The Science of Meditation 2 A Brain on Meditation Eastern cultures have long known healing benefits of meditation. Western medical and science fields.

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.