Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Meditation on Brain Activity and Its Effects on Cognitive Functioning
Yixuan Wang
Highlights in Science, Engineering and Technology June 27, 2025 DOI: 10.54097/k91mmh34 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Neurophysiology Cognition Cognitive psychology Cognitive science Electroencephalography |
| Key findings | 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.
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 18
- Short‐term Sahaja Yoga meditation training modulates brain structure and spontaneous activity in the executive control network Brain and Behavior November 28, 2018
- Functional Connectivity of Prefrontal Cortex in Various Meditation Techniques – A Mini-Review International Journal of Yoga September 1, 2022
- A Review of the Methodology, Taxonomy, and Definitions in Recent fMRI Research on Meditation Mindfulness November 12, 2021
- EEG Brain Wave Dynamics: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis on Effect of Yoga on Mind Relaxation Journal of Biomedical Research & Environmental Sciences November 28, 2020
- Neural correlates of meditation: a review of structural and functional MRI studies. Frontiers in Bioscience March 1, 2020
and 13 more in the library