EEG Derived Neuronal Dynamics during Meditation: Progress and Challenges

Meditation improves well-being, but understanding its neurophysiological effects—especially changes in EEG brainwave patterns—can explain how these benefits occur. A review of various meditation styles found that existing studies support meditation's effectiveness in reducing anxiety and depression and promoting psychological well-being. However, more rigorous research is needed, including randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and consideration of client variables such as personality to avoid negative effects. The review also raises the controversial issue of epileptiform EEG changes and other adverse effects during meditation, calling for more clinical trials focused on meditation's use.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Meditation advances positivity but how these behavioral and psychological changes are brought can be explained by understanding neurophysiological effects of meditation. In this paper, a broad spectrum of neural mechanics under a variety of meditation styles has been reviewed. The overall aim of this study is to review existing scientific studies and future challenges on meditation effects based on changing EEG brainwave patterns. Albeit the existing researches evidenced the hold for efficacy of meditation in relieving anxiety and depression and producing psychological well-being, more rigorous studies are required with better design, considering client variables like personality characteristics to avoid negative effects, randomized controlled trials, and large sample sizes. A bigger number of clinical trials that concentrate on the use of meditation are required. Also, the controversial subject of epileptiform EEG changes and other adverse effects during meditation has been raised.