Can meditation change our brain?

If one part of the brain were to be best personified by a toddler having an all-out tantrum, it would be the amygdala. This region is small in size but plays a massive role in human emotion, behavior, and fear. The good news is that it is possible to shrink this brain region with certain practices.

What is the amygdala?

The human brain is a vast and mysterious landscape, filled with intricacies and nuances that are only just beginning to be understood by science. Among its many regions, the amygdala stands out as a particularly fascinating structure, and recent research has uncovered some intriguing insights into how this small but mighty brain region can be affected by practices such as meditation.

Can meditation change the structure of our brain?

Studies have shown that the amygdala, which plays a crucial role in regulating emotion, behavior, and fear, can become enlarged in response to chronic stress and trauma. This can contribute to a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. But what if we could shrink this brain region and reduce these risks?

Recent studies on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and even on Buddhist monks have provided promising evidence that this is indeed possible. MBSR, for instance, was found to result in a significant reduction in the size of the left amygdala, in a group of adults with a history of chronic stress, after just 8 weeks of practice. Similarly, studies on Buddhist monks have revealed that these individuals, who are known to have a regular practice of meditation, possess a smaller amygdala volume than control groups.

How can meditation change our brain?

This leads us to question, what is the mechanism behind this shrinking process? Some researchers suggest that meditation works by decreasing activity in the default mode network, a network of brain areas active during self-referential thinking and mind-wandering, that has been found to be hyperactive in people with anxiety and depression. When activity in this network decreases through meditation, so does the activity in the amygdala. Additionally, certain forms of meditation focused on compassion and loving-kindness have been found to be particularly effective in reducing activity in the amygdala, and thus reducing stress and negative emotions.

It is exciting to see that science is uncovering the ways in which a simple practice like meditation can have such a profound impact on our brain and well-being. However, we must keep in mind that more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and confirm these findings. But for now, let us embrace the possibilities and continue to explore the vast and mysterious landscape of the human brain.

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• References

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• Disclaimer

  This articles does not constitute medical or mental health advice. These practices are not for everyone and are not a substitute for ongoing healthcare from a medical or mental health professional. Please seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your health.