Neuroscience study in mindfulness meditation

Abstract

Objective To review neuroscience study in mindfulness meditation.

Material and Methods Articles retrieved by using mindfulness as a key word from online data sources between 1990 to November 2011. Review and case control study articles in English and Thai
were reviewed.

Results Electroencephalographic (EEG) study showed different pattern between 2 techniques of meditation i.e. open meditation (OM) and focus meditation (FM). Other factors such as duration of practice, state of meditation were infl uenced EEG pattern. EEG in OM increased theta activities at bilateral frontal areas than at rest. Gamma power increased at parieto-occipital areas. Functional magnetic

resonance imaging study (fMRI) showed different sites of activation/deactivation between OM and FM. Novice and expert showed different site of activation during meditation and relaxation. Data also showed increase gray matter especially at left  prefrontal area in continuous meditation cases. However, further research which a consensus methodology is needed.

Conclusion EEG in OM increased theta activities at bilateral frontal areas than at rest. Gamma power increased at parieto-occipital areas. fMRI showed increase gray matter from continuous practice.