MEDISTATION #37 – HOW DOES MEDITATION WORK?

Meditation is a practice that involves training your mind to focus and be more aware of the present moment. It is often used as a tool for reducing stress and promoting relaxation, but it can also have a range of other benefits, such as improving focus and attention, enhancing emotional well-being, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The exact mechanism by which meditation works is still not completely understood, but research has identified several key ways in which it affects the brain and body. These include:

1. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system: Meditation has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response in the body. This can lead to a reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological signs of stress.

2. Changes in brain wave activity: During meditation, the brain's electrical activity changes, with a decrease in beta waves (associated with active thinking and anxiety) and an increase in alpha and theta waves (associated with relaxation and calmness).

3. Changes in brain structure: Regular meditation has been shown to lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain, including an increase in gray matter density in areas associated with emotional regulation, attention, and memory.

4. Reduction in the activity of the default mode network: The default mode network is a network of brain regions that is active when the mind is at rest and not focused on the outside world. Meditation has been shown to reduce activity in this network, which is associated with self-referential thinking and mind-wandering.

5. Activation of the prefrontal cortex: The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, attention, and self-control. Meditation has been shown to activate this area, which can lead to improvements in these functions.

Overall, meditation appears to work by promoting a state of relaxation and focus, which can lead to changes in the brain and body that have a range of positive effects on mental and physical health.