Meditating Brain: The Science of Meditation
November 26th 2007 09:43
Category: Meditation
Meditation may have been practiced for centuries but it is only now that scientists have managed to develop tools to see how it can effect the mind.
In a recent article in Times of India a study was published stating the effects of meditation on different parts of the meditating brain.
Primarily meditation has the beneficial effects on the following parts of the brain.
Frontal Lobe - This is the most evolved part of the brain responsible for reasoning, planning, emotions and self-conscious awareness. During meditation the frontal lobe tends to go off-line.
Parietal Lobe in the brain processes sensory information about the surrounding world orienting the person in time and space. During meditation activity slows down on this part.
Thalamus funnels sensory data deeper into the brain. During meditation the flow of other information is reduced.
Reticular formation acts as a sentry to the brain. This structure receives incoming stimuli and puts the brain on alert and ready to respond. Meditation dials back the arousal signal.
Scientifically it has also been proven that those meditating for the first time will register a decrease in beta waves a symptom that cortex is not processing information as actively as usual. After their first session the brain shows a decrease in beta-wave activity.
Per these effects, meditation provides the following benefits to human brain:
1. Greater orderliness of the brain functions
2. Improved ability to focus
3. Increased creativity
4. Increased productivity
5. Increased level of relaxation
6. Decrease in stress harmones
Image from dkimages.com
In a recent article in Times of India a study was published stating the effects of meditation on different parts of the meditating brain.
Frontal Lobe - This is the most evolved part of the brain responsible for reasoning, planning, emotions and self-conscious awareness. During meditation the frontal lobe tends to go off-line.
Parietal Lobe in the brain processes sensory information about the surrounding world orienting the person in time and space. During meditation activity slows down on this part.
Thalamus funnels sensory data deeper into the brain. During meditation the flow of other information is reduced.
Reticular formation acts as a sentry to the brain. This structure receives incoming stimuli and puts the brain on alert and ready to respond. Meditation dials back the arousal signal.
Scientifically it has also been proven that those meditating for the first time will register a decrease in beta waves a symptom that cortex is not processing information as actively as usual. After their first session the brain shows a decrease in beta-wave activity.
1. Greater orderliness of the brain functions
2. Improved ability to focus
3. Increased creativity
4. Increased productivity
5. Increased level of relaxation
6. Decrease in stress harmones
Image from dkimages.com
| 79 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
Comment by tlcorbin-raginravensview
Comment by MaaUpma
Indus Guru
Vastu - The Indian Science of Dwelling
EGurumantra - Demystifying India
Ma Upma
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Interesting post, I was going to do one about the same topic... now i don;t have too. I think meditation is so underrated int he west and yet so necessary.
I agree with Raven here on the breathing, it just changes life so much.
Bye for now,
Lilla ...
Comment by MaaUpma
Indus Guru
Vastu - The Indian Science of Dwelling
EGurumantra - Demystifying India
I am sure your post will be equally enlightening to the readers. Please write it. There will be new aspects to meditation based on your experience.
Will write about the importance of breathing in meditation immediately after I am through with my current series of two articles. Maybe I will greet you all on the New Year with it.
Cheers
Ma Upma