MINDFULNESS AND MOVEMENT: THE IMPACT OF YOGA, VIPASSANA, AND ZEN MEDITATION ON BRAIN CONNECTIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES
T Srinivasa
Transformative Education A Multidisciplinary Journal February 2, 2026 DOI: 10.63665/temj.v02i02.96 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Yoga Zen meditation Mindfulness meditation |
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation |
| Key findings | Argues that Yoga, Zen, and mindfulness meditation may strengthen brain areas tied to emotion, memory, and self-awareness and may reduce stress and improve emotional resilience, making them useful alongside therapies like CBT. The authors call for long-term and cross-cultural research to fill remaining gaps. |
Abstract
This study examines the effects of Yoga, Vipassana, and Zen Meditation on brain activity and mental health, focusing on conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress. As mental health issues continue to rise, these ancient practices are becoming popular for their potential to improve well-being by connecting the mind and body. The research reviews existing clinical studies and analyses how these practices influence emotional control, brain structure, and cognitive abilities. Results show that Yoga, Zen, and Mindfulness Meditation help strengthen brain areas related to emotions, memory, and self-awareness. These practices reduce stress, increase emotional resilience, and improve overall mental health, making them effective alongside traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, there are still research gaps, such as the need for long-term studies and research in different cultural settings. The findings highlight the importance of including these mind-body practices in mental health treatment to offer a more complete and balanced approach. The evidence suggests that integrating Yoga, Zen, and mindfulness practices into treatment could enhance emotional stability, self-awareness, and mental well-being, benefiting people worldwide.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on buddhism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Meditation for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Psychological Distress | 2012 | Review | |
| Measuring mindfulness | 2011 | Review | |
| The Influence of Buddhist Meditation Traditions on the Autonomic System and Attention | 2015 | Review | |
| Seeking the Sacred with Psychoactive Substances | 2014 | Review | |
| Positive Psychology and Buddhism | 2023 | Review |