Researchers find that regular meditation practice enables easier transition into deep states of meditation, improving overall well-being
A recent scientific study supported by the SATYAM program of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has shed light on the transformative effects of consistent meditation on the brain’s connectivity. The research, presented at the Annual Meeting of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance, reveals that regular meditation practice modifies the relay channels responsible for processing sensory information, facilitating a smoother transition into deep states of meditation.
For centuries, meditation has been a cornerstone of Indian traditions, yet its scientific understanding has remained limited. Previous EEG studies have observed an increase in theta and delta brain waves during deep meditation, indicating a relaxed state distinct from sleep.
The collaborative study involved experts from Boston University’s Psychological and Brain Sciences Department, the School of Information Technology at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, the Mahajan Imaging Center in Delhi, and the Department of Psychiatry at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the team recorded brain activity of both experienced meditators and non-meditators before, during, and after meditation sessions.
The findings demonstrated that consistent meditation practice reduces the thalamocortical connection between sensory regions of the brain. This reduction allows for the withdrawal of sensory information, facilitating a decrease in brain activity and enabling individuals to transcend into deep states of meditation. The study provides empirical validation of the concepts of Pratyahara (withdrawal of sensory information) and Dharana (concentration), which are integral aspects of meditation techniques.
While novices also exhibited a mild effect, it was not as pronounced as in experienced meditators. This suggests that regular meditation practice yields long-term changes in brain connectivity, making it easier to enter deep meditative states.
Although MRI offers a higher spatial resolution, it is slower compared to EEG, which provides a better understanding of neuronal firing but lacks spatial coverage. In future studies, the researchers plan to combine EEG and MRI recordings to examine brain waves during the slowing down of the brain, enhancing the understanding of meditation’s spatiotemporal dynamics during different states of Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption).
This groundbreaking research opens up new avenues for studying the profound effects of meditation on the brain and highlights the potential benefits of incorporating regular meditation practice into daily life for improved well-being.
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