Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Meditation on Brain Activity and Its Effects on Cognitive Functioning
Highlights in Science Engineering and Technology June 27, 2025 DOI: 10.54097/k91mmh34 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMeditation alters brain structure and brain waves, yet the precise neural mechanisms remain unclear. This review categorizes common meditation types, describes changes in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and gray matter density, and summarizes psychological and clinical effects. It connects micro- and macro-level mechanisms and highlights meditation's potential in clinical treatment, but notes that neuron circuit changes require further research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Neurophysiology Cognition Cognitive psychology Neuroscience |
| Key finding | Meditation affects brain structure and brain waves, linking micro- and macro-mechanisms, but neuron circuit changes remain unclear. |
Abstract
Currently, individuals encounter more mental tension and opt for meditation practices to alleviate it. The neurological mechanisms behind meditation have been studied in order to apply meditation practice in medical care. To date, researchers categorize meditation based on its impact on mental health, employing distinct meditation techniques in various studies. According to previous studies, the alternative of brain structure is affected by meditation practice. Moreover, the changes in brain waves provide the basic mechanism of meditation. However, the precise process of how meditation affects the brain seems unclear; the process of meditation from neuron activity to the application in treatment is unapparent too. This study researches the origin and classification of meditation, distinguishing the most common types of meditation practice based on the previous study. Also, this study analyzes the development of brain structures like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, gray matter density, and the changes in brain waves during the meditation exercise. Psychological and clinical effects of meditation are summarized; the popular study methods about the brain's activity are also given. This study finds the connection between the micro- and macro-mechanisms of meditation and emphasizes the use of meditation in clinical treatment. However, the study didn't focus much on neuron circuit changes in meditation, this field needs to be researched in the future.