Meditation-related activations are modulated by the practices needed to obtain it and by the expertise: an ALE meta-analysis study
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience January 1, 2013 Barbara Tomasino, Sara Fregona, Miran Skrap et al. 151 citations
Different meditation practices engage largely distinct brain networks. An activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of 24 neuroimaging experiments (150 activation foci) compared focused attention (FA) meditation with mantra-based chanting or repetition. FA meditation activated clusters in the medial gyrus, left superior parietal lobe, left insula, and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG). Mantra practice elicited activity in the right SMG, supplementary motor area bilaterally, and left postcentral gyrus. Comparing short- versus long-term meditators, frontal activation was present for short-term practitioners, while experts showed greater right SMG recruitment and reduced frontal involvement, suggesting they sustain attentional focus more efficiently and engage processes related to disembodiment.