the science of meditation 2 a brain on meditation eastern cultures have long known healing benefits...
TRANSCRIPT
The Science of Meditation
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A Brain on Meditation
• Eastern cultures have long known healing benefits of meditation.
• Western medical and science fields now recognizing and acknowledging meditation benefits.
• Two studies showing the neurophysiologic correlates of meditation: Andrew Newberg study of frontal and parietal lobes UCLA study of the cerebral cortex.
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How Studies Were Performed
• Andrew Newberg measured mediators’ brain blood flow using SPECT.
• UCLA Laboratory of Neuro Imaging compared cerebrum of meditators vs. non-meditators using MRI.
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Four Lobes of Human Brain
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Frontal Lobe
• Involved in focusing attention and concentration.
• Increased blood flow during meditation.
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Parietal Lobe
• Involved in orientation of space and time.
• Decreased activity during meditation.
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Cerebral Cortex
• Upper layer of neural tissue in the cerebrum.
• Key role in memory, attention, thought, and consciousness.
• Meditators have large amounts of cortical folding.
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What Does It All Mean?
• Increases concentration and attention due to increased blood flow. Refer to the Frontal Lobe slide.
• Decreases orientation of space and time due to inactivity. Refer to the Parietal Lobe slide.
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What Does It All Mean? (cont.)
• Due to deepened cortical folding: Promotes quicker processing of
information.
Helps with forming memories.
Increases decision-making skills.
Refer to the Cerebral Cortex slide.
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Summary
• Studies have shown our brains are malleable.
• Power is within us.
• It is as simple as: Taking 5-10 minutes a
day and quieting the mind.
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Resources and Readings
• Frontal lobe and parietal lobe study www.andrewnewberg.com
• Cortical folding (Gyrification) observation http://wakeup-world.com/2012/03/22/research-
builds-evidence-that-meditation-strengthens-the-brain/
• Additional reading http://earthvision.info/meditatingbrain.html
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Questions?
• For information about beginning your own meditation practice, click here to email your inquiry.