Benefits of Meditation
Here is a selection of recent studies showing a variety of benefits from meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, which I also teach.
A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the latest in an emerging field of research examining how meditation relates to the brain. It shows that people who are experienced meditators show less activity in the brain's default mode network, when the brain is not engaged in focused thought. The default mode network is associated with introspection and mind wandering. Typically, drifting thoughts tend to focus on negative subjects, creating more stress and anxiety. It has also been linked to attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
"How Meditating May Help your Brain," CNN, 21 November 2011.
A new study from Yale University suggests that the brains of experienced meditators may actually work differently than brains of those who don't meditate. The study gives scientists a window into the meditating mind, providing evidence that the practice appears to change the way the brain works and could give meditators a leg up when it comes to dealing with mental disorders.
"Brain Imaging Illuminates Neuro Basis of Meditation," Carrie Ganna, ABC News, Medical Unit, 22 November 2011.
Participants in an 8-week mindfulness (MBSR) course showed beneficial changes in brain structure from an average of half an hour of meditation a day. Areas of the cortex connected with learning and memory, self-awareness, compassion and introspection thickened and cortical areas linked to stress and anxiety thinned.
"Mindfulness Meditation Training Changes Brain Structure in Eight Weeks," Science Daily, 21 January 2011.
Meditation was more effective than pain-relieving drugs and even morphine in reducing pain—researchers found a 40 percent reduction in pain intensity and a 57 percent reduction in the perceived unpleasantness of pain through meditation compared to a 25 percent reduction typical for morphine and pain-relieving drugs.
"Demystifying meditation—brain imaging illustrates how meditation reduces pain." (Research published in Journal of Neuroscience, 6 April 2011).
Meditation helped lower blood pressure in 40 of 60 patients in a Massachusetts study—researchers found that meditation increases the formation of nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to open up. This in turn lowers blood pressure.
"To Lower Blood Pressure, Open Up And Say ‘Om.’ Allison Aubrey, NPR, 21 August 2008.
Meditation slows the progression of HIV, according to a UCLA study. Stress accelerates the decline of CD4 T cells that protect the immune system. Meditation prevented the decline of these cells and slowed the progression of HIV.
"Mindfulness Meditation Slows Progression Of HIV, Study Suggests." Science Daily, 27 July 2008.
Meditation Events
Awakening Joy and Inner Peace Meditation Retreat
Costa Rica
April 14-21, 2012
Brahma Viharas Course
6 Monday evenings
Starts February 27, 2012
Meditation News
January 9, 2012 - Hugh on WPFW's "To Heal DC" with host Joni Eisenberg (mp3)
Brain Imaging Illuminates Neuro Basis of Meditation, November 22, 2011