NeuroRegulation
September 29, 2022
Pankaj Pandey, Pragati Gupta, Krishna Prasad Miyapuram
10 citations
Comparing three meditation traditions—Himalayan Yoga, Isha Shoonya, and Vipassana—using EEG to build functional brain networks and graph measures reveals distinct neural patterns. Classifying traditions against a control group with support vector machines achieved up to 90% accuracy (alpha band for Isha Shoonya). Key findings include higher delta connectivity in Vipassana meditators, stronger synchronization of left anterior frontal theta networks across traditions, greater gamma2 processing in Himalayan and Vipassana meditators, increased left frontal activity in theta and gamma bands for all meditators, and extensive modularity in gamma processing. The work suggests implications for neurotechnology to guide novice meditators.
NeuroRegulation
June 29, 2026
Juan-Pablo Aristizabal, Vivian de Moura Dayrell, Alexandre Correia Pedra et al.
Combining meditation with EEG neurofeedback shows promise for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue while improving well-being, attention, and resilience. This systematic review of 45 studies found substantial variation in methods, with most being randomized clinical trials or within-subject designs. Focused attention and mindfulness meditations paired with auditory feedback were common; wearable devices appeared in 35 studies. Intervention sessions ranged from 1 to over 50, lasting 1.5 to 80 minutes. Neurophysiological changes included increased alpha and theta brainwave power. However, lack of standardized protocols, small sample sizes, and limited blinding weaken the evidence, highlighting the need for more rigorous research.
NeuroRegulation
June 29, 2026
Mitchell A. Head, Mahonri Owen, S. Aporosa et al.
A pilot study measured brain activity via EEG in two experienced adult male users of traditionally prepared kava (Piper methysticum) during a 6-hour session in culturally authentic settings. One participant showed increased alpha and theta brainwave activity, consistent with relaxation, while the other showed elevated gamma power linked to cognitive focus. These divergent responses may reflect individual habituation or cultural use patterns. The results provide preliminary evidence that traditionally prepared kava produces measurable neurophysiological effects aligned with its cultural role as a calming, relational substance, but larger studies connecting EEG data with behavioral measures are needed.
NeuroRegulation
June 27, 2025
Martin Kramar
A 22-year-old man with severe anxiety and palpitations completed a 12-week program combining heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). HRVB provided real-time data on his autonomic nervous system, while MBCT with breathing exercises targeted the parasympathetic system to promote positive thought reconstruction. After daily personalized breathing and mindfulness exercises integrated into daily activities, his autonomic state shifted from stressed sympathetic to relaxed parasympathetic. He gained the ability to control his heart rate and improve thought patterns, resulting in better emotional balance. The combination of HRVB and MBCT enhanced stress resilience, vitality, and autonomic balance, with HRVB proving useful for tracking patient progress.
NeuroRegulation
June 27, 2024
Rubén Pérez-Elvira, Cesar Ledo, Alfonso Salgado Ruíz et al.
A single mindfulness session may help protect against declines in free recall of word lists. In a study of 28 adults, those who underwent a mindfulness session showed no significant drop in memory test scores afterward, while the control group did. Brain recordings revealed increased theta and decreased gamma activity in the right hemisphere during mindfulness, along with synchronization between temporal, parietal, and frontal cortices during memory encoding. Higher gamma activation in certain brain regions was linked to better recall. The findings suggest mindfulness could act as a protective factor for memory, but larger studies are needed to confirm.
NeuroRegulation
September 29, 2018
Ronald J Bonnstetter
A review of the book 'Altered Traits: Science Reveals how meditation changes your mind, brain and body' by Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson, published by Penguin Random House. The book synthesizes scientific research on meditation, presenting evidence that meditation can produce lasting changes in the mind, brain, and body. The review describes the book's content and approach but does not provide specific findings, data, or arguments beyond the book's stated subject.