There have been many studies of the effects of meditation on the brain, conducted by researchers from a wide range of institutions and organizations. These include universities, hospitals, and research institutes.
Some of the researchers who have made significant contributions to the field include:
Neuroscientist Sara Lazar of Harvard University is credited with discovering that meditation can change the structure of the brain. In a study published in the journal Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging (2000), Lazar and her colleagues used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the brains of experienced meditators and compared them to non-meditators. They found that the meditators had increased thickness in several areas of their brain, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, compared to non-meditators. You can see the full video of Sara Lazar on the Harvard university website.
Read this article on Science Direct, which found out that meditation can help to improve the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Richard J. Davidson, a neuroscientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has studied the effects of meditation on brain activity and emotion. See the ted talk of Richard J Davidson on how Meditation changes the emotional health of our brain
Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist at Thomas Jefferson University who has studied the effects of meditation on brain function and spirituality. In his book "How God changes your brain" Andrew Newberg mentioned "regular meditation can slow down the aging process"
Psychologists and experts in mental health use meditation to help their patients everyday. Some of the ways in which meditation may be used include:
Reducing stress and anxiety: Meditation can help people who are experiencing stress, anxiety, or other forms of emotional distress. By helping patients to relax and manage their thoughts and emotions more effectively, meditation can be an effective tool for reducing distress and improving overall well-being.
Improving focus and concentration: Meditation can be helpful in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by helping patients develop greater focus and concentration. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may find that meditation helps them develop greater focus and concentration.
Promoting self-awareness: Meditation can provide a space for introspection, self-exploration and self-awareness. This understanding can be used to facilitate therapy. Research has shown that meditation can benefit people coping with anxiety, depression, chronic pain and insomnia. It can help with stress management, career dissatisfaction and overall mental health.
Enhancing emotional well-being: Studies have shown that meditation can be a valuable tool for improving emotional well-being in therapy. By promoting positive emotions and reducing negative feelings, meditation can help clients feel happier and more satisfied with their lives.
Author:
Tony Tanvir - 7th January, 2023, Sydney, Australia.
