We aimed to quantify the effects of advanced meditation on brain electrical activity during sleep. This investigation addresses the need for objective neurophysiological measures of meditation's potential impact on brain aging and health. This study was a single-site, prospective cohort study (conducted August 25, 2021, through September 26, 2021) of meditators attending the "Samyama Sadhana"...
Meditation combined with antipsychotic medication can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and prognosis of patients with schizophrenia, but its underlying neural circuit mechanism is not clear. Many previous studies have shown that the symptoms of schizophrenia are related to dysfunction of the insula. We aimed to explore the neural circuitry mechanisms associated with insular dynamic...
Abstract Background Physiological signals conveyed by the vagus nerve may generate quiescent psychological states conducive to contemplative practices. This suggests that vagal neurostimulation could interact with contemplative psychotherapies (e.g. mindfulness and compassion-based interventions) to augment their efficacy. Methods In a fully factorial experimental trial, healthy adults ( n =...
Over the past few decades, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have gained considerable attention for their potential benefits in mental and physical health domains.Initially rooted in Buddhist traditions, mindfulness has been adapted into various therapeutic approaches, most notably mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.These interventions integrate...
Shorter telomeres are associated with increased risk of cognitive decline and age-related diseases. Developing interventions to promote healthy aging by preserving telomere integrity is of paramount importance. Here, we investigated the effect of an 18-month meditation intervention on telomere length (TL) measures in older people without cognitive impairment. A total of 137 adults age ≥65 years...
This article introduces the Somatopsyche Psychiatric Intervention (SPI), a novel body-mind approach that integrates body awareness practices, meditation, and contemporary neuroscience theories in the treatment of psychiatric conditions. SPI is structured in seven steps across eight weekly sessions, aiming to enhance emotional regulation, decision-making, and patient resilience. While the model...
Electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha asymmetry has become a pivotal area of research for understanding functional hemispheric differences in neuroscience. To the best of our knowledge, the relationship between frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) and the depth of meditation has yet to be thoroughly examined. To address this gap, the present cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the meditative...
While the beneficial impacts of meditation are increasingly acknowledged, its underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. We examined the electrophysiological brain signals of expert Buddhist monks during two established meditation methods known as Samatha and Vipassana, which employ focused attention and open-monitoring technique. By combining source-space magnetoencephalography...
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) reduces depression relapse, yet graduates have expressed a need for structured guidance post-program to maintain mindfulness practice and sustain benefits. To address this, we created MBCT for Depression-Taking it Further (MBCT-D-TiF). To refine and pilot test feasibility and acceptability of MBCT-D-TiF. We collected qualitative focus group data to...
This study explores the layered coherence within human cognition as measured through EEG. Signals were collected from two groups (meditators vs. non-meditators) across six conditions: Meditation, Scrambled Words, Ambiguous Images, Math Mind, Sentences, and Video Watching. We analyzed the EEG data using Shannon Entropy, Pearson's Skewness, Total Power, and Dominant Frequency indices, now taken...
Focused attention meditation (FA) is a foundational and widely studied practice that cultivates sustained concentration by focusing on a specific object, such as the breath, while disengaging from distractions. Numerous studies have investigated the neurophysiological mechanisms of FA, examining aspects such as spectral power, connectivity patterns, and neural entropy. However, despite this...
Although mechanistic studies on Yoga and meditation have demonstrated their efficacy over the past few decades, very few studies have focused on the Yogic state of Samaadhi, characterized by an ultimate state of peace and happiness. In this study, we probed electrophysiological correlates of Samaadhi in a Yogi par excellence. This research was conducted in the 1980s and is now being brought to...
Meditation training in older adults has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention to promote healthy aging and lower the risks of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Resting-state dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) highlighted two brain states, the "strongly connected" and "default mode network (DMN)-negatively connected" states, associated with protective factors for...
The present work is the result of a three-year doctoral research project, which develops both on an ethnographic level and through theoretical and methodological inquiry. The research system focuses on the concept of consciousness from an anthropological perspective, studied through the examination of contemplative practices. This term is employed in a broad sense, encompassing not only...
This mixed methods study investigates the impact of coloring pre-drawn mandalas on adult emotional regulation, mindfulness, and state attachment style. Drawing from Attachment Theory and Art Therapy frameworks, the research evaluates whether adult coloring interventions—specifically structured mandala designs—can serve as accessible tools for improving psychological well-being. A sample of...
Previous studies have demonstrated acute changes in brain activity that occur during shamanic journeying-an ancient spiritual practice used for physical, psychological, and spiritual healing. However, the effect of shamanic journeying on other physiological measures, such as heart rate variability, remains unknown. We investigated changes in heart rate variability (HRV) during sessions of...
PLoS One2025Jiuhong You, Zunera Khan, Reena Swaroop et al.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between normal aging and mild dementia. Patients with MCI and dementia usually experience impairment in cognitive functions such as memory, executive function, and processing speed. They may also develop neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. While previous studies suggest that mindfulness meditation may...
The global rise in age-related neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, significantly impacts healthcare systems and quality of life. Mindfulness and meditation (MM), rooted in ancient philosophical traditions, are gaining attention as promising non-pharmacological treatments. This chapter examines the historical evolution,...
This reflective essay focuses on the relationship between contemplative practices and participation in a short-term study abroad trip. The study explores how contemplative practices help facilitate self-understanding, alleviate stress, enhance connection to the host community and culture, and enable healing. We use our experiences participating in a short-term study abroad program as an example...
Aim/Purpose: The mental health crisis of graduate students is often overlooked, though this population may experience higher rates of stress and anxiety than undergraduates. The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions and experiences of students practicing loving-kindness meditation (LKM) during synchronous online Doctor of Education classes at a large university. Background: Doctoral...