Can yoga reshape the brain? Review of the Book The Neuroscience of Yoga and Meditation by Brittany Fair, 2023. Handspring Publishing.

The intersection of contemplative practices and neuroscience has become a dynamic area of interdisciplinary research over the past two decades. Yoga and meditation, once primarily spiritual or religious, are now examined through brain imaging, psychoneuroendocrinology, and clinical psychology, forming the field of contemplative science.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The intersection between contemplative practices and neuroscience has become one of the most dynamic areas of interdisciplinary inquiry over the past two decades. Yoga and meditation, once framed primarily within spiritual or religious traditions, are now increasingly examined through the lens of brain imaging, psychoneuroendocrinology, and clinical psychology. This shift has produced a burgeoning field often referred to as contemplative science (Davidson & Kaszniak, 2015; Tang et al., 2015).