A new systematic review has looked at all studies published
prior to July this year that investigated brain changes associated with 8 weeks
of mindfulness-based
stress reduction or mindfulness-based
cognitive therapy.
The combined results suggest that a short course of secular
mindfulness training leads to multiple brain changes similar in nature to those
seen in people who have practised religious or spiritual meditation for a
lifetime.
Rinske
Gotink [pictured left] and her colleagues found 30 relevant studies
that used MRI or fMRI brain imaging to look at the effects
of mindfulness training on brain structure and function, including 13 randomly
controlled trials.
Associated brain changes, in terms of activity levels and volume
and connectivity changes, have been reported in the prefrontal cortex (a region associated with conscious
decision making and emotional regulation and other functions), the insula cortex (which represents internal body states
among other things), the cingulate cortex (decision making), the hippocampus (memory) and the amygdala (emotion).
Based on what we know about the function of these brain regions,
Gotink’s team said these changes appear to be consistent with the idea that
mindfulness helps your brain regulate your emotions.
Study: Gotink, R A et al. ‘8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction induces brain changes similar to traditional long-term meditation practice – A systematic review.’ Brain and Cognition. Vol 108, Oct 2016, pp 32-41.
Available online 16 Jul 2016.
Acknowledgments. This post is based
on material appearing on the Readers Digest blog of the British Psychological Society.
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