The Brain and Meditation

Meditation influences not only the concentrations of molecules such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, but also the regulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. In addition, different meditation types and varying levels of meditation experience are associated with variations in EEG activity, and functional as well as structural alterations in principal neuroanatomical structures such as the insula, frontal lobe, and anterior cingulate cortex are well-documented findings of mindfulness meditation. These regional changes are directly related to the enhancement of core mechanisms of meditation, namely attention control, bodily awareness, and self-view. Furthermore, the differences in brain activation observed between novice and experienced meditators suggest that mindfulness develops progressively through repeated practice, consistent with the mechanisms described above.