Low and then high frequency oscillations of distinct right cortical networks are progressively enhanced by medium and long term Satyananda Yoga meditation practice
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience September 22, 2014 John eThomas, Graham eJamieson, Marc eCohen
Meditation experience shapes brain function in distinct ways depending on the practitioner's skill level. Intermediate meditators with about 4 years of practice showed greater low-frequency brain activity (theta and alpha bands) during both meditation and non-meditation tasks, especially in the right frontal and parietal regions. Advanced meditators with about 30 years of experience showed greater high-frequency activity (beta and gamma bands) across all conditions, which expanded further during meditation. The right insula, inferior frontal gyrus, and anterior temporal lobe were key regions for advanced practitioners. Distinct neural networks in alpha and gamma bands were identified, with meditation practice expanding these networks to include left-hemisphere areas. These brain changes parallel traditional descriptions of developmental stages in Yoga proficiency.