact of meditation compared to vacation. The researchers found that a resort vacation provides a strong and immediate impact on molecular networks associated with stress and immune pathways, in addition to short-term improvements in well-being, as measured by feelings of vitality and distress. A meditation retreat, for those who already used meditation regularly, was associated with molecular networks characterized by antiviral activity. The molecular signature of long-term meditators was distinct from the non-meditating vacationers