The neurophysiological effects of yogic meditation observed in electroencephalography patterns and neurotransmitter levels: A narrative review of scientific evidence.
Sunil Singh Yadav, Simran Mittal, Sangeeth Somanadhapai, Rita Thapa, Sanjay Yadav, Massimiliano Buoli, Toran Singh
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2025.101312 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Yogic meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Brainwave Electroencephalography Neurotransmitters Yoga |
| Key findings | Yogic meditation promotes coherent brainwave activity and modulates neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, potentially reducing anxiety and improving emotional regulation. |
Abstract
Yogic meditation, involving focused awareness, is gaining scientific attention for its impact on brain function and neurochemical balance. It enhances autonomic control and influences neurotransmitters related to emotional and cognitive health. This narrative review explored scientific studies on the effects of yogic meditation on EEG patterns and neurotransmitter levels. 21 peer-reviewed articles were selected through a structured search of PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar. The findings indicate that yogic meditation promotes coherent brainwave activity and modulates neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, thereby reducing anxiety, improving emotional regulation, and providing pain relief and autonomic stability. The studies literature suggest that yogic meditation may enhance brain function and emotional well-being, but these findings remain preliminary and require more well-designed confirmation.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 37
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Neuroreport November 7, 2005
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
- The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences December 21, 2018
- Quantitative change of EEG and respiration signals during mindfulness meditation Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation May 14, 2014
and 32 more in the library