A new study has provided deeper insight into how meditation affects the brain. Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai used advanced brain recordings to examine changes in the amygdala and hippocampus, two regions responsible for emotional regulation and memory.
Their findings suggest that meditation influences brain waves linked to mood disorders like anxiety and depression, which may explain its positive effects on mental well-being.
A Closer Look at Meditation’s Impact on the Brain
Previous research has shown that meditation can improve emotional health and help with conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, the exact neural mechanisms behind these effects have remained unclear.
This study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers new evidence by recording intracranial EEG activity deep inside the brain—something that has been difficult to achieve using traditional methods like scalp EEG.
The researchers took advantage of a unique opportunity to study epilepsy patients who had surgically implanted neurostimulation devices. These devices allowed for continuous recording of brain activity from deep within the limbic system, a network of structures that play a crucial role in emotions and memory.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study involved eight patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who had these implanted devices. Before the experiment, they were all self-reported beginners in meditation. The participants first listened to a five-minute guided audio sessionto establish a baseline, followed by ten minutes of loving-kindness meditation, a practice that involves focusing on positive thoughts toward oneself and others.
After the meditation session, participants rated their depth of meditation on a scale of 1 to 10. The average rating was 7.43, suggesting that even novice meditators were able to reach a deep meditative state.
Key Findings: Meditation Modifies Brain Waves
The results showed that meditation influences specific brain waves in the amygdala and hippocampus. Researchers observed increases in beta and gamma waves, which are known to be involved in emotional regulation and cognition.
- Beta waves are linked to active thinking and concentration.
- Gamma waves are associated with higher cognitive functions, such as memory and consciousness.
These findings are particularly interesting because mood disorders like anxiety and depression are often linked to irregular beta and gamma activity. This suggests that meditation might help individuals regulate these brain waves and, in turn, improve emotional stability and memory function.
“This possibility of willfully controlling brain activity through meditation is pretty amazing,” said Dr. Ignacio Saez, senior author of the study. “It may help explain why meditation is so effective in improving mood and emotional well-being.”
A Unique Approach to Studying Meditation
One of the standout aspects of this study was its use of intracranial EEG, which provides much more precise data than standard EEG methods that rely on external scalp recordings. This allowed researchers to capture real-time changes in deep brain structures that are difficult to study otherwise.
Additionally, the research took place in the Quantitative Biometrics Laboratory at Mount Sinai West, which is designed to be a relaxing and naturalistic environment. By allowing participants to meditate in a calm setting, the study better reflected real-world experiences.
Future Research and Limitations
Despite the promising findings, researchers acknowledge some limitations:
- The sample size was small (only eight participants).
- The study examined only a single meditation session, so long-term effects remain unknown.
Moving forward, the research team plans to conduct follow-up studies to explore how long-term meditation impacts brain activity, mood, and mental health. Understanding these connections could help develop meditation-based interventions for individuals struggling with memory loss or emotional dysregulation.
Meditation as a Complementary Mental Health Tool
Dr. Saez emphasizes that while meditation shows promise, it should not replace traditional therapies. Instead, it could be a low-cost, accessible tool to support mental well-being. Unlike medications or medical treatments, meditation requires no special equipment and can be practiced anywhere, making it an appealing option for many people.
By continuing to investigate the link between meditation and brain activity, researchers hope to unlock new possibilities for non-invasive mental health treatments. With further study, meditation could become an even more powerful tool in helping individuals regulate emotions, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function.
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The research findings can be found in PNAS.
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