Distinct Neurochemical Signature of Mindfulness and Progressive Muscle Relaxation in limbic regions: a randomized controlled MR spectroscopy study
Research Square November 13, 2025 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7722934/v1 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA randomized controlled trial using MR spectroscopy found that a single session of mindfulness meditation produced a distinct neurochemical profile in limbic brain regions compared to progressive muscle relaxation. Mindfulness increased glutamate + glutamine (Glx) and decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the anterior cingulate cortex, while progressive muscle relaxation decreased Glx and increased GABA. The results suggest that different relaxation practices engage unique neurochemical mechanisms in brain regions involved in emotion regulation.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Progressive muscle relaxation |
| Duration | Single session |
| Key finding | Mindfulness meditation and progressive muscle relaxation produce opposite neurochemical changes in the anterior cingulate cortex: mindfulness increases Glx and decreases GABA, while progressive muscle relaxation decreases Glx and increases GABA. |
Abstract
Distinct Neurochemical Signature of Mindfulness and Progressive Muscle Relaxation in limbic regions: a randomized controlled MR spectroscopy study