Large-Scale Functional Brain Network Reorganization During Taoist Meditation.
Tun Jao, Chia-Wei Li, Petra E Vértes, Changwei Wesley Wu, Sophie Achard, Chao-Hsien Hsieh, Chien-Hui Liou, Jyh-Horng Chen, Edward Bullmore
Brain Connectivity February 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2014.0318 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Within-subjects counterbalanced design, resting-state fMRI with graph theoretical analysis Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Taoist meditators with varying levels of expertise |
| Intervention | Meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Brain networks Consciousness FMRI Functional connectivity Network hubs Resting state |
| Key points | Meditation induced an expertise-dependent reorganization of brain network hubs and edges, with sensory cortex connectivity decreasing and thalamus and default mode network connectivity increasing, along with a shift toward more longitudinal and fewer transverse long-distance connections. |
Abstract
Meditation induces a distinct and reversible mental state that provides insights into brain correlates of consciousness. We explored brain network changes related to meditation by graph theoretical analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Eighteen Taoist meditators with varying levels of expertise were scanned using a within-subjects counterbalanced design during resting and meditation states. State-related differences in network topology were measured globally and at the level of individual nodes and edges. Although measures of global network topology, such as small-worldness, were unchanged, meditation was characterized by an extensive and expertise-dependent reorganization of the hubs (highly connected nodes) and edges (functional connections). Areas of sensory cortex, especially the bilateral primary visual and auditory cortices, and the bilateral temporopolar areas, which had the highest degree (or connectivity) during the resting state, showed the biggest decrease during meditation. Conversely, bilateral thalamus and components of the default mode network, mainly the bilateral precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex, had low degree in the resting state but increased degree during meditation. Additionally, these changes in nodal degree were accompanied by reorganization of anatomical orientation of the edges. During meditation, long-distance longitudinal (antero-posterior) edges increased proportionally, whereas orthogonal long-distance transverse (right-left) edges connecting bilaterally homologous cortices decreased. Our findings suggest that transient changes in consciousness associated with meditation introduce convergent changes in the topological and spatial properties of brain functional networks, and the anatomical pattern of integration might be as important as the global level of integration when considering the network basis for human consciousness.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Cancer patients (clinical intervention study) | 2003 | Mixed methods: scale development, correlational, quasi-experimental, laboratory, experience-sampling, and clinical intervention study | |
| Loving-kindness meditation increases social connectedness. | 2008 | Controlled laboratory experiment | |
| Mindfulness and mind-wandering: Finding convergence through opposing constructs. | 2012 | Two studies: correlational study and experimental study | |
| Mental Training Enhances Attentional Stability: Neural and Behavioral Evidence | 2009 | Experimental study | |
| Mindfulness meditation and substance use in an incarcerated population. Incarcerated population | 2006 | Quasi-experimental with treatment-as-usual control condition |
Citations in the library
Cited by 22
- Beyond the veil of duality—topographic reorganization model of meditation Neuroscience of Consciousness 2022
- Interoceptive awareness: MBSR training alters information processing of salience network Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience March 21, 2023
- Self-transcendent experiences as promoters of ecological wellbeing? Exploration of the evidence and hypotheses to be tested Frontiers in Psychology November 14, 2022
- Bridging the gap of brain and experience - Converging Neurophenomenology with Spatiotemporal Neuroscience. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews June 1, 2025
- A Review of the Methodology, Taxonomy, and Definitions in Recent fMRI Research on Meditation Mindfulness November 12, 2021
and 17 more in the library
Cites 36
- A default mode of brain function Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 16, 2001
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Neuroreport November 7, 2005
- Breakdown of Cortical Effective Connectivity During Sleep Science September 29, 2005
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
and 31 more in the library