Prefrontal cortical modulation during prostration (Sajdah): Neurophysiological Insights from a contemplative practice
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences March 31, 2026 Tahzeeb Fatima, Malik Tauseef, Shakib Shahab et al.
Prostration (Sajdah), a forward-flexed posture with forehead contact, is an embodied contemplative practice that may modulate prefrontal-limbic brain circuits, increase parasympathetic activity, and produce characteristic cortical oscillatory patterns. This narrative review of neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and autonomic studies suggests that such posture-based practices can reduce cognitive load, enhance emotional regulation, and improve attentional stability. The findings point to the potential of posture-based contemplative practices for modulating brain-body interactions, though further investigation is needed.