Affiliated Team of Harvard University came across surprising conclusions regarding the tangible effects of meditation on human brain structure. An 8 week program of mindfulness meditation produced MRI scans for the first time showing clear evidence that meditation produces “massive changes” in brain gray matter. Harvard Medical instructor in Psychology stated that, “Meditation practitioners aren’t […]
Affiliated Team of Harvard University came across surprising conclusions regarding the tangible effects of meditation on human brain structure.
An 8 week program of mindfulness meditation produced MRI scans for the first time showing clear evidence that meditation produces “massive changes” in brain gray matter.
Harvard Medical instructor in Psychology stated that, “Meditation practitioners aren’t just feeling better. They are literally undergoing changes in brain structure that create the associated sustained boosts in positive and relaxed feelings.”
Fellow MGH researcher Sue McGreevey notes that previous studies by Lazar’s group found structural differences in the brains of meditation practitioners compared to those with no prior experience most notably in the thickening of the cerebral cortex; the area responsible for attention and emotional integration. These prior studies, however could not narrow down the structural differences to meditation specifically until now.
The Study reveals that an Average of 27 minutes of a Daily practice of mindfulness exercises stimulated a significant boost in gray matter density, the area of the brain in which self-awareness, compassion, and introspection are associated.
Source- SimpleCapacity.com