Mindfulness Meditation and Evidence of Brain Changes: A Review of the Literature
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Authors
Dexter, Candice
Oropall, Donna
Issue Date
2015-03-27
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Meditation , Meditation therapy , Brain
Alternative Title
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation is a practice that can develop greater awareness of the mind and body. It has been used to treat stress, anxiety, chronic pain (12) and depression. Current studies shed light on research findings associated with the effects of mindfulness meditation on the brain. This literature review will reveal evidence of neuroplasticity through functional imaging, such as the fMRI. Likewise, evidence of emotional regulation involving amygdala activation has been in presented in some studies (4,2). Additionally, increased gray matter density in the brain stem has been documented after meditation therapy (MT) using magnetic resonance imaging(9). Researchers have additionally uncovered significant improvements in immune system function among meditators (10).