Neural mechanisms of mindfulness-based stress reduction in asthma.
Scientific Reports May 18, 2026 Estelle T. Higgins, William W. Busse, Danika R. Klaus et al.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training in adults with asthma reduced brain responses in the lateral prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex when viewing emotional cues, and this reduction was linked to increased mindfulness. Decreased activity in the salience network after training was associated with lower psychological distress and less airway inflammation. Some of these brain and clinical changes persisted at a 6-month follow-up, while others did not. The findings indicate that MBSR promotes more efficient emotional processing and reduces reactivity, helping explain how mindfulness improves asthma control and inflammation through mind-brain-immune interactions.