Meditation produces changes in the brain, science says

Several research studies report evidence of the benefits of meditating.

Meditation is currently in vogue; however, it is an ancient practice that has been practiced for centuries.However, it is an ancient practice that has been practiced for centuries.

In recent years, many people in the West have chosen to delve into the meditative practice for its benefits both mentally and physically, and is that meditation becomes a great alternative in these times, as it helps to stay in the here and now, connected with ourselves and with a relaxed mind, away from this busy world, away from unrealistic expectations.

Science supports its practice

The goal of meditation exercises and even some forms of yoga, is the control of breathing to induce a state of calm and concentration. Paying attention to and controlling the breath is a basic component of many meditation (and Mindfulness) practices. Research in this field suggests that this practice has multiple benefits: It induces a general sense of well-being while reducing anxiety and improving sleep, for example..

The benefits of meditation are clear, but what exactly happens in the brain during meditation? Neuroimaging studies in humans have shown that brain regions involved in attention (frontal lobe) and emotions (limbic system) are affected at various stages of meditative practice. In addition, a new study conducted in mice and recently published in the journal Science shows that brainstem neurons are also involved in the connection between breathing and the calm state characteristic of meditation.

New scientific evidence

In fact, this study built on previous research, one of which, carried out by scientists at the University of California in 1991, discovered the pre-Bötzinger complex, an area containing neurons that are activated rhythmically with each breath. It is a kind of respiratory pacemaker, very different from the cardiac pacemaker, and has a variety of different rhythms, for example, in the cases of a yawn.

Researchers at Stanford University found that this region is significantly activated during meditation.Mark Krasnow, a professor of biochemistry at the university and co-author of the study, says that "this is not a region that simply provides air to the lungs, but these breaths are also associated with social and emotional signals. A group of neurons in this area are the ones that are activated every time we inhale or exhale, like a respiratory pacemaker. Meditation helps to have greater control over breathing and makes us feel a great sense of well-being when we have the will to do it.

Other conclusions of the researchers

In addition to the above study, there are many investigations that have been carried out with the aim of trying to discover what exactly happens in the brain of the meditator. A study published in the journal Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging affirms that those who meditate 30 minutes a day for eight weeks acquire a greater density of gray matter. in the parts of the brain associated with memory, sense of self, empathy or stress reduction. This gray matter is located primarily in the hippocampus, an important area for learning and memory.

Britta Hölzel, a psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and director of the research, explains that "the main idea of meditation is to connect with oneself, with the here and now, with bodily sensations, emotions or breathing. The essential thing is to find the connection between the body and the mind, and this is what we have shown to happen".

Likewise, Sara Lazar, scientist of this study concludes that thanks to meditation:

• The thickness of the cingulate cortex increases.as well as part of the limbic system. These regions influence emotions, attention, learning, memory and the perception of physical and emotional pain.
• Gray matter in the amygdala decreases, reducing anxiety, fear and stress.reducing anxiety, fear and stress.
• The left area of the hippocampuswhich is responsible for learning, cognitive abilities, memory and emotion regulation, also increases in size.
• The temporoparietal junctionwhich is involved in social relationships, perspective taking, empathy and compassion increases its proportions.

Benefits of meditation

All these changes in the brain are responsible for making meditation beneficial to human beings. However, these changes do not occur instantaneously, since meditation requires practice, will and, logically, effort.

Unfortunately, many people think of this meditation thing as simply sitting and breathing; however, especially in the initial stages, one struggles with the body's resistances, and until you are aware that this is part of the process, you may not enjoy its benefits to the fullest.

Now then, the good meditator benefits greatly for a number of reasons.. Meditating helps to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improve the ability to concentrate and attentional domain.
• Allows you to sleep better.
• It helps to know oneself better and find inner peace.
• Promotes empathy and improves social relationships.
• Increases Pain tolerance.
• Increases memory and learning.
• Promotes positive and optimistic thinking.

• You can know these benefits in detail in our article: "Benefits of meditation supported by science".