Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | John D Agee |
Author | Sharon Danoff-Burg |
Author | Christoffer A Grant |
Abstract | This study sought to compare a five-week mindfulness meditation (MM) course to a five-week course that taught progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Forty-three adults from the community were randomly assigned to either MM (n = 19) or PMR (n = 24) courses after responding to flyers and other advertisements for a free stress management course. Mindfulness meditation participants practiced meditation significantly more often than PMR participants practiced relaxation during the intervention period (F[1, 43] = 7.42; P < .05). Interestingly, the two conditions did not differ significantly in their posttreatment levels of relaxation or mindfulness. Although there were no differences between groups on any of the primary outcome measures, across both treatment conditions there were statistically significant reductions from pretreatment to posttreatment in general psychological distress. Thus, although MM did not emerge as clearly superior to PMR, results of this study suggest that a brief mindfulness skills course may be effective for stress management. |
Publication | Explore (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 5 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 104-109 |
Date | 2009 Mar-Apr |
Journal Abbr | Explore (NY) |
DOI | 10.1016/j.explore.2008.12.004 |
ISSN | 1550-8307 |
Short Title | Comparing brief stress management courses in a community sample |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19272581 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:22:28 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19272581 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
This study sought to compare a five-week mindfulness meditation (MM) course to a five-week course that taught progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Forty-three adults from the community were randomly assigned to either MM (n = 19) or PMR (n = 24) courses after responding to flyers and other advertisements for a free stress management course. Mindfulness meditation participants practiced meditation significantly more often than PMR participants practiced relaxation during the intervention period (F[1, 43] = 7.42; P < .05). Interestingly, the two conditions did not differ significantly in their posttreatment levels of relaxation or mindfulness. Although there were no differences between groups on any of the primary outcome measures, across both treatment conditions there were statistically significant reductions from pretreatment to posttreatment in general psychological distress. Thus, although MM did not emerge as clearly superior to PMR, results of this study suggest that a brief mindfulness skills course may be effective for stress management.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Albert J Arias |
Author | Karen Steinberg |
Author | Alok Banga |
Author | Robert L Trestman |
Abstract | Meditative techniques are sought frequently by patients coping with medical and psychological problems. Because of their increasingly widespread appeal and use, and the potential for use as medical therapies, a concise and thorough review of the current state of scientific knowledge of these practices as medical interventions was conducted. PURPOSE: To systematically review the evidence supporting efficacy and safety of meditative practices in treating illnesses, and examine areas warranting further study. Studies on normal healthy populations are not included. METHODS: Searches were performed using PubMed, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Database. Keywords were Meditation, Meditative Prayer, Yoga, Relaxation Response. Qualifying studies were reviewed and independently rated based on quality by two reviewers. Mid-to-high-quality studies (those scoring above 0.65 or 65% on a validated research quality scale) were included. RESULTS: From a total of 82 identified studies, 20 randomized controlled trials met our criteria. The studies included 958 subjects total (397 experimentally treated, 561 controls). No serious adverse events were reported in any of the included or excluded clinical trials. Serious adverse events are reported in the medical literature, though rare. The strongest evidence for efficacy was found for epilepsy, symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms. Benefit was also demonstrated for mood and anxiety disorders, autoimmune illness, and emotional disturbance in neoplastic disease. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the safety and potential efficacy of meditative practices for treating certain illnesses, particularly in nonpsychotic mood and anxiety disorders. Clear and reproducible evidence supporting efficacy from large, methodologically sound studies is lacking. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 12 |
Issue | 8 |
Pages | 817-832 |
Date | Oct 2006 |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2006.12.817 |
ISSN | 1075-5535 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17034289 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 05, 2009 1:03:49 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 17034289 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Meditative techniques are sought frequently by patients coping with medical and psychological problems. Because of their increasingly widespread appeal and use, and the potential for use as medical therapies, a concise and thorough review of the current state of scientific knowledge of these practices as medical interventions was conducted. Purpose: To systematically review the evidence supporting efficacy and safety of meditative practices in treating illnesses, and examine areas warranting further study. Studies on normal healthy populations are not included. Methods: Searches were performed using PubMed, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Database. Keywords were Meditation, Meditative Prayer, Yoga, Relaxation Response. Qualifying studies were reviewed and independently rated based on quality by two reviewers. Mid-to-high-quality studies (those scoring above 0.65 or 65% on a validated research quality scale) were included. Results: From a total of 82 identified studies, 20 randomized controlled trials met our criteria. The studies included 958 subjects total (397 experimentally treated, 561 controls). No serious adverse events were reported in any of the included or excluded clinical trials. Serious adverse events are reported in the medical literature, though rare. The strongest evidence for efficacy was found for epilepsy, symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms. Benefit was also demonstrated for mood and anxiety disorders, autoimmune illness, and emotional disturbance in neoplastic disease. Conclusions: The results support the safety and potential efficacy of meditative practices for treating certain illnesses, particularly in nonpsychotic mood and anxiety disorders. Clear and reproducible evidence supporting efficacy from large, methodologically sound studies is lacking.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Liora Birnbaum |
Author | Aiton Birnbaum |
Abstract | Spiritual concerns are highly relevant, but often ignored, in psychotherapy in general and in suicide in particular. This article presents Internet data and clinical case material bearing on the topic, and describes an innovative therapeutic intervention administered in a group-workshop format with suicide survivors and mental health professionals. The technique incorporates relaxation and mindfulness meditation, with the addition of guided meditation in search of inner wisdom. Results of the group intervention are described and illustrated. Many participants reported a significant positive experience including connection to knowledge that was highly relevant to them in their current state of life. Whether such insights were experienced as coming from within (a deeper part of the self) or from an external source (a guiding figure or presence), indications are that guided meditation can be a powerful resource for therapists and their clients, suicidal and otherwise. Possible applications in diverse populations and settings, as well as the need for further research, are discussed. |
Publication | TheScientificWorldJournal |
Volume | 4 |
Pages | 216-227 |
Date | Mar 18, 2004 |
Journal Abbr | ScientificWorldJournal |
DOI | 10.1100/tsw.2004.17 |
ISSN | 1537-744X |
Short Title | In search of inner wisdom |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15105961 |
Accessed | Friday, November 13, 2009 12:50:37 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 15105961 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Spiritual concerns are highly relevant, but often ignored, in psychotherapy in general and in suicide in particular. This article presents Internet data and clinical case material bearing on the topic, and describes an innovative therapeutic intervention administered in a group-workshop format with suicide survivors and mental health professionals. The technique incorporates relaxation and mindfulness meditation, with the addition of guided meditation in search of inner wisdom. Results of the group intervention are described and illustrated. Many participants reported a significant positive experience including connection to knowledge that was highly relevant to them in their current state of life. Whether such insights were experienced as coming from within (a deeper part of the self) or from an external source (a guiding figure or presence), indications are that guided meditation can be a powerful resource for therapists and their clients, suicidal and otherwise. Possible applications in diverse populations and settings, as well as the need for further research, are discussed.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Kenneth Bond |
Author | Maria B. Ospina |
Author | Nicola Hooton |
Author | Liza Bialy |
Author | Donna M. Dryden |
Author | Nina Buscemi |
Author | David Shannahoff-Khalsa |
Author | Jeffrey Dusek |
Author | Linda E. Carlson |
Abstract | The authors used a 5-round Delphi study with a panel of 7 experts in meditation research to achieve agreement on a set of criteria for a working definition of "meditation" for use in a comprehensive systematic review of the therapeutic use of meditation. Participants agreed that essential to a meditation practice is its use of (a) a defined technique, (b) logic relaxation, and (c) a self-induced state. Participants also agreed that a meditation practice may (d) involve a state of psychophysical relaxation somewhere in the process; (e) use a self-focus skill or anchor; (f) involve an altered state/mode of consciousness, mystic experience, enlightenment or suspension of logical thought processes; (g) be embedded in a religious/spiritual/philosophical context; or (h) involve an experience of mental silence. The results of this study provide insight into the challenges faced by researchers who want to demarcate meditative practices from nonmeditative practices, and they describe an approach to this problem that may prove useful for researchers trying to operationalize meditation in the context of comparative research. |
Publication | Psychology of Religion and Spirituality |
Volume | 1 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 129-137 |
Date | May 2009 |
DOI | 10.1037/a0015736 |
ISSN | 1941-1022 |
Short Title | Defining a Complex Intervention |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B9846-4WKH6C3-5/2/509e26c0ce84ca65c2c2ef1f2ad57eb2 |
Accessed | Monday, March 28, 2011 7:14:39 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
The authors used a 5-round Delphi study with a panel of 7 experts in meditation research to achieve agreement on a set of criteria for a working definition of “meditation” for use in a comprehensive systematic review of the therapeutic use of meditation. Participants agreed that essential to a meditation practice is its use of (a) a defined technique, (b) logic relaxation, and (c) a self-induced state. Participants also agreed that a meditation practice may (d) involve a state of psychophysical relaxation somewhere in the process; (e) use a self-focus skill or anchor; (f) involve an altered state/mode of consciousness, mystic experience, enlightenment or suspension of logical thought processes; (g) be embedded in a religious/spiritual/philosophical context; or (h) involve an experience of mental silence. The results of this study provide insight into the challenges faced by researchers who want to demarcate meditative practices from nonmeditative practices, and they describe an approach to this problem that may prove useful for researchers trying to operationalize meditation in the context of comparative research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract)
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Kenneth Bond |
Author | Maria B. Ospina |
Author | Nicola Hooton |
Author | Liza Bialy |
Author | Donna M. Dryden |
Author | Nina Buscemi |
Author | David Shannahoff-Khalsa |
Author | Jeffrey Dusek |
Author | Linda E. Carlson |
Abstract | The authors used a 5-round Delphi study with a panel of 7 experts in meditation research to achieve agreement on a set of criteria for a working definition of “meditation” for use in a comprehensive systematic review of the therapeutic use of meditation. Participants agreed that essential to a meditation practice is its use of (a) a defined technique, (b) logic relaxation, and (c) a self-induced state. Participants also agreed that a meditation practice may (d) involve a state of psychophysical relaxation somewhere in the process; (e) use a self-focus skill or anchor; (f) involve an altered state/mode of consciousness, mystic experience, enlightenment or suspension of logical thought processes; (g) be embedded in a religious/spiritual/philosophical context; or (h) involve an experience of mental silence. The results of this study provide insight into the challenges faced by researchers who want to demarcate meditative practices from nonmeditative practices, and they describe an approach to this problem that may prove useful for researchers trying to operationalize meditation in the context of comparative research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract) |
Publication | Psychology of Religion and Spirituality |
Volume | 1 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 129-137 |
Date | May 2009 |
DOI | 10.1037/a0015736 |
ISSN | 1941-1022 |
Short Title | Defining a complex intervention |
URL | http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx? direct=true&db=pdh&AN=rel-1-2-129&… |
Accessed | Saturday, September 12, 2009 6:48:12 PM |
Library Catalog | EBSCOhost |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Type | Book |
---|---|
Author | Barry Boyce |
Author | Jon Kabat-Zinn |
Author | Daniel Siegel |
Author | Thich Nhat Hanh |
Author | Jack Kornfield |
Edition | 1 |
Publisher | Shambhala |
Date | 2011-03-08 |
ISBN | 1590308891 |
Short Title | The Mindfulness Revolution |
Library Catalog | Amazon.com |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:56:31 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:56:31 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Mark J Brenner |
Abstract | The use of Zen Buddhist meditation in clinical practice has received specific attention from mental health disciplines in the West. A study was undertaken to examine the influence of a personal practice of Zen on the professional work of clinical social workers. Ten experienced clinical social workers who were long-term Zen practitioners were interviewed. Findings from this qualitative study suggest that Zen meditation has direct application to clinical social work in three areas: (1) cultivating Awareness, (2) enhancing Acceptance, and (3) nurturing Responsibility. This article reports on the findings in the area of Awareness. Awareness increases a social worker's focus on the present moment with the client, providing for a suspension of preconceived ideas about the client. Building on the view that social work is both art and science, the author proposes the use of Zen in the training of clinical social workers. |
Publication | Social Work in Health Care |
Volume | 48 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 462-470 |
Date | 2009 May-Jun |
Journal Abbr | Soc Work Health Care |
DOI | 10.1080/00981380802589860 |
ISSN | 0098-1389 |
Short Title | Zen practice |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19396713 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:22:12 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19396713 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
The use of Zen Buddhist meditation in clinical practice has received specific attention from mental health disciplines in the West. A study was undertaken to examine the influence of a personal practice of Zen on the professional work of clinical social workers. Ten experienced clinical social workers who were long-term Zen practitioners were interviewed. Findings from this qualitative study suggest that Zen meditation has direct application to clinical social work in three areas: (1) cultivating Awareness, (2) enhancing Acceptance, and (3) nurturing Responsibility. This article reports on the findings in the area of Awareness. Awareness increases a social worker’s focus on the present moment with the client, providing for a suspension of preconceived ideas about the client. Building on the view that social work is both art and science, the author proposes the use of Zen in the training of clinical social workers.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | William C Bushell |
Abstract | A "framework" is presented for understanding empirically confirmed and unconfirmed phenomena in the Indo-Tibetan meditation system, from an integrative perspective, and providing evidence that certain meditative practices enable meditators to realize the innate human potential to perceive light "at the limits imposed by quantum mechanics," on the level of individual photons. This is part of a larger Buddhist agenda to meditatitively develop perceptual/attentional capacities to achieve penetrating insight into the nature of phenomena. Such capacities may also allow advanced meditators to perceive changes in natural scenes that are "hidden" from persons with "normal" attentional capacities, according to research on "change blindness," and to enhance their visual system functioning akin to high-speed and time-lapse photography, in toto allowing for the perception, as well as sophisticated understanding, of the "moment to moment change or impermanence" universally characteristic of the phenomenal world but normally outside untrained attention and perception according to Buddhist doctrine. |
Publication | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 1172 |
Pages | 348-361 |
Date | Aug 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04960.x |
ISSN | 1749-6632 |
Short Title | New beginnings |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19735255 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:11:20 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19735255 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
A “framework” is presented for understanding empirically confirmed and unconfirmed phenomena in the Indo-Tibetan meditation system, from an integrative perspective, and providing evidence that certain meditative practices enable meditators to realize the innate human potential to perceive light “at the limits imposed by quantum mechanics,” on the level of individual photons. This is part of a larger Buddhist agenda to meditatitively develop perceptual/attentional capacities to achieve penetrating insight into the nature of phenomena. Such capacities may also allow advanced meditators to perceive changes in natural scenes that are “hidden” from persons with “normal” attentional capacities, according to research on “change blindness,” and to enhance their visual system functioning akin to high-speed and time-lapse photography, in toto allowing for the perception, as well as sophisticated understanding, of the “moment to moment change or impermanence” universally characteristic of the phenomenal world but normally outside untrained attention and perception according to Buddhist doctrine.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | William C Bushell |
Abstract | This chapter briefly reviews recent psychological, physiological, molecular biological, and anthropological research which has important implications, both direct and indirect, for the recognition and understanding of the potential life span and health span enhancing effects of the basic yoga meditational regimen. This regimen consists of meditation, yogic breath control practices, physical exercises (of both a postural- and movement-based, including aerobic nature), and dietary practices. While each of these component categories exhibit variations in different schools, lineages, traditions, and cultures, the focus of this chapter is primarily on basic forms of relaxation meditation and breath control, as well as postural and aerobic physical exercises (e.g., yogic prostration regimens, see below), and a standard form of yogic or ascetic diet, all of which constitute a basic form of regimen found in many if not most cultures, though with variations. |
Publication | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 1172 |
Pages | 20-27 |
Date | Aug 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04538.x |
ISSN | 1749-6632 |
Short Title | Longevity |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19735236 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:42:38 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19735236 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
This chapter briefly reviews recent psychological, physiological, molecular biological, and anthropological research which has important implications, both direct and indirect, for the recognition and understanding of the potential life span and health span enhancing effects of the basic yoga meditational regimen. This regimen consists of meditation, yogic breath control practices, physical exercises (of both a postural- and movement-based, including aerobic nature), and dietary practices. While each of these component categories exhibit variations in different schools, lineages, traditions, and cultures, the focus of this chapter is primarily on basic forms of relaxation meditation and breath control, as well as postural and aerobic physical exercises (e.g., yogic prostration regimens, see below), and a standard form of yogic or ascetic diet, all of which constitute a basic form of regimen found in many if not most cultures, though with variations.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | B Rael Cahn |
Author | John Polich |
Abstract | A three-stimulus auditory oddball series was presented to experienced Vipassana meditators during meditation and a control thought period to elicit event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in the two different mental states. The stimuli consisted of a frequent standard tone (500 Hz), an infrequent oddball tone (1000 Hz), and an infrequent distracter (white noise), with all stimuli passively presented through headphones and no task imposed. The strongest meditation compared to control state effects occurred for the distracter stimuli: N1 amplitude from the distracter was reduced frontally during meditation; P2 amplitude from both the distracter and oddball stimuli were somewhat reduced during meditation; P3a amplitude from the distracter was reduced during meditation. The meditation-induced reduction in P3a amplitude was strongest in participants reporting more hours of daily meditation practice and was not evident in participants reporting drowsiness during their experimental meditative session. The findings suggest that meditation state can decrease the amplitude of neurophysiologic processes that subserve attentional engagement elicited by unexpected and distracting stimuli. Consistent with the aim of Vipassana meditation to reduce cognitive and emotional reactivity, the state effect of reduced P3a amplitude to distracting stimuli reflects decreased automated reactivity and evaluative processing of task irrelevant attention-demanding stimuli. |
Publication | International Journal of Psychophysiology: Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology |
Volume | 72 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 51-60 |
Date | Apr 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Int J Psychophysiol |
DOI | 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2008.03.013 |
ISSN | 1872-7697 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/18845193 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:22:17 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 18845193 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
A three-stimulus auditory oddball series was presented to experienced Vipassana meditators during meditation and a control thought period to elicit event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in the two different mental states. The stimuli consisted of a frequent standard tone (500 Hz), an infrequent oddball tone (1000 Hz), and an infrequent distracter (white noise), with all stimuli passively presented through headphones and no task imposed. The strongest meditation compared to control state effects occurred for the distracter stimuli: N1 amplitude from the distracter was reduced frontally during meditation; P2 amplitude from both the distracter and oddball stimuli were somewhat reduced during meditation; P3a amplitude from the distracter was reduced during meditation. The meditation-induced reduction in P3a amplitude was strongest in participants reporting more hours of daily meditation practice and was not evident in participants reporting drowsiness during their experimental meditative session. The findings suggest that meditation state can decrease the amplitude of neurophysiologic processes that subserve attentional engagement elicited by unexpected and distracting stimuli. Consistent with the aim of Vipassana meditation to reduce cognitive and emotional reactivity, the state effect of reduced P3a amplitude to distracting stimuli reflects decreased automated reactivity and evaluative processing of task irrelevant attention-demanding stimuli.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Roberto Cardoso |
Author | Eduardo de Souza |
Author | Luiz Camano |
Author | José Roberto Leite |
Abstract | Despite its evergrowing use in health-related areas, procedures characterized as meditation have been little or not at all defined operationally, which hinders its use in a standardized manner. In the present study, the authors present a possible operational definition of meditation, which has been used in social and academic projects, developed in Universidade Federal de São Paulo. In this proposal, it is emphasized that, in order to be characterized as meditation, the procedure should encompass the following requirements: (1) the use of a specific technique (clearly defined), (2) muscle relaxation in some moment of the process and (3) "logic relaxation"; (4) it must necessarily be a self-induced state, and (5) use of "self-focus" skill (coined "anchor"). |
Publication | Brain Research Protocols |
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 58-60 |
Date | November 2004 |
Journal Abbr | Brain Res Protoc |
DOI | 10.1016/j.brainresprot.2004.09.002 |
ISSN | 1385-299X |
Short Title | Meditation in health |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T3N-4DKD49T-1/2/572fd518abb03915019c37a5a1ab20a8 |
Accessed | Tuesday, September 01, 2009 9:50:59 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Despite its evergrowing use in health-related areas, procedures characterized as meditation have been little or not at all defined operationally, which hinders its use in a standardized manner. In the present study, the authors present a possible operational definition of meditation, which has been used in social and academic projects, developed in Universidade Federal de São Paulo. In this proposal, it is emphasized that, in order to be characterized as meditation, the procedure should encompass the following requirements: (1) the use of a specific technique (clearly defined), (2) muscle relaxation in some moment of the process and (3) “logic relaxation”; (4) it must necessarily be a self-induced state, and (5) use of “self-focus” skill (coined “anchor”).
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | James Carmody |
Author | Ruth A Baer |
Author | Emily L B Lykins |
Author | Nicholas Olendzki |
Abstract | S. L. Shapiro and colleagues (2006) have described a testable theory of the mechanisms of mindfulness and how it affects positive change. They describe a model in which mindfulness training leads to a fundamental change in relationship to experience (reperceiving), which leads to changes in self-regulation, values clarification, cognitive and behavioral flexibility, and exposure. These four variables, in turn, result in salutogenic outcomes. Analyses of responses from participants in a mindfulness-based stress-reduction program did not support the mediating effect of changes in reperceiving on the relationship of mindfulness with those four variables. However, when mindfulness and reperceiving scores were combined, partial support was found for the mediating effect of the four variables on measures of psychological distress. Issues arising in attempts to test the proposed theory are discussed, including the description of the model variables and the challenges to their assessment. |
Publication | Journal of Clinical Psychology |
Volume | 65 |
Issue | 6 |
Pages | 613-626 |
Date | Jun 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Clin Psychol |
DOI | 10.1002/jclp.20579 |
ISSN | 1097-4679 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19267330 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:17:34 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19267330 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
S. L. Shapiro and colleagues (2006) have described a testable theory of the mechanisms of mindfulness and how it affects positive change. They describe a model in which mindfulness training leads to a fundamental change in relationship to experience (reperceiving), which leads to changes in self-regulation, values clarification, cognitive and behavioral flexibility, and exposure. These four variables, in turn, result in salutogenic outcomes. Analyses of responses from participants in a mindfulness-based stress-reduction program did not support the mediating effect of changes in reperceiving on the relationship of mindfulness with those four variables. However, when mindfulness and reperceiving scores were combined, partial support was found for the mediating effect of the four variables on measures of psychological distress. Issues arising in attempts to test the proposed theory are discussed, including the description of the model variables and the challenges to their assessment.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | James W Carson |
Author | Francis J Keefe |
Author | Thomas R Lynch |
Author | Kimberly M Carson |
Author | Veeraindar Goli |
Author | Anne Marie Fras |
Author | Steven R Thorp |
Abstract | PURPOSE: Loving-kindness meditation has been used for centuries in the Buddhist tradition to develop love and transform anger into compassion. This pilot study tested an 8-week loving-kindness program for chronic low back pain patients. METHOD: Patients (N = 43) were randomly assigned to the intervention or standard care. Standardized measures assessed patients' pain, anger, and psychological distress. FINDINGS: Post and follow-up analyses showed significant improvements in pain and psychological distress in the loving-kindness group, but no changes in the usual care group. Multilevel analyses of daily data showed that more loving-kindness practice on a given day was related to lower pain that day and lower anger the next day. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results suggest that the loving-kindness program can be beneficial in reducing pain, anger, and psychological distress in patients with persistent low back pain. IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians may find loving-kindness meditation helpful in the treatment of patients with persistent pain. |
Publication | Journal of Holistic Nursing: Official Journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association |
Volume | 23 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 287-304 |
Date | Sep 2005 |
Journal Abbr | J Holist Nurs |
DOI | 10.1177/0898010105277651 |
ISSN | 0898-0101 |
Short Title | Loving-kindness meditation for chronic low back pain |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16049118 |
Accessed | Friday, November 13, 2009 3:19:40 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 16049118 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Purpose: Loving-kindness meditation has been used for centuries in the Buddhist tradition to develop love and transform anger into compassion. This pilot study tested an 8-week loving-kindness program for chronic low back pain patients. Method: Patients (N = 43) were randomly assigned to the intervention or standard care. Standardized measures assessed patients’ pain, anger, and psychological distress. Findings: Post and follow-up analyses showed significant improvements in pain and psychological distress in the loving-kindness group, but no changes in the usual care group. Multilevel analyses of daily data showed that more loving-kindness practice on a given day was related to lower pain that day and lower anger the next day. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that the loving-kindness program can be beneficial in reducing pain, anger, and psychological distress in patients with persistent low back pain. Implications: Clinicians may find loving-kindness meditation helpful in the treatment of patients with persistent pain.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Alberto Chiesa |
Abstract | OBJECTIVE: Despite the growing interest in the neurobiological and clinical correlates of many meditative practices, in particular mindfulness meditations, no review has specifically focused on current evidence on electroencephalographic, neuroimaging, biological, and clinical evidence about an important traditional practice, Zen meditation. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, the ISI Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane collaboration database, and references of selected articles. Randomized controlled and cross-sectional studies with controls published in English prior to May 2008 were included. RESULTS: Electroencephalographic studies on Zen meditation found increased alpha and theta activity, generally related to relaxation, in many brain regions, including the frontal cortex. Theta activity in particular seemed to be related to the degree of experience, being greater in expert practitioners and advanced masters. Moreover, Zen meditation practice could protect from cognitive decline usually associated with age and enhance antioxidant activity. From a clinical point of view, Zen meditation was found to reduce stress and blood pressure, and be efficacious for a variety of conditions, as suggested by positive findings in therapists and musicians. CONCLUSION: To date, actual evidence about Zen meditation is scarce and highlights the necessity of further investigations. Comparison with further active treatments, explanation of possible mechanisms of action, and the limitations of current evidence are discussed. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 585-592 |
Date | May 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2008.0416 |
ISSN | 1557-7708 |
Short Title | Zen meditation |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19422285 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:22:04 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19422285 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Objective: Despite the growing interest in the neurobiological and clinical correlates of many meditative practices, in particular mindfulness meditations, no review has specifically focused on current evidence on electroencephalographic, neuroimaging, biological, and clinical evidence about an important traditional practice, Zen meditation. Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, the ISI Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane collaboration database, and references of selected articles. Randomized controlled and cross-sectional studies with controls published in English prior to May 2008 were included. Results: Electroencephalographic studies on Zen meditation found increased alpha and theta activity, generally related to relaxation, in many brain regions, including the frontal cortex. Theta activity in particular seemed to be related to the degree of experience, being greater in expert practitioners and advanced masters. Moreover, Zen meditation practice could protect from cognitive decline usually associated with age and enhance antioxidant activity. From a clinical point of view, Zen meditation was found to reduce stress and blood pressure, and be efficacious for a variety of conditions, as suggested by positive findings in therapists and musicians. Conclusion: To date, actual evidence about Zen meditation is scarce and highlights the necessity of further investigations. Comparison with further active treatments, explanation of possible mechanisms of action, and the limitations of current evidence are discussed.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Debbie L Cohen |
Author | Nancy Wintering |
Author | Victoria Tolles |
Author | Raymond R Townsend |
Author | John T Farrar |
Author | Mary Lou Galantino |
Author | Andrew B Newberg |
Abstract | OBJECTIVES: Experienced practitioners of yoga have been shown to alter brain function, but this case series measured cerebral blood flow before and after a 12-week training program in Iyengar yoga (IY) for naïve subjects. METHODS: On the first day, each of the 4 subjects listened to the teacher speaking on the history and background of the yoga program while they were injected with 250 MBq of (99m)Tc-bicisate and received a single photon emission computed tomography scan (pre-program baseline). Subjects then had their first IY training and were injected and scanned with 925 MBq bicisate while they did their first meditation (pre-program meditation). Subjects then underwent a 12-week training program in IY and then underwent the same imaging protocol with a postprogram baseline and postprogram meditation scan. Baseline and meditation scans, before and after training, were compared using paired t tests. RESULTS: There were significant decreases (p < 0.05) between the pre- and postprogram baseline scans in the right amygdala, dorsal medial cortex, and sensorimotor area. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the pre- and postprogram percentage change (i.e., activation) in the right dorsal medial frontal lobe, prefrontal cortex, and right sensorimotor cortex. CONCLUSIONS: These initial findings suggest the brain experiences a "training effect" after 12 weeks of IY training. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 9-14 |
Date | Jan 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2008.0008 |
ISSN | 1557-7708 |
Short Title | Cerebral blood flow effects of yoga training |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19769471 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 4:27:26 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19769471 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Objectives Experienced practitioners of yoga have been shown to alter brain function, but this case series measured cerebral blood flow before and after a 12-week training program in Iyengar yoga (IY) for naïve subjects. Methods: On the first day, each of the 4 subjects listened to the teacher speaking on the history and background of the yoga program while they were injected with 250 MBq of (99m)Tc-bicisate and received a single photon emission computed tomography scan (pre-program baseline). Subjects then had their first IY training and were injected and scanned with 925 MBq bicisate while they did their first meditation (pre-program meditation). Subjects then underwent a 12-week training program in IY and then underwent the same imaging protocol with a postprogram baseline and postprogram meditation scan. Baseline and meditation scans, before and after training, were compared using paired t tests. Results: There were significant decreases (p < 0.05) between the pre- and postprogram baseline scans in the right amygdala, dorsal medial cortex, and sensorimotor area. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the pre- and postprogram percentage change (i.e., activation) in the right dorsal medial frontal lobe, prefrontal cortex, and right sensorimotor cortex. Conclusions: These initial findings suggest the brain experiences a “training effect” after 12 weeks of IY training.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Carlo C. DiClemente |
Abstract | In this article, the author discusses the study which examines the effectiveness of transcendental meditation mindfulness training to treat patients with behavioral and emotional problems. It states that rumination and stress management are the key factors that help depression people and substance abuse disorders to respond brain activation using generic self-regulatory operations. Moreover, neurologists explained that approach would lower pain sensitivity in the brain. |
Publication | Addiction |
Volume | 105 |
Issue | 10 |
Pages | 1707-1708 |
Date | October 2010 |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03013.x |
ISSN | 09652140 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:59:59 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:59:59 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Elissa Epel |
Author | Jennifer Daubenmier |
Author | Judith Tedlie Moskowitz |
Author | Susan Folkman |
Author | Elizabeth Blackburn |
Abstract | Understanding the malleable determinants of cellular aging is critical to understanding human longevity. Telomeres may provide a pathway for exploring this question. Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. The length of telomeres offers insight into mitotic cell and possibly organismal longevity. Telomere length has now been linked to chronic stress exposure and depression. This raises the question of mechanism: How might cellular aging be modulated by psychological functioning? We consider two psychological processes or states that are in opposition to one another-threat cognition and mindfulness-and their effects on cellular aging. Psychological stress cognitions, particularly appraisals of threat and ruminative thoughts, can lead to prolonged states of reactivity. In contrast, mindfulness meditation techniques appear to shift cognitive appraisals from threat to challenge, decrease ruminative thought, and reduce stress arousal. Mindfulness may also directly increase positive arousal states. We review data linking telomere length to cognitive stress and stress arousal and present new data linking cognitive appraisal to telomere length. Given the pattern of associations revealed so far, we propose that some forms of meditation may have salutary effects on telomere length by reducing cognitive stress and stress arousal and increasing positive states of mind and hormonal factors that may promote telomere maintenance. Aspects of this model are currently being tested in ongoing trials of mindfulness meditation. |
Publication | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 1172 |
Pages | 34-53 |
Date | Aug 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04414.x |
ISSN | 1749-6632 |
Short Title | Can meditation slow rate of cellular aging? |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19735238 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:11:55 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19735238 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Understanding the malleable determinants of cellular aging is critical to understanding human longevity. Telomeres may provide a pathway for exploring this question. Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. The length of telomeres offers insight into mitotic cell and possibly organismal longevity. Telomere length has now been linked to chronic stress exposure and depression. This raises the question of mechanism: How might cellular aging be modulated by psychological functioning? We consider two psychological processes or states that are in opposition to one another-threat cognition and mindfulness-and their effects on cellular aging. Psychological stress cognitions, particularly appraisals of threat and ruminative thoughts, can lead to prolonged states of reactivity. In contrast, mindfulness meditation techniques appear to shift cognitive appraisals from threat to challenge, decrease ruminative thought, and reduce stress arousal. Mindfulness may also directly increase positive arousal states. We review data linking telomere length to cognitive stress and stress arousal and present new data linking cognitive appraisal to telomere length. Given the pattern of associations revealed so far, we propose that some forms of meditation may have salutary effects on telomere length by reducing cognitive stress and stress arousal and increasing positive states of mind and hormonal factors that may promote telomere maintenance. Aspects of this model are currently being tested in ongoing trials of mindfulness meditation.
Type | Book |
---|---|
Author | Michael Eysenck |
Author | James Walsh |
Author | Jaroslav Gera |
Edition | 1 |
Publisher | Routledge |
Date | 2011-03-15 |
ISBN | 0415414326 |
Short Title | The Psychology Of Mindfulness |
Library Catalog | Amazon.com |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:56:31 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:56:31 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Eric Garland |
Author | Susan Gaylord |
Abstract | Mindfulness is an ancient spiritual practice as well as a unique behavioral technique involving the cultivation of non-judgmental, non-reactive, metacognitive awareness of present-moment experience. Given the growing interest in mindfulness across numerous academic and clinical disciplines, an agenda is needed to guide the next wave of research. Here, we suggest four areas that, in our view, are important for a future contemplative science of mindfulness: performance-based measures of mindfulness, scientific evaluation of Buddhist claims, neurophenomenology of mindfulness, and measuring changes in mindfulness-induced gene expression. By exploring these domains, the wisdom of the meditative traditions may be complemented by leading-edge empirical research methodologies. |
Publication | Complementary Health Practice Review |
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 3-9 |
Date | Jan 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Complement Health Pract Rev |
DOI | 10.1177/1533210109333718 |
ISSN | 1533-2101 |
Short Title | Envisioning a Future Contemplative Science of Mindfulness |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20671798 |
Accessed | Monday, March 28, 2011 6:13:46 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20671798 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Eric Garland |
Author | Susan Gaylord |
Author | Jongbae Park |
Abstract | Mindfulness meditation is increasingly well known for therapeutic efficacy in a variety of illnesses and conditions, but its mechanism of action is still under debate in scientific circles. In this paper, we propose a hypothetical causal model that argues for the role of mindfulness in positive reappraisal coping. Positive reappraisal is a critical component of meaning-based coping that enables individuals to adapt successfully to stressful life events. Mindfulness, as a metacognitive form of awareness, involves the process of decentering, a shifting of cognitive sets that enables alternate appraisals of life events. We review the concept of positive reappraisal in transactional stress and coping theory, then describe research and traditional literature related to mindfulness and positive reappraisal, and detail the central role of mindfulness in the reappraisal process. With this understanding, we present a causal model explicating the proposed mechanism. The discussion has implications for clinical practice, suggesting how mindfulness-based integrative medicine interventions can be designed to support adaptive coping processes. |
Publication | Explore (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 5 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 37-44 |
Date | 2009 Jan-Feb |
Journal Abbr | Explore (NY) |
DOI | 10.1016/j.explore.2008.10.001 |
ISSN | 1550-8307 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19114262 |
Accessed | Monday, March 28, 2011 6:18:24 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19114262 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Nurper Gökhan |
Author | Edward F. Meehan |
Author | Kevin Peters |
Publication | Psychological Reports |
Volume | 106 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 455-466 |
Date | 2010 |
Journal Abbr | PR |
DOI | 10.2466/PR0.106.2.455-466 |
ISSN | 0033-2941 |
URL | http://asp.ammonsscientific.com/find.php? resource=PR0.106.2.455 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:35 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:35 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Pamela D. Hall |
Publication | Journal of Black Studies |
Volume | 29 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 408-415 |
Date | Jan., 1999 |
ISSN | 00219347 |
URL | http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/stable/2668066 |
Accessed | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 9:51:58 PM |
Library Catalog | JSTOR |
Extra | ArticleType: primary_article / Full publication date: Jan., 1999 / Copyright © 1999 Sage Publications, Inc. |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | William Hathaway |
Author | Erica Tan |
Abstract | The interface of religiously accommodative and oriented treatments and the cognitive–behavioral tradition is explored. In terms of Hayes' characterization of the evolution of the cognitive–behavioral tradition through three waves, considerable theoretical, clinical, and empirical work emerged to support a religiously accommodative cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) during the second-generation CBTs. Rather than including religion and spirituality, the third-wave CBT traditions have engaged in spiritual themes inspired heavily from Eastern religious traditions. The authors discuss the application of a religiously congruent third-wave cognitive therapy with a depressed conservatively Christian client. Some conceptual challenges and rationales for adopting such treatments with Christian or other theist clients are described. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65:158–171, 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
Publication | Journal of Clinical Psychology |
Volume | 65 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 158-171 |
Date | February 2009 |
ISSN | 00219762 |
Library Catalog | EBSCOhost |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | C.H. Hsieh |
Author | C.H. Liou |
Author | C.W. Hsieh |
Author | C.H. Wang |
Author | L.K. Ho |
Author | J.H. Chen |
Abstract | Introduction Although the meditation mechanism underlie remain uncertain for these effects on body and mind for the past decades, many scientists worked on the researches of brain mappings for various meditation styles. Since different meditation methods may activate different regions in brain. Lazar et al. [1] studied a form of meditation with fMRI. We also had a previous study by using fMRI [2]. In this study, we would like to compare positive and negative activation areas of the brain during the meditation with nine-word phrase, and one is just practiced the breath with the phrase that contained nine words. The first word was matched with inhaling and following the next with exhaling alternately during the meditation period. Blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) based fMRI were used to examine the brain functions. Methods There are four subjects scanned three times, one is 36-year-old, right-handed female, had practiced meditation for twelve years, and others are 36-year-old, right-handed male, had practiced meditation from fifteen to seventeen years. The paradigm is proceeded as below: two periods of meditation state, each with 3 minutes, and three control states with 3 minutes put before, between and after those two meditation epoch. Total scan time is 15 minutes. Experiments were performed on a Bruker MEDSPEC 3T system (Bruker, Ettlingen, Germany). Images were acquired using gradient-echo echo planar image (EPI) with matrix size of 128×128, TE of 35 ms, and TR of 6 sec. The raw data were analyzed with SPM2 [3], and the preprocessing were realignment, coregistration, normalization of Talairach space, smoothness with FWHM of 8 mm, and were applied FFX statistics (FWE corrected, p<0.05). Results The results showed as below: positive activation brain areas of right hemisphere were anterior cingulate cortex of limbic lobe, supramarginal gyrus (BA 40) of parietal lobe, superior temporal (BA 22) of temporal lobe, precuneus (BA 7) of parietal lobe, superior occipital gyrus (BA 19) of occipital lobe, medial frontal gyrus (BA 6) of frontal lobe, culmen and thalamus (fig. 1). In the left cerebellum, the activation areas were precentral gyrus (BA 4) of frontal lobe and paracentral lobule (BA 31) of frontal lobe; Negative ones of right hemisphere: middle frontal gyrus (BA 10) of frontal lobe, tuber of posterior lobe; for left hemisphere, superior temporal gyrus (BA 10) of frontal lobe, superior frontal gyrus (BA8) of frontal lobe, middle frontal gyrus (BA 9) of frontal lobe. (fig. 2). Conclusions We found that positive activation areas of the meditation with nine-word phrase were shown mainly on right hemisphere, and negative ones were just appeared mostly on left hemisphere. It displayed that meditation practice induced positive and negative activation areas concerned with various cognitive functions. However, maybe we could screen the same activation regions during different meditation forms, and construct the roles of each area for the mechanism step by step. |
Publication | NeuroImage |
Volume | 47 |
Issue | Supplement 1 |
Pages | S133 |
Date | July 2009 |
DOI | 10.1016/S1053-8119(09)71300-X |
ISSN | 1053-8119 |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6WNP-4X3PHYG-1MD/2/f27aab0a75417c6b11d63cbb144a748f |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 6:32:22 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Although the meditation mechanism underlie remain uncertain for these effects on body and mind for the past decades, many scientists worked on the researches of brain mappings for various meditation styles. Since different meditation methods may activate different regions in brain. Lazar et al. [1] studied a form of meditation with fMRI. We also had a previous study by using fMRI [2]. In this study, we would like to compare positive and negative activation areas of the brain during the meditation with nine-word phrase, and one is just practiced the breath with the phrase that contained nine words. The first word was matched with inhaling and following the next with exhaling alternately during the meditation period. Blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) based fMRI were used to examine the brain functions.
There are four subjects scanned three times, one is 36-year-old, right-handed female, had practiced meditation for twelve years, and others are 36-year-old, right-handed male, had practiced meditation from fifteen to seventeen years. The paradigm is proceeded as below: two periods of meditation state, each with 3 minutes, and three control states with 3 minutes put before, between and after those two meditation epoch. Total scan time is 15 minutes. Experiments were performed on a Bruker MEDSPEC 3T system (Bruker, Ettlingen, Germany). Images were acquired using gradient-echo echo planar image (EPI) with matrix size of 128×128, TE of 35 ms, and TR of 6 sec. The raw data were analyzed with SPM2 [3], and the preprocessing were realignment, coregistration, normalization of Talairach space, smoothness with FWHM of 8 mm, and were applied FFX statistics (FWE corrected, p<0.05).
The results showed as below: positive activation brain areas of right hemisphere were anterior cingulate cortex of limbic lobe, supramarginal gyrus (BA 40) of parietal lobe, superior temporal (BA 22) of temporal lobe, precuneus (BA 7) of parietal lobe, superior occipital gyrus (BA 19) of occipital lobe, medial frontal gyrus (BA 6) of frontal lobe, culmen and thalamus (fig. 1). In the left cerebellum, the activation areas were precentral gyrus (BA 4) of frontal lobe and paracentral lobule (BA 31) of frontal lobe; Negative ones of right hemisphere: middle frontal gyrus (BA 10) of frontal lobe, tuber of posterior lobe; for left hemisphere, superior temporal gyrus (BA 10) of frontal lobe, superior frontal gyrus (BA8) of frontal lobe, middle frontal gyrus (BA 9) of frontal lobe. (fig. 2).
We found that positive activation areas of the meditation with nine-word phrase were shown mainly on right hemisphere, and negative ones were just appeared mostly on left hemisphere. It displayed that meditation practice induced positive and negative activation areas concerned with various cognitive functions. However, maybe we could screen the same activation regions during different meditation forms, and construct the roles of each area for the mechanism step by step.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Tonya L. Jacobs |
Author | Elissa S. Epel |
Author | Jue Lin |
Author | Elizabeth H. Blackburn |
Author | Owen M. Wolkowitz |
Author | David A. Bridwell |
Author | Anthony P. Zanesco |
Author | Stephen R. Aichele |
Author | Baljinder K. Sahdra |
Author | Katherine A. MacLean |
Author | Brandon G. King |
Author | Phillip R. Shaver |
Author | Erika L. Rosenberg |
Author | Emilio Ferrer |
Author | B. Alan Wallace |
Author | Clifford D. Saron |
Abstract | Background: Telomerase activity is a predictor of long-term cellular viability, which decreases with chronic psychological distress (Epel et al., 2004). Buddhist traditions claim that meditation decreases psychological distress and promotes well-being (e.g., Dalai Lama and Cutler, 2009). Therefore, we investigated the effects of a 3-month meditation retreat on telomerase activity and two major contributors to the experience of stress: Perceived Control (associated with decreased stress) and Neuroticism (associated with increased subjective distress). We used mediation models to test whether changes in Perceived Control and Neuroticism explained meditation retreat effects on telomerase activity. In addition, we investigated whether two qualities developed by meditative practice, increased Mindfulness and Purpose in Life, accounted for retreat-related changes in the two stress-related variables and in telomerase activity. Methods: Retreat participants (n = 30) meditated for ∼6h daily for 3 months and were compared with a wait-list control group (n = 30) matched for age, sex, body mass index, and prior meditation experience. Retreat participants received instruction in concentrative meditation techniques and complementary practices used to cultivate benevolent states of mind (Wallace, 2006). Psychological measures were assessed pre- and post-retreat. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples were collected post-retreat for telomerase activity. Because there were clear, a priori hypotheses, 1-tailed significance criteria were used throughout. Results: Telomerase activity was significantly greater in retreat participants than in controls at the end of the retreat (p < 0.05). Increases in Perceived Control, decreases in Neuroticism, and increases in both Mindfulness and Purpose in Life were greater in the retreat group (p < 0.01). Mediation analyses indicated that the effect of the retreat on telomerase was mediated by increased Perceived Control and decreased Neuroticism. In turn, changes in Perceived Control and Neuroticism were both partially mediated by increased Mindfulness and Purpose in Life. Additionally, increases in Purpose in Life directly mediated the telomerase group difference, whereas increases in Mindfulness did not. Conclusions: This is the first study to link meditation and positive psychological change with telomerase activity. Although we did not measure baseline telomerase activity, the data suggest that increases in perceived control and decreases in negative affectivity contributed to an increase in telomerase activity, with implications for telomere length and immune cell longevity. Further, Purpose in Life is influenced by meditative practice and directly affects both perceived control and negative emotionality, affecting telomerase activity directly as well as indirectly. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) |
Publication | Psychoneuroendocrinology |
Volume | 36 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 664-681 |
Date | June 2011 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.09.010 |
ISSN | 0306-4530 |
Library Catalog | EBSCOhost |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:54:25 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:54:25 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Peter J. Jankowski |
Author | Steven J. Sandage |
Abstract | The present study tested a theoretical model of the relationship between meditative prayer and interpersonal forgiveness with hope and adult attachment as mediator variables. Results supported the proposed multiple mediation model as determined by multiple measures of model fit with the data. Significant direct effects were observed between meditative prayer and hope, hope and adult attachment, and adult attachment and forgiveness. A significant total indirect effect was found between meditative prayer and forgiveness. A significant specific indirect effect was also observed between meditative prayer and adult attachment with hope as the mediator, and between hope and forgiveness with adult attachment as a mediator. The concept of affect regulation is proposed as a possible unifying mechanism of the variables in the proposed model and implications are discussed in terms of existing literature and promoting interpersonal forgiveness in counseling. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract) |
Publication | Psychology of Religion and Spirituality |
Volume | 3 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 115-131 |
Date | May 2011 |
DOI | 10.1037/a0021601 |
ISSN | 1941-1022 |
Short Title | Meditative prayer, hope, adult attachment, and forgiveness |
Library Catalog | EBSCOhost |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:55:16 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:55:16 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Harinder Jaseja |
Abstract | Meditation is a mental exercise practiced widely as an antistress measure and in the belief that it possesses remedial efficacy for a number of medical ailments, especially neurological disorders. Further, there is a general belief that meditation is an absolutely safe practice devoid of any harmful effects. However, with the advent of neuroimaging techniques, the possibility of adverse effects has been raised in recent times. One such issue that has been debated is the potential epileptogenic versus antiepileptic influence exerted by meditation. This brief article attempts to study the potential role of meditation-induced EEG fast oscillations in the predisposition to seizures in meditation practitioners with epilepsy. |
Publication | Epilepsy & Behavior |
Volume | 17 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 124-125 |
Date | January 2010 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.yebeh.2009.10.022 |
ISSN | 1525-5050 |
Accessed | Friday, January 29, 2010 12:39:37 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:02 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:02 AM |
Type | Thesis |
---|---|
Author | A. A Joshi |
University | University of Oregon |
Date | 2007 |
Short Title | Effects of Meditation Training on Attentional Networks |
Library Catalog | Google Scholar |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Zoran Josipovic |
Abstract | The great variety of meditation techniques found in different contemplative traditions presents a challenge when attempting to create taxonomies based on the constructs of contemporary cognitive sciences. In the current issue of Consciousness and Cognition, Travis and Shear add 'automatic self-transcending' to the previously proposed categories of 'focused attention' and 'open monitoring', and suggest characteristic EEG bands as the defining criteria for each of the three categories. Accuracy of current taxonomies and potential limitations of EEG measurements as classifying criteria are discussed. |
Publication | Consciousness and Cognition |
Volume | 19 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 1119-1121; discussion 1122-1123 |
Date | 2010 December |
Journal Abbr | Conscious Cogn |
DOI | 10.1016/j.concog.2010.03.016 |
ISSN | 1090-2376 |
Accessed | Tuesday, January 18, 2011 6:58:39 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20385506 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:58:46 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:58:46 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | John Jouper |
Author | Peter Hassmén |
Author | Mattias Johansson |
Abstract | Regular physical activity has many positive health effects. Despite this, approximately 50% of all adults are not exercising enough to enjoy better health and may, therefore, need an alternative to vigorous physical exercise. Qigong offers a gentle way to exercise the body. A questionnaire sample of 253 participants was collected and correlations with the variable health-now were analyzed. Results showed that health-now was positively correlated with number of completed qigong courses (p < 0.05), with level of concentration (p < 0.01), session-time (p < 0.01), and years of practice (p < 0.05). Among these variables, concentration predicts an increased feeling of health (R(2) = 0.092). Qigong exercise thereby seems to offer a viable alternative to other more vigorous physical activities when wellness is the primary goal. When interpreted using self-determination theory, qigong seems to satisfy needs related to autonomy, competence and relatedness, thereby, primarily attracting individuals who are intrinsically motivated. |
Publication | The American Journal of Chinese Medicine |
Volume | 34 |
Issue | 6 |
Pages | 949-957 |
Date | 2006 |
Journal Abbr | Am. J. Chin. Med |
ISSN | 0192-415X |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/17163584 |
Accessed | Monday, November 02, 2009 1:09:22 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 17163584 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Regular physical activity has many positive health effects. Despite this, approximately 50% of all adults are not exercising enough to enjoy better health and may, therefore, need an alternative to vigorous physical exercise. Qigong offers a gentle way to exercise the body. A questionnaire sample of 253 participants was collected and correlations with the variable health-now were analyzed. Results showed that health-now was positively correlated with number of completed qigong courses (p < 0.05), with level of concentration (p < 0.01), session-time (p < 0.01), and years of practice (p < 0.05). Among these variables, concentration predicts an increased feeling of health (R(2) = 0.092). Qigong exercise thereby seems to offer a viable alternative to other more vigorous physical activities when wellness is the primary goal. When interpreted using self-determination theory, qigong seems to satisfy needs related to autonomy, competence and relatedness, thereby, primarily attracting individuals who are intrinsically motivated.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Catherine E Kerr |
Author | Krishnapriya Josyula |
Author | Ronnie Littenberg |
Abstract | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week training that is designed to teach participants mindful awareness of the present moment. In randomized clinical trials (RCTs), MBSR has demonstrated efficacy in various conditions including reducing chronic pain-related distress and improving quality of life in healthy individuals. There have, however, been no qualitative studies investigating participants' descriptions of changes experienced over multiple time points during the course of the programme. This qualitative study of an MBSR cohort (N = 8 healthy individuals) in a larger RCT examined participants' daily diary descriptions of their home-practice experiences. The study used a two-part method, combining grounded theory with a close-ended coding approach. The grounded theory analysis revealed that during the trial, all participants, to varying degrees, described moments of distress related to practice; at the end of the course, all participants who completed the training demonstrated greater detail and clarity in their descriptions, improved affect, and the emergence of an observing self. The closed-ended coding schema, carried out to shed light on the development of an observing self, revealed that the emergence of an observing self was not related to the valence of participants' experiential descriptions: even participants whose diaries contained predominantly negative characterizations of their experience throughout the trial were able, by the end of the trial, to demonstrate an observing, witnessing attitude towards their own distress. Progress in MBSR may rely less on the valence of participants' experiences and more on the way participants describe and relate to their own inner experience. |
Publication | Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy |
Volume | 18 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 80-93 |
Date | Jan 2011 |
Journal Abbr | Clin Psychol Psychother |
DOI | 10.1002/cpp.700 |
ISSN | 1099-0879 |
Short Title | Developing an observing attitude |
Accessed | Sunday, February 13, 2011 10:34:23 AM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 21226129 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:57:52 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:57:52 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Maryanna D Klatt |
Author | Janet Buckworth |
Author | William B Malarkey |
Abstract | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has produced behavioral, psychological, and physiological benefits, but these programs typically require a substantial time commitment from the participants. This study assessed the effects of a shortened (low-dose [ld]) work-site MBSR intervention (MBSR-ld) on indicators of stress in healthy working adults to determine if results similar to those obtained in traditional MBSR could be demonstrated. Participants were randomized into MBSR-ld and wait-list control groups. Self-reported perceived stress, sleep quality, and mindfulness were measured at the beginning and end of the 6-week intervention. Salivary cortisol was assessed weekly. Significant reductions in perceived stress (p = .0025) and increases in mindfulness (p = .0149) were obtained for only the MBSR-ld group (n = 22). Scores on the global measure of sleep improved for the MBSR-ld group (p = .0018) as well as for the control group (p = .0072; n = 20). Implications and future research are discussed. |
Publication | Health Education & Behavior: The Official Publication of the Society for Public Health Education |
Volume | 36 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 601-614 |
Date | Jun 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Health Educ Behav |
DOI | 10.1177/1090198108317627 |
ISSN | 1090-1981 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/18469160 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:16:42 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 18469160 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has produced behavioral, psychological, and physiological benefits, but these programs typically require a substantial time commitment from the participants. This study assessed the effects of a shortened (low-dose [ld]) work-site MBSR intervention (MBSR-ld) on indicators of stress in healthy working adults to determine if results similar to those obtained in traditional MBSR could be demonstrated. Participants were randomized into MBSR-ld and wait-list control groups. Self-reported perceived stress, sleep quality, and mindfulness were measured at the beginning and end of the 6-week intervention. Salivary cortisol was assessed weekly. Significant reductions in perceived stress (p = .0025) and increases in mindfulness (p = .0149) were obtained for only the MBSR-ld group (n = 22). Scores on the global measure of sleep improved for the MBSR-ld group (p = .0018) as well as for the control group (p = .0072; n = 20). Implications and future research are discussed.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Maria Kozhevnikov |
Author | Olga Louchakova |
Author | Zoran Josipovic |
Author | Michael A Motes |
Abstract | This study examined the effects of meditation on mental imagery, evaluating Buddhist monks' reports concerning their extraordinary imagery skills. Practitioners of Buddhist meditation were divided into two groups according to their preferred meditation style: Deity Yoga (focused attention on an internal visual image) or Open Presence (evenly distributed attention, not directed to any particular object). Both groups of meditators completed computerized mental-imagery tasks before and after meditation. Their performance was compared with that of control groups, who either rested or performed other visuospatial tasks between testing sessions. The results indicate that all the groups performed at the same baseline level, but after meditation, Deity Yoga practitioners demonstrated a dramatic increase in performance on imagery tasks compared with the other groups. The results suggest that Deity meditation specifically trains one's capacity to access heightened visuospatial processing resources, rather than generally improving visuospatial imagery abilities. |
Publication | Psychological Science: A Journal of the American Psychological Society / APS |
Volume | 20 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 645-653 |
Date | May 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Psychol Sci |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2009.02345.x |
ISSN | 1467-9280 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19476594 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:22:08 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19476594 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
This study examined the effects of meditation on mental imagery, evaluating Buddhist monks’ reports concerning their extraordinary imagery skills. Practitioners of Buddhist meditation were divided into two groups according to their preferred meditation style: Deity Yoga (focused attention on an internal visual image) or Open Presence (evenly distributed attention, not directed to any particular object). Both groups of meditators completed computerized mental-imagery tasks before and after meditation. Their performance was compared with that of control groups, who either rested or performed other visuospatial tasks between testing sessions. The results indicate that all the groups performed at the same baseline level, but after meditation, Deity Yoga practitioners demonstrated a dramatic increase in performance on imagery tasks compared with the other groups. The results suggest that Deity meditation specifically trains one’s capacity to access heightened visuospatial processing resources, rather than generally improving visuospatial imagery abilities.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | James D. Lane |
Author | Jon E. Seskevich |
Author | Carl F. Pieper |
Abstract | OBJECTIVES: To test a brief, non-sectarian program of meditation training for effects on perceived stress and negative emotion, and to determine effects of practice frequency and test the moderating effects of neuroticism (emotional lability) on treatment outcome. DESIGN AND SETTING: The study used a single-group, open-label, pre-test post-test design conducted in the setting of a university medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy adults (N=200) interested in learning meditation for stress-reduction were enrolled. One hundred thirty-three (76% females) completed at least 1 follow-up visit and were included in data analyses. INTERVENTION: Participants learned a simple mantra-based meditation technique in 4, 1-hour small-group meetings, with instructions to practice for 15-20 minutes twice daily. Instruction was based on a psychophysiological model of meditation practice and its expected effects on stress. OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline and monthly follow-up measures of Profile of Mood States; Perceived Stress Scale; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Practice frequency was indexed by monthly retrospective ratings. Neuroticism was evaluated as a potential moderator of treatment effects. RESULTS: All 4 outcome measures improved significantly after instruction, with reductions from baseline that ranged from 14% (STAI) to 36% (BSI). More frequent practice was associated with better outcome. Higher baseline neuroticism scores were associated with greater improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that even brief instruction in a simple meditation technique can improve negative mood and perceived stress in healthy adults, which could yield long-term health benefits. Frequency of practice does affect outcome. Those most likely to experience negative emotions may benefit the most from the intervention. |
Publication | Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine |
Volume | 13 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 38-44 |
Date | 2007-01 |
ISSN | 1078-6791 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Objectives To test a brief, non-sectarian program of meditation training for effects on perceived stress and negative emotion, and to determine effects of practice frequency and test the moderating effects of neuroticism (emotional lability) on treatment outcome. DESIGN AND Setting: The study used a single-group, open-label, pre-test post-test design conducted in the setting of a university medical center. Patricipants: Healthy adults (N=200) interested in learning meditation for stress-reduction were enrolled. One hundred thirty-three (76% females) completed at least 1 follow-up visit and were included in data analyses. INTERVENTION: Participants learned a simple mantra-based meditation technique in 4, 1-hour small-group meetings, with instructions to practice for 15-20 minutes twice daily. Instruction was based on a psychophysiological model of meditation practice and its expected effects on stress. Outcome measures: Baseline and monthly follow-up measures of Profile of Mood States; Perceived Stress Scale; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Practice frequency was indexed by monthly retrospective ratings. Neuroticism was evaluated as a potential moderator of treatment effects. Results: All 4 outcome measures improved significantly after instruction, with reductions from baseline that ranged from 14% (STAI) to 36% (BSI). More frequent practice was associated with better outcome. Higher baseline neuroticism scores were associated with greater improvement. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that even brief instruction in a simple meditation technique can improve negative mood and perceived stress in healthy adults, which could yield long-term health benefits. Frequency of practice does affect outcome. Those most likely to experience negative emotions may benefit the most from the intervention.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Linda Larkey |
Author | Roger Jahnke |
Author | Jennifer Etnier |
Author | Julie Gonzalez |
Abstract | INTRODUCTION: Meditative Movement (MM) is proposed as a new category of exercise defined by (a) some form of movement or body positioning, (b) a focus on breathing, and (c) a cleared or calm state of mind with a goal of (d) deep states of relaxation. REVIEW: Two forms of exercise meeting this definition, Qigong and Tai Chi, are reviewed to examine health benefits found in the research literature, recap elements that should be assessed in MM research, and suggest where aspects of MM intersect with, and are distinguished from, conventional forms of exercise. RESULTS: Relevant dimensions of the key elements of MM, such as frequency, duration, type of movement, degree of exertion, description of breathing, and achievement of relaxed state are recommended to be clearly described and measured to consistently define the category across studies and clarify how MM may affect health outcomes in similar, and perhaps different, ways than conventional exercise. CONCLUSIONS: If these suggested standards are used, we will gain a better understanding of which elements are necessary for achieving targeted outcomes. Over time, as MM is studied as a category of exercise, research may progress more efficiently to define the domains of physiological and psychological benefit. |
Publication | Journal of Physical Activity & Health |
Volume | 6 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 230-238 |
Date | Mar 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Phys Act Health |
ISSN | 1543-3080 |
Short Title | Meditative movement as a category of exercise |
Accessed | Tuesday, February 22, 2011 7:12:08 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19420401 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Christina F Lavallee |
Author | Stanley A Koren |
Author | Michael A Persinger |
Abstract | Abstract Objectives: The study objective was to determine the quantitative electroencephalographic correlates of meditation, as well as the effects of hindering (15 Hz) and facilitative (7 Hz) binaural beats on the meditative process. Design: The study was a mixed design, with experience of the subject as the primary between-subject measure and power of the six classic frequency bands (δ, θ, low α, high α, β, γ), neocortical lobe (frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital), hemisphere (left, right), and condition (meditation only, meditation with 7-Hz beats, meditation with 15-Hz beats) as the within-subject measures. Location: The study was conducted at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Subjects: The subjects comprised novice (mean of 8 months experience) and experienced (mean of 18 years experience) meditators recruited from local meditation groups. Intervention: Experimental manipulation included application of hindering and facilitative binaural beats to the meditative process. Results: Experienced meditators displayed increased left temporal lobe δ power when the facilitative binaural beats were applied, whereas the effect was not observed for the novice subjects in this condition. When the hindering binaural beats were introduced, the novice subjects consistently displayed more γ power than the experienced subjects over the course of their meditation, relative to baseline. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, novice meditators were not able to maintain certain levels of θ power in the occipital regions when hindering binaural beats were presented, whereas when the facilitative binaural beats were presented, the experienced meditators displayed increased θ power in the left temporal lobe. These results suggest that the experienced meditators have developed techniques over the course of their meditation practice to counter hindering environmental stimuli, whereas the novice meditators have not yet developed those techniques. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 17 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 351-355 |
Date | Apr 2011 |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2009.0691 |
ISSN | 1557-7708 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480784 |
Accessed | Monday, May 09, 2011 7:02:13 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 21480784 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:55:31 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:55:31 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Jin Li |
Author | Jing Hu |
Author | Yinhong Zhang |
Author | Xiaofeng Zhang |
Abstract | Detection of dynamical complexity changes in natural and man-made systems has deep scientific and practical meaning. We use the base-scale entropy method to analyze dynamical complexity changes for heart rate variability (HRV) series during specific traditional forms of Chinese Chi and Kundalini previous termYoga meditationnext term techniques in healthy young adults. The results show that dynamical complexity decreases in previous termmeditationnext term states for two forms of previous termmeditation.next term Meanwhile, we detected changes in probability distribution of m-words during previous termmeditationnext term and explained this changes using probability distribution of sine function. The base-scale entropy method may be used on a wider range of physiologic signals. |
Publication | Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications |
Volume | 390 |
Issue | 12 |
Pages | 2381-2387 |
Date | 6/2011 |
Journal Abbr | Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications |
DOI | 10.1016/j.physa.2011.02.003 |
ISSN | 03784371 |
URL | http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378437111001117 |
Accessed | Wednesday, July 13, 2011 6:28:05 PM |
Library Catalog | CrossRef |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:54:25 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:54:25 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | C-H Liou |
Author | C-H Hsieh |
Author | C-W Hsieh |
Author | C-H Wang |
Author | S-C Lee |
Author | J-H Chen |
Abstract | Introduction The mechanism why meditation improves people's health remains unclear. Since different meditations may activate different regions in brain, we can use fMRI to investigate it. Chinese original quiet sitting (COQS) is mainly one kind of traditional Chinese meditation. It is composed of two different parts: a short period of keeping phrase and receiving cosmic Qi energy (named “Invitation of Primordial Qi”: IPQ), and a long period of relaxation with no further action (named “Allow its Natural Workings”: ANW). Chen had studied it by EEG [1]. We also had a previous study by fMRI [2-3]. In this paper, we want to study the brain activation area during the ANW state. Methods One special kind of paradigm was designed to find the BOLD signals during the ANW periods. It consisted of three parts: 3-minutes of control state, followed by 3-minutes of IPQ state, and then 9-minutes of ANW state. Total scan time was 15-minutes. Seventeen well-trained subjects with seven females and ten males participated in this fMRI study. Their mean age was 47.5 ± 2.9 (Mean ± SEM, 32not, vert, similar70) with meditation experience 12.4 ± 1.4 (4not, vert, similar21) years. Their regularly mean practice times every day was about 1.3 ± 0.1 (1not, vert, similar3) with mean practice duration 53.8 ± 5.5 (30not, vert, similar120) minutes each time. Experiments were performed on Bruker MEDSPEC 3T system (Bruker, Ettlingen, Germany). Images were acquired using gradient-echo EPI with matrix size 128×128, TE 35ms, and TR 6000ms. All experiments had 12 continuous slices (slice thickness=7mm), FOV 30×30cm2. Data were analyzed by random effect analysis in SPM. Results Our results showed that (with p<0.05, T>1.75, degree of freedom=16, and number of clusters>25), during the ANW period, certain brain regions showed negative activation, such as (showed in Talairach pick and T-value): dACC (dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, 4,42,12, T= −5.89), superior frontal gyrus (−22,44,22, T= −4.83), caudate body (−6,12,14, T= −2.60), amygdala (26,-12,-28, T= −5.07, −30,-8,-30, T= −4.69), superior temporal gyrus (68,-24,6, T= −4.10, −50,-42,6, T= −4.53) and cuneus (−22,-96,-2, T= −4.51). Other regions showed positive activation, such as: vACC (ventral anterior cingulate cortex, -6,22,-4, T=4.51), declive (−6,-56,-16, T=2.89), culmen (−6,-54,-16, T=2.74), thalamus (4,-8,10, T=2.57) and hypothalamus (−4,6,-24, T=2.38). Conclusions During the COQS-ANW state, the activity of cognition, self-awareness, sensation and the memory system of the body seemed all “calming down”. Lacking of the emotional event and the physical activity, amygdala might show negative activation. The more profound signification of all these negative activation regions still need further study. The positive activation regions showed special physiological meanings. Hypothalamus is a collecting center for information concerned with the internal well-being of the body. Much of this information is used to control secretions of the many globally important pituitary hormones [4]. VACC may involve in the regulation of mental and emotional activities. Thalamus may regulate the autonomic and visceral functions, motor systems and sensory systems. The activation of declive and culmen in cerebellum may be involved in the subtle regulation of motor functions. |
Publication | NeuroImage |
Volume | 47 |
Issue | Supplement 1 |
Pages | S156 |
Date | July 2009 |
DOI | 10.1016/S1053-8119(09)71628-3 |
ISSN | 1053-8119 |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6WNP-4X3PHYG-224/2/25a156de836269f31795d1ce23d6c055 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 6:36:58 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Introduction: The mechanism why meditation improves people’s health remains unclear. Since different meditations may activate different regions in brain, we can use fMRI to investigate it. Chinese original quiet sitting (COQS) is mainly one kind of traditional Chinese meditation. It is composed of two different parts: a short period of keeping phrase and receiving cosmic Qi energy (named “Invitation of Primordial Qi”: IPQ), and a long period of relaxation with no further action (named “Allow its Natural Workings”: ANW). Chen had studied it by EEG [1]. We also had a previous study by fMRI [2-3]. In this paper, we want to study the brain activation area during the ANW state. Methods: One special kind of paradigm was designed to find the BOLD signals during the ANW periods. It consisted of three parts: 3-minutes of control state, followed by 3-minutes of IPQ state, and then 9-minutes of ANW state. Total scan time was 15-minutes. Seventeen well-trained subjects with seven females and ten males participated in this fMRI study. Their mean age was 47.5 ± 2.9 (Mean ± SEM, 32not, vert, similar70) with meditation experience 12.4 ± 1.4 (4not, vert, similar21) years. Their regularly mean practice times every day was about 1.3 ± 0.1 (1not, vert, similar3) with mean practice duration 53.8 ± 5.5 (30not, vert, similar120) minutes each time. Experiments were performed on Bruker MEDSPEC 3T system (Bruker, Ettlingen, Germany). Images were acquired using gradient-echo EPI with matrix size 128×128, TE 35ms, and TR 6000ms. All experiments had 12 continuous slices (slice thickness=7mm), FOV 30×30cm2. Data were analyzed by random effect analysis in SPM. Results: Our results showed that (with p<0.05, T>1.75, degree of freedom=16, and number of clusters>25), during the ANW period, certain brain regions showed negative activation, such as (showed in Talairach pick and T-value): dACC (dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, 4,42,12, T= −5.89), superior frontal gyrus (−22,44,22, T= −4.83), caudate body (−6,12,14, T= −2.60), amygdala (26,-12,-28, T= −5.07, −30,-8,-30, T= −4.69), superior temporal gyrus (68,-24,6, T= −4.10, −50,-42,6, T= −4.53) and cuneus (−22,-96,-2, T= −4.51). Other regions showed positive activation, such as: vACC (ventral anterior cingulate cortex, -6,22,-4, T=4.51), declive (−6,-56,-16, T=2.89), culmen (−6,-54,-16, T=2.74), thalamus (4,-8,10, T=2.57) and hypothalamus (−4,6,-24, T=2.38). Conclusions: During the COQS-ANW state, the activity of cognition, self-awareness, sensation and the memory system of the body seemed all “calming down”. Lacking of the emotional event and the physical activity, amygdala might show negative activation. The more profound signification of all these negative activation regions still need further study. The positive activation regions showed special physiological meanings. Hypothalamus is a collecting center for information concerned with the internal well-being of the body. Much of this information is used to control secretions of the many globally important pituitary hormones [4]. VACC may involve in the regulation of mental and emotional activities. Thalamus may regulate the autonomic and visceral functions, motor systems and sensory systems. The activation of declive and culmen in cerebellum may be involved in the subtle regulation of motor functions.
Type | Book Section |
---|---|
Author | Hans C. Lou |
Author | Markus Nowak |
Author | Troels W. Kjaer |
Contributor | Steven Laureys |
Abstract | In meditation both the quality and the contents of consciousness may be voluntarily changed, making it an obvious target in the quest for the neural correlate of consciousness. Here we present the results of a positron emission tomography study of yoga nidra relaxation meditation when compared with the normal resting conscious state. Meditation is accompanied by a relatively increased perfusion in the sensory imagery system: hippocampus and sensory and higher order association regions, with decreased perfusion in the executive system: dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, striatum, thalamus, pons, and cerebellum. To identify regions active in both systems we performed a principal component analysis of the results. This separated the blood flow data into two groups of regions, explaining 25 and 18% of their variance: One group corresponded to the executive system, and the other to the systems supporting sensory imagery. A small group of regions contributed considerably to both networks: medial parietal and medial prefrontal cortices, together with the striatum. The inclusion of the striatum and our subsequent finding of increased striatal dopamine binding to D2 receptors during meditation suggested dopaminergic regulation of this circuit. We then investigated the neural networks supporting episodic retrieval of judgments of individuals with different degrees of self-relevance, in the decreasing order: self, best friend, and the Danish queen. We found that all conditions activated a medial prefrontal -- precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. This activation occurred together with the activation of the left lateral prefrontal/temporal cortex. The latter was dependent on the requirement of retrieval of semantic information, being most pronounced in the "queen" condition. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, targeting precuneus, was then applied to the medial parietal region to transiently disrupt the normal function of the circuitry. We found a decreased efficiency of retrieval of self-judgment compared to the judgment of best friend. This shows that the integrity of the function of precuneus is essential for self-reference, but not for reference to others. |
Book Title | The Boundaries of Consciousness: Neurobiology and Neuropathology |
Volume | Volume 150 |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Date | 2005 |
Pages | 197-204, 594 |
ISBN | 0079-6123 |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7CV6-4H62GJY-P/2/5e96e377a6a4a212776dee0e64a7721b |
Accessed | Tuesday, September 01, 2009 9:55:35 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
In meditation both the quality and the contents of consciousness may be voluntarily changed, making it an obvious target in the quest for the neural correlate of consciousness. Here we present the results of a positron emission tomography study of yoga nidra relaxation meditation when compared with the normal resting conscious state. Meditation is accompanied by a relatively increased perfusion in the sensory imagery system: hippocampus and sensory and higher order association regions, with decreased perfusion in the executive system: dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, striatum, thalamus, pons, and cerebellum. To identify regions active in both systems we performed a principal component analysis of the results. This separated the blood flow data into two groups of regions, explaining 25 and 18% of their variance: One group corresponded to the executive system, and the other to the systems supporting sensory imagery. A small group of regions contributed considerably to both networks: medial parietal and medial prefrontal cortices, together with the striatum. The inclusion of the striatum and our subsequent finding of increased striatal dopamine binding to D2 receptors during meditation suggested dopaminergic regulation of this circuit. We then investigated the neural networks supporting episodic retrieval of judgments of individuals with different degrees of self-relevance, in the decreasing order: self, best friend, and the Danish queen. We found that all conditions activated a medial prefrontal -- precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. This activation occurred together with the activation of the left lateral prefrontal/temporal cortex. The latter was dependent on the requirement of retrieval of semantic information, being most pronounced in the “queen” condition. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, targeting precuneus, was then applied to the medial parietal region to transiently disrupt the normal function of the circuitry. We found a decreased efficiency of retrieval of self-judgment compared to the judgment of best friend. This shows that the integrity of the function of precuneus is essential for self-reference, but not for reference to others.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M Kathleen B Lustyk |
Author | Neharika Chawla |
Author | Roger S Nolan |
Author | G Alan Marlatt |
Abstract | Increasing interest in mindfulness meditation (MM) warrants discussion of research safety. Side effects of meditation with possible adverse reactions are reported in the literature. Yet participant screening procedures, research safety guidelines, and standards for researcher training have not been developed and disseminated in the MM field of study. The goal of this paper is to summarize safety concerns of MM practice and offer scholars some practical tools to use in their research. For example, we offer screener schematics aimed at determining the contraindication status of potential research participants. Moreover, we provide information on numerous MM training options. Ours is the first presentation of this type aimed at helping researchers think through the safety and training issues presented herein. Support for our recommendations comes from consulting 17 primary publications and 5 secondary reports/literature reviews of meditation side effects. Mental health consequences were the most frequently reported side effects, followed by physical health then spiritual health consequences. For each of these categories of potential adverse effects, we offer MM researchers methods to assess the relative risks of each as it pertains to their particular research programs. |
Publication | Advances in Mind-Body Medicine |
Volume | 24 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 20-30 |
Date | 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Adv Mind Body Med |
ISSN | 1532-1843 |
Short Title | Mindfulness meditation research |
Accessed | Tuesday, February 22, 2011 7:29:57 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20671334 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:07:00 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Antoine Lutz |
Author | Lawrence L Greischar |
Author | David M Perlman |
Author | Richard J Davidson |
Abstract | The brain and the cardiovascular system influence each other during the processing of emotion. The study of the interactions of these systems during emotion regulation has been limited in human functional neuroimaging, despite its potential importance for physical health. We have previously reported that mental expertise in cultivation of compassion alters the activation of circuits linked with empathy and theory of mind in response to emotional stimuli. Guided by the finding that heart rate increases more during blocks of compassion meditation than neutral states, especially for experts, we examined the interaction between state (compassion vs. neutral) and group (novice, expert) on the relation between heart rate and BOLD signal during presentation of emotional sounds presented during each state. Our findings revealed that BOLD signal in the right middle insula showed a significant association with heart rate (HR) across state and group. This association was stronger in the left middle/posterior insula when experts were compared to novices. The positive coupling of HR and BOLD was higher within the compassion state than within the neutral state in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex for both groups, underlining the role of this region in the modulation of bodily arousal states. This state effect was stronger for experts than novices in somatosensory cortices and the right inferior parietal lobule (group by state interaction). These data confirm that compassion enhances the emotional and somatosensory brain representations of others' emotions, and that this effect is modulated by expertise. Future studies are needed to further investigate the impact of compassion training on these circuits. |
Publication | NeuroImage |
Volume | 47 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 1038-1046 |
Date | Sep 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Neuroimage |
DOI | 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.04.081 |
ISSN | 1095-9572 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19426817 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:33:31 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19426817 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
The brain and the cardiovascular system influence each other during the processing of emotion. The study of the interactions of these systems during emotion regulation has been limited in human functional neuroimaging, despite its potential importance for physical health. We have previously reported that mental expertise in cultivation of compassion alters the activation of circuits linked with empathy and theory of mind in response to emotional stimuli. Guided by the finding that heart rate increases more during blocks of compassion meditation than neutral states, especially for experts, we examined the interaction between state (compassion vs. neutral) and group (novice, expert) on the relation between heart rate and BOLD signal during presentation of emotional sounds presented during each state. Our findings revealed that BOLD signal in the right middle insula showed a significant association with heart rate (HR) across state and group. This association was stronger in the left middle/posterior insula when experts were compared to novices. The positive coupling of HR and BOLD was higher within the compassion state than within the neutral state in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex for both groups, underlining the role of this region in the modulation of bodily arousal states. This state effect was stronger for experts than novices in somatosensory cortices and the right inferior parietal lobule (group by state interaction). These data confirm that compassion enhances the emotional and somatosensory brain representations of others’ emotions, and that this effect is modulated by expertise. Future studies are needed to further investigate the impact of compassion training on these circuits.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M Ly |
Author | ML Spezio |
Abstract | Introduction Meditation practices are often purported to have beneficial consequences on one's attentional performance or on one's capacity for positive behaviors in social interactions. Meditation is defined as a self-directed practice with a goal of suspending discursive and evaluative thought. Previous research on meditation, mainly within Eastern traditions such as Buddhism, have been shown to have an effect on systems of attention (Lutz et al., 2008; Slagter et al., 2007); thus, consequently, meditation has been adopted as a significant form of mind-body intervention within clinical healthcare with promising results including decreased levels of stress, chronic pain and anxiety. However, it is not known whether these practices may influence social decision-making. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated whether neural areas that were differentially activated by meditation continued to be recruited during simple judgments involving making trustworthiness attributions from just visual facial images. Methods Using a within subjects experimental design, experienced practitioners either meditated or focused attention on an audio narrative and signaled via button press when mind wandering occurred. Subsequently, participants made trustworthiness judgments based on facial images presented for 50 milliseconds, preceded by 10 minutes of either meditating or focusing on the narrative. Results During meditation, mindfulness in contrast to mind wandering recruited a greater activation in the bilateral insula and paracingulate [Figure 1]. Mindfulness during meditation in contrast to focused listening was associated with greater activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and right precuneus [Figure 2]. Meditation prior to making trustworthiness judgments elicited increased activation in the left lateralized insula, inferofrontal gyrus and ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC) [Figure 3]. In contrast to focused listening, meditation was associated with a larger recruitment of the left insula, ACC, and right parietal cortex [Figure 4]. Conclusions We have shown that mindfulness during meditation recruits networks associated with attention and affective processing and in a differentially increased manner in contrast to focused listening. When compared to focused listening, meditation prior to social decision making was associated with greater recruitment of areas implicated in processing attention, emotion and interoception. These findings suggest that meditation may influence neural circuits in an enduring manner in which they may be easily recruited during social cognition. In a recent review, Craig (2009) proposed that the insula and ACC be regarded as limbic sensory and motor cortices that produce the feeling and motivation that compose an emotion. This theory is based on the dual lamina I spinothalamocortical projection to both the insula and the ACC, recruitment of both of these areas in numerous studies investigating emotion and their respective descending projections to sensory and motor brainstem regions. It is also suggested that the co-activation of the ACC and insula are associated with greater emotional and self-conscious awareness (Seeley et al., 2007; Craig, 2009). Further analyses on the functional connectivity between the insula and ACC will be conducted to further extend these findings. |
Publication | NeuroImage |
Volume | 47 |
Issue | Supplement 1 |
Pages | S194 |
Date | July 2009 |
DOI | 10.1016/S1053-8119(09)72190-1 |
ISSN | 1053-8119 |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6WNP-4X3PHYG-2S6/2/c29afb2ec44a0cbec39a769a5cfb1689 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 6:25:24 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Introduction Meditation practices are often purported to have beneficial consequences on one’s attentional performance or on one’s capacity for positive behaviors in social interactions. Meditation is defined as a self-directed practice with a goal of suspending discursive and evaluative thought. Previous research on meditation, mainly within Eastern traditions such as Buddhism, have been shown to have an effect on systems of attention (Lutz et al., 2008; Slagter et al., 2007); thus, consequently, meditation has been adopted as a significant form of mind-body intervention within clinical healthcare with promising results including decreased levels of stress, chronic pain and anxiety. However, it is not known whether these practices may influence social decision-making. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated whether neural areas that were differentially activated by meditation continued to be recruited during simple judgments involving making trustworthiness attributions from just visual facial images. Methods: Using a within subjects experimental design, experienced practitioners either meditated or focused attention on an audio narrative and signaled via button press when mind wandering occurred. Subsequently, participants made trustworthiness judgments based on facial images presented for 50 milliseconds, preceded by 10 minutes of either meditating or focusing on the narrative. Results: During meditation, mindfulness in contrast to mind wandering recruited a greater activation in the bilateral insula and paracingulate [Figure 1]. Mindfulness during meditation in contrast to focused listening was associated with greater activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and right precuneus [Figure 2]. Meditation prior to making trustworthiness judgments elicited increased activation in the left lateralized insula, inferofrontal gyrus and ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC) [Figure 3]. In contrast to focused listening, meditation was associated with a larger recruitment of the left insula, ACC, and right parietal cortex [Figure 4]. Conclusions: We have shown that mindfulness during meditation recruits networks associated with attention and affective processing and in a differentially increased manner in contrast to focused listening. When compared to focused listening, meditation prior to social decision making was associated with greater recruitment of areas implicated in processing attention, emotion and interoception. These findings suggest that meditation may influence neural circuits in an enduring manner in which they may be easily recruited during social cognition. In a recent review, Craig (2009) proposed that the insula and ACC be regarded as limbic sensory and motor cortices that produce the feeling and motivation that compose an emotion. This theory is based on the dual lamina I spinothalamocortical projection to both the insula and the ACC, recruitment of both of these areas in numerous studies investigating emotion and their respective descending projections to sensory and motor brainstem regions. It is also suggested that the co-activation of the ACC and insula are associated with greater emotional and self-conscious awareness (Seeley et al., 2007; Craig, 2009). Further analyses on the functional connectivity between the insula and ACC will be conducted to further extend these findings.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Taruna Mallick |
Author | Ravi Kulkarni |
Abstract | OBJECTIVES: The study objective was to study the change in the critical flicker fusion (CFF) after a yogic visual concentration practice (trataka). DESIGN: Thirty (30) subjects participated in a study where they were evaluated for the CFF immediately before and after the practice. The subjects also participated in a comparable control session. SUBJECTS: The subjects were 30 volunteers in the age range 25-40. Fifteen (15) of the volunteers were male. The mean age was 31.33 ± 4.67. RESULTS: The CFF showed a statistically significant increase from 37.35 ± 2.84 to 38.66 ± 2.91 after the yoga practice of trataka. The control session did not produce a statistically significant change in the CFF. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the CFF is seen immediately after the yogic concentration practice called trataka. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 16 |
Issue | 12 |
Pages | 1265-1267 |
Date | Dec 2010 |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2010.0012 |
ISSN | 1557-7708 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/21091294 |
Accessed | Tuesday, January 18, 2011 6:59:57 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 21091294 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:58:27 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:58:27 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Rose H. Matousek |
Author | Patricia L. Dobkin |
Author | Jens Pruessner |
Abstract | While much attention has been devoted to examining the beneficial effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs on patients' ability to cope with various chronic medical conditions, most studies have relied on self-report measures of improvement. Given that these measures may not accurately reflect physiological conditions, there is a need for an objective marker of improvement in research evaluating the beneficial effects of stress management programs. Cortisol is the major stress hormone in the human organism and as such is a promising candidate measure in the study of the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs. In conjunction with other biological measures, the use of cortisol levels as a physiological marker of stress may be useful to validate self-reported benefits attributed to this program. In the current manuscript, we review the available literature on the role of cortisol as a physiological marker for improvement with regards to mindfulness practice, and make recommendations for future study designs. |
Publication | Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice |
Volume | 16 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 13-19 |
Date | February 2010 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.004 |
ISSN | 1744-3881 |
Accessed | Saturday, March 06, 2010 10:03:23 AM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:35 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:35 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Eric E McCollum |
Author | Diane R Gehart |
Abstract | Some of the more difficult to define aspects of the therapeutic process (empathy, compassion, presence) remain some of the most important. Teaching them presents a challenge for therapist trainees and educators alike. In this study, we examine our beginning practicum students' experience of learning mindfulness meditation as a way to help them develop therapeutic presence. Through thematic analysis of their journal entries a variety of themes emerged, including the effects of meditation practice, the ability to be present, balancing being and doing modes in therapy, and the development of acceptance and compassion for themselves and for their clients. Our findings suggest that mindfulness meditation may be a useful addition to clinical training. |
Publication | Journal of Marital and Family Therapy |
Volume | 36 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 347-360 |
Date | Jul 1, 2010 |
Journal Abbr | J Marital Fam Ther |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2010.00214.x |
ISSN | 1752-0606 |
Short Title | Using mindfulness meditation to teach beginning therapists therapeutic presence |
Accessed | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:57:18 AM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20618581 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:48 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:48 AM |
Type | Book |
---|---|
Author | Donald McCown |
Author | Diane Reibel |
Author | Marc S. Micozzi |
Place | New York |
Publisher | Springer |
Date | 2009-12-15 |
ISBN | 0387094830 |
Short Title | Teaching Mindfulness |
Library Catalog | Amazon.com |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:05:21 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:05:21 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Adam Moore |
Author | Peter Malinowski |
Abstract | This study investigated the link between meditation, self-reported mindfulness and cognitive flexibility as well as other attentional functions. It compared a group of meditators experienced in mindfulness meditation with a meditation-naïve control group on measures of Stroop interference and the "d2-concentration and endurance test". Overall the results suggest that attentional performance and cognitive flexibility are positively related to meditation practice and levels of mindfulness. Meditators performed significantly better than non-meditators on all measures of attention. Furthermore, self-reported mindfulness was higher in meditators than non-meditators and correlations with all attention measures were of moderate to high strength. This pattern of results suggests that mindfulness is intimately linked to improvements of attentional functions and cognitive flexibility. The relevance of these findings for mental balance and well-being are discussed. |
Publication | Consciousness and Cognition |
Volume | 18 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 176-186 |
Date | Mar 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Conscious Cogn |
DOI | 10.1016/j.concog.2008.12.008 |
ISSN | 1090-2376 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19181542 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:22:22 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19181542 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
This study investigated the link between meditation, self-reported mindfulness and cognitive flexibility as well as other attentional functions. It compared a group of meditators experienced in mindfulness meditation with a meditation-naïve control group on measures of Stroop interference and the “d2-concentration and endurance test”. Overall the results suggest that attentional performance and cognitive flexibility are positively related to meditation practice and levels of mindfulness. Meditators performed significantly better than non-meditators on all measures of attention. Furthermore, self-reported mindfulness was higher in meditators than non-meditators and correlations with all attention measures were of moderate to high strength. This pattern of results suggests that mindfulness is intimately linked to improvements of attentional functions and cognitive flexibility. The relevance of these findings for mental balance and well-being are discussed.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Sanford I Nidich |
Author | Maxwell V Rainforth |
Author | David A F Haaga |
Author | John Hagelin |
Author | John W Salerno |
Author | Fred Travis |
Author | Melissa Tanner |
Author | Carolyn Gaylord-King |
Author | Sarina Grosswald |
Author | Robert H Schneider |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Psychological distress contributes to the development of hypertension in young adults. This trial assessed the effects of a mind-body intervention on blood pressure (BP), psychological distress, and coping in college students. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 298 university students randomly allocated to either the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program or wait-list control. At baseline and after 3 months, BP, psychological distress, and coping ability were assessed. A subgroup of 159 subjects at risk for hypertension was analyzed similarly. RESULTS: Changes in systolic BP (SBP)/diastolic BP (DBP) for the overall sample were -2.0/-1.2 mm Hg for the TM group compared to +0.4/+0.5 mm Hg for controls (P = 0.15, P = 0.15, respectively). Changes in SBP/DBP for the hypertension risk subgroup were -5.0/-2.8 mm Hg for the TM group compared to +1.3/+1.2 mm Hg for controls (P = 0.014, P = 0.028, respectively). Significant improvements were found in total psychological distress, anxiety, depression, anger/hostility, and coping (P values < 0.05). Changes in psychological distress and coping correlated with changes in SBP (P values < 0.05) and DBP (P values < 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first RCT to demonstrate that a selected mind-body intervention, the TM program, decreased BP in association with decreased psychological distress, and increased coping in young adults at risk for hypertension. This mind-body program may reduce the risk for future development of hypertension in young adults. |
Publication | American Journal of Hypertension |
Volume | 22 |
Issue | 12 |
Pages | 1326-1331 |
Date | Dec 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Am. J. Hypertens |
DOI | 10.1038/ajh.2009.184 |
ISSN | 1879-1905 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19798037 |
Accessed | Monday, December 28, 2009 11:55:05 AM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19798037 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:55 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:55 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Erin L Olivo |
Abstract | The Indo-Tibetan tradition claims that proficiency in the suggested longevity practices of meditation, diet, and physical exercise (yoga), will result in profound anti-aging, stress-mediating and health enhancing effects. Western biomedical research has begun to demonstrate that the psychobiological states induced and cultivated by cognitive behavioral practices which are emblematic of those contained within the Indo-Tibetan tradition (hypnosis, meditation, visualization, systematic relaxation), indeed do have a profound impact on the body's protective and regulatory systems. Although continued study is necessary, much of the early research illuminating the mechanisms responsible for the life-span extending and health-enhancing effects of these cognitive behavioral practices points to the importance of their anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects as well as their impact in enhancing the production of endogenous substances that possess general longevity-enhancing, regenerative properties. |
Publication | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 1172 |
Pages | 163-171 |
Date | Aug 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04415.x |
ISSN | 1749-6632 |
Short Title | Protection throughout the life span |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19735248 |
Accessed | Friday, February 04, 2011 11:16:20 AM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19735248 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:05:38 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:05:38 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Erin L Olivo |
Abstract | The Indo-Tibetan tradition claims that proficiency in the suggested longevity practices of meditation, diet, and physical exercise (yoga), will result in profound anti-aging, stress-mediating and health enhancing effects. Western biomedical research has begun to demonstrate that the psychobiological states induced and cultivated by cognitive behavioral practices which are emblematic of those contained within the Indo-Tibetan tradition (hypnosis, meditation, visualization, systematic relaxation), indeed do have a profound impact on the body's protective and regulatory systems. Although continued study is necessary, much of the early research illuminating the mechanisms responsible for the life-span extending and health-enhancing effects of these cognitive behavioral practices points to the importance of their anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects as well as their impact in enhancing the production of endogenous substances that possess general longevity-enhancing, regenerative properties. |
Publication | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 1172 |
Pages | 163-171 |
Date | Aug 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04415.x |
ISSN | 1749-6632 |
Short Title | Protection throughout the life span |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19735248 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:41:29 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19735248 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
The Indo-Tibetan tradition claims that proficiency in the suggested longevity practices of meditation, diet, and physical exercise (yoga), will result in profound anti-aging, stress-mediating and health enhancing effects. Western biomedical research has begun to demonstrate that the psychobiological states induced and cultivated by cognitive behavioral practices which are emblematic of those contained within the Indo-Tibetan tradition (hypnosis, meditation, visualization, systematic relaxation), indeed do have a profound impact on the body’s protective and regulatory systems. Although continued study is necessary, much of the early research illuminating the mechanisms responsible for the life-span extending and health-enhancing effects of these cognitive behavioral practices points to the importance of their anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects as well as their impact in enhancing the production of endogenous substances that possess general longevity-enhancing, regenerative properties.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Doug Oman |
Author | John Hedberg |
Author | Carl E Thoresen |
Abstract | The authors evaluated an 8-week, 2-hr per week training for physicians, nurses, chaplains, and other health professionals using nonsectarian, spiritually based self-management tools based on passage meditation (E. Easwaran, 1978/1991). Participants were randomized to intervention (n = 27) or waiting list (n = 31). Pretest, posttest, and 8- and 19-week follow-up data were gathered on 8 measures, including perceived stress, burnout, mental health, and psychological well-being. Aggregated across examinations, beneficial treatment effects were observed on stress (p = .0013) and mental health (p = .03). Treatment effects on stress were mediated by adherence to practices (p = .05). Stress reductions remained large at 19 weeks (84% of the pretest standard deviation, p = .006). Evidence suggests this program reduces stress and may enhance mental health. |
Publication | Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology |
Volume | 74 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 714-719 |
Date | Aug 2006 |
Journal Abbr | J Consult Clin Psychol |
DOI | 10.1037/0022-006X.74.4.714 |
ISSN | 0022-006X |
Short Title | Passage meditation reduces perceived stress in health professionals |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16881779 |
Accessed | Friday, November 13, 2009 4:47:42 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 16881779 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
The authors evaluated an 8-week, 2-hr per week training for physicians, nurses, chaplains, and other health professionals using nonsectarian, spiritually based self-management tools based on passage meditation (E. Easwaran, 1978/1991). Participants were randomized to intervention (n = 27) or waiting list (n = 31). Pretest, posttest, and 8- and 19-week follow-up data were gathered on 8 measures, including perceived stress, burnout, mental health, and psychological well-being. Aggregated across examinations, beneficial treatment effects were observed on stress (p = .0013) and mental health (p = .03). Treatment effects on stress were mediated by adherence to practices (p = .05). Stress reductions remained large at 19 weeks (84% of the pretest standard deviation, p = .006). Evidence suggests this program reduces stress and may enhance mental health.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Maria B Ospina |
Author | Kenneth Bond |
Author | Mohammad Karkhaneh |
Author | Nina Buscemi |
Author | Donna M Dryden |
Author | Vernon Barnes |
Author | Linda E Carlson |
Author | Jeffery A Dusek |
Author | David Shannahoff-Khalsa |
Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To provide a descriptive overview of the clinical trials assessing meditation practices for health care. DESIGN: Systematic review of the literature. Comprehensive searches were conducted in 17 electronic bibliographic databases through September 2005. Other sources of potentially relevant studies included hand searches, reference tracking, contacting experts, and gray literature searches. Included studies were clinical trials with 10 or more adult participants using any meditation practice, providing quantitative data on health-related outcomes, and published in English. Two independent reviewers assessed study relevance, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality of the studies. RESULTS: Four hundred clinical trials on meditation (72% described as randomized) were included in the review (publication years 1956-2005). Five broad categories of meditation practices were identified: mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, yoga, t'ai chi, and qigong. The three most studied clinical conditions were hypertension, miscellaneous cardiovascular diseases, and substance abuse. Psychosocial measures were the most frequently reported outcomes. Outcome measures of psychiatric and psychological symptoms dominate the outcomes of interest. Overall, the methodological quality of clinical trials is poor, but has significantly improved over time by 0.014 points every year (95% CI, 0.005, 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Most clinical trials on meditation practices are generally characterized by poor methodological quality with significant threats to validity in every major quality domain assessed. Despite a statistically significant improvement in the methodological quality over time, it is imperative that future trials on meditation be rigorous in design, execution, analysis, and the reporting of results. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 10 |
Pages | 1199-1213 |
Date | Dec 2008 |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2008.0307 |
ISSN | 1557-7708 |
Short Title | Clinical trials of meditation practices in health care |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19123875 |
Accessed | Monday, November 02, 2009 1:03:56 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19123875 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Objective: To provide a descriptive overview of the clinical trials assessing meditation practices for health care. Design: Systematic review of the literature. Comprehensive searches were conducted in 17 electronic bibliographic databases through September 2005. Other sources of potentially relevant studies included hand searches, reference tracking, contacting experts, and gray literature searches. Included studies were clinical trials with 10 or more adult participants using any meditation practice, providing quantitative data on health-related outcomes, and published in English. Two independent reviewers assessed study relevance, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality of the studies. Results: Four hundred clinical trials on meditation (72% described as randomized) were included in the review (publication years 1956-2005). Five broad categories of meditation practices were identified: mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, yoga, t’ai chi, and qigong. The three most studied clinical conditions were hypertension, miscellaneous cardiovascular diseases, and substance abuse. Psychosocial measures were the most frequently reported outcomes. Outcome measures of psychiatric and psychological symptoms dominate the outcomes of interest. Overall, the methodological quality of clinical trials is poor, but has significantly improved over time by 0.014 points every year (95% CI, 0.005, 0.023). Conclusions: Most clinical trials on meditation practices are generally characterized by poor methodological quality with significant threats to validity in every major quality domain assessed. Despite a statistically significant improvement in the methodological quality over time, it is imperative that future trials on meditation be rigorous in design, execution, analysis, and the reporting of results.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Thaddeus W.W. Pace |
Author | Lobsang Tenzin Negi |
Author | Teresa I. Sivilli |
Author | Michael J. Issa |
Author | Steven P. Cole |
Author | Daniel D. Adame |
Author | Charles L. Raison |
Abstract | Summary Increasing data suggest that meditation impacts stress-related physiological processes relevant to health and disease. For example, our group recently reported that the practice of compassion meditation was associated with reduced innate immune (plasma interleukin [IL]-6) and subjective distress responses to a standardized laboratory psychosocial stressor (Trier Social Stress Test [TSST]). However, because we administered a TSST after, but not prior to, meditation training in our initial study, it remained possible that associations between practice time and TSST outcomes reflected the fact that participants with reduced stress responses prior to training were more able to practice compassion meditation, rather than that meditation practice reduced stress responses. To help resolve this ambiguity, we conducted the current study to evaluate whether innate immune, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to a TSST conducted prior to compassion meditation training in an independent sample of 32 medically health young adults would predict subsequent amount of meditation practice time during a compassion meditation training protocol identical to the one used in our first study. No associations were found between responses to a TSST administered prior to compassion meditation training and subsequent amount of meditation practice, whether practice time was considered as a continuous variable or whether meditators were divided into high and low practice time groups based on a median split of mean number of practice sessions per week. These findings contrast strikingly with our original study, in which high and low practice time meditators demonstrated marked differences in IL-6 and distress responses to a TSST administered after meditation training. In addition to providing the first published data regarding stress responsivity as a potential predictor of subsequent ability/willingness to practice meditation, the current study strengthens findings from our initial work by supporting the conclusion that in individuals who actively engage in practicing the technique, compassion meditation may represent a viable strategy for reducing potentially deleterious physiological and behavioral responses to psychosocial stress. |
Publication | Psychoneuroendocrinology |
Volume | 35 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 310-315 |
Date | February 2010 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.06.008 |
ISSN | 0306-4530 |
Accessed | Saturday, March 06, 2010 10:10:15 AM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:02 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:02 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Sanjib Patra |
Author | Shirley Telles |
Abstract | Cyclic meditation (CM) is a technique that combines yoga postures interspersed with supine rest. This combination is based on ancient texts and is considered easier for beginners to practice< Whole-night polysomnographic measures and the self-rating of sleep were studied on the night following a day in which 30 male participants practiced CM twice (ca. 23 minutes each time). This was compared with another night when they had had two sessions of supine rest (SR) of equal duration on the preceding day. The sessions were one day apart and the order of the sessions was randomized. Recordings were from the F4, C4, and O2 electrode sites referenced to linked earlobes and bipolar electroculography and electromyography sites In the night following CM, the percentage of slow-wave sleep (SWS) was significantly higher than in the night following SR, whereas the percentage of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep and the number of awakenings per hour were less. Following CM the self-rating of sleep based on visual analog scales showed an increase in the feeling that the sleep was refreshing, an increase in feeling "good" in the morning, an overall increase in sleep duration, and decreases in the degree to which sleep was influenced by being in a laboratory as well as any associated discomfort. Practicing cyclic meditation twice a day appeared to improve the objective and subjective quality of sleep on the following night. |
Publication | Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 7 |
Pages | CR375-381 |
Date | Jul 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Med. Sci. Monit |
ISSN | 1643-3750 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19564829 |
Accessed | Friday, February 04, 2011 11:17:04 AM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19564829 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:05:38 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:05:38 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | S. Patra |
Author | S. Telles |
Abstract | Day time activities are known to influence the sleep on the following night. Cyclic meditation (CM) has recurring cycles. Previously, the low frequency (LF) power and the ratio between low frequency and high frequency (LF/HF ratio) of the heart rate variability (HRV) decreased during and after CM but not after a comparable period of supine rest (SR). In the present study, on thirty male volunteers, CM was practiced twice in the day and after this the HRV was recorded (1) while awake and (2) during 6 h of sleep (based on EEG, EMG and EGG recordings). This was similarly recorded for the night's sleep following the day time practice of SR. Participants were randomly assigned to the two sessions and all of them practiced both CM and SR on different days. During the night following day time CM practice there were the following changes; a decrease in heart rate, LF power (n.u.), LF/HF ratio, and an increase in the number of pairs of Normal to Normal RR intervals differing by more than 50 ms divided by total number of all NN intervals (pNN50) (P < 0.05, in all cases, comparing sleep following CM compared with sleep following SR). No change was seen on the night following SR. Hence yoga practice during the day appears to shift sympatho-vagal balance in favor of parasympathetic dominance during sleep on the following night. |
Publication | Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback |
Volume | 35 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 135-140 |
Date | JUN 2010 |
DOI | 10.1007/s10484-009-9114-1 |
ISSN | 1090-0586 |
Accessed | Tuesday, June 15, 2010 10:50:56 AM |
Library Catalog | ISI Web of Knowledge |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:02 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:02 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Caroline Peressutti |
Author | Juan M. Martín-González |
Author | Juan García-Manso |
Author | Denkô Mesa |
Abstract | The dynamic interactions among physiological rhythms imbedded in the heart rate signal can give valuable insights into autonomic modulation in conditions of reduced outward attention. Therefore, in this study we analyzed the heart rate variability (HRV) in different levels of practice in Zen meditation (Zazen). Nineteen subjects with variable experience took part in this study. In four special cases we collected both HRV and respiration data. The time series were analyzed in frequency domain and also using the Continuous Wavelet Transform, which detects changes in the time domain and in the frequency domain simultaneously. The shifts in the respiratory modulation of heart rate, or respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), reflect the different levels of practice among practitioners with variable experience in Zazen; in turn the modulation of the RSA may reflect changes in the breathing pattern as in the parasympathetic outflow related to the quality and focus of attention in each stage. |
Publication | International Journal of Cardiology |
Volume | 145 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 142-146 |
Date | November 5, 2010 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.06.058 |
ISSN | 0167-5273 |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T16-4WV5BC4-4/2/ffd196b6a045356405d9333b82d524d3 |
Accessed | Monday, December 13, 2010 8:29:00 PM |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:59:00 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:59:00 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Todd LeRoy Perreira |
Abstract | The author reports on the demand of the transformation of the self as a living subject and moral agent at the time of death in Islam and Buddhism. These two call for the acquisition of a certain knowledge of the self, of understanding the spiritual necessity and urgency of “dying” before dying, and the realization that such a “death” must be achieved while one is still very much alive here. |
Publication | The Muslim World |
Volume | 100 |
Issue | 2-3 |
Pages | 247-267 |
Date | 04/2010 |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1478-1913.2010.01319.x |
ISSN | 00274909 |
URL | http://blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1478-1913.2010.01319.x |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:48 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:48 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Paul Posadzki |
Author | Samantha Jacques |
Abstract | The aim of this article is to review the literature on Tai Chi and meditation. A coherent construct is developed that includes a comparative analysis and conceptual synthesis of existing theories. The authors discuss a set of assumptions that justify this synthesis; they also argue that this construct would facilitate greater understanding of Tai Chi from the perspective of meditation. Such synthesis may bring "additional" benefits to Tai Chi practitioners as they could recognize that this mind-body technique holds the essence of meditation. Within the scope of this article, the evidence shows a majority of common features when concerning Tai Chi and meditation. These mutual similarities should be taken into account when performing this type of mind-body medicine by patients and/or therapists. Finally, the authors suggest that this inspiring compilation of movements and mindfulness can be used for practical purposes. |
Publication | Journal of Holistic Nursing: Official Journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association |
Volume | 27 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 103-114 |
Date | Jun 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Holist Nurs |
DOI | 10.1177/0898010108330807 |
ISSN | 0898-0101 |
Short Title | Tai chi and meditation |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19443697 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:19:50 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19443697 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
The aim of this article is to review the literature on Tai Chi and meditation. A coherent construct is developed that includes a comparative analysis and conceptual synthesis of existing theories. The authors discuss a set of assumptions that justify this synthesis; they also argue that this construct would facilitate greater understanding of Tai Chi from the perspective of meditation. Such synthesis may bring “additional” benefits to Tai Chi practitioners as they could recognize that this mind-body technique holds the essence of meditation. Within the scope of this article, the evidence shows a majority of common features when concerning Tai Chi and meditation. These mutual similarities should be taken into account when performing this type of mind-body medicine by patients and/or therapists. Finally, the authors suggest that this inspiring compilation of movements and mindfulness can be used for practical purposes.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Zhen Qin |
Author | Yi Jin |
Author | Shin Lin |
Author | Neal S Hermanowicz |
Abstract | A follow-up EEG study was conducted on a subject with 50 years of experiences in Qigong. Resting EEG at present showed frontally dominant alpha-1 as compared to occipitally dominant alpha-2 described in 1962. During the Qigong practice alph-1 enhanced quickly and became far more prominent than 50 years ago. Compared with baseline, these activities remained to be higher at rest after the Qigong practice. These results suggest that extended practice in meditation may change the EEG pattern and its underlying neurophysiology. It remains to be explored as to what biological significance and clinical relevance do these physiological changes might mean. |
Publication | The International Journal of Neuroscience |
Volume | 119 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 538-552 |
Date | 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Int. J. Neurosci |
DOI | 10.1080/00207450802325520 |
ISSN | 1563-5279 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19229721 |
Accessed | Monday, November 02, 2009 1:01:56 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19229721 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
A follow-up EEG study was conducted on a subject with 50 years of experiences in Qigong. Resting EEG at present showed frontally dominant alpha-1 as compared to occipitally dominant alpha-2 described in 1962. During the Qigong practice alph-1 enhanced quickly and became far more prominent than 50 years ago. Compared with baseline, these activities remained to be higher at rest after the Qigong practice. These results suggest that extended practice in meditation may change the EEG pattern and its underlying neurophysiology. It remains to be explored as to what biological significance and clinical relevance do these physiological changes might mean.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Maxwell V Rainforth |
Author | Robert H Schneider |
Author | Sanford I Nidich |
Author | Carolyn Gaylord-King |
Author | John W Salerno |
Author | James W Anderson |
Abstract | Substantial evidence indicates that psychosocial stress contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Previous meta-analyses of stress reduction and high blood pressure (BP) were outdated and/or methodologically limited. Therefore, we conducted an updated systematic review of the published literature and identified 107 studies on stress reduction and BP. Seventeen trials with 23 treatment comparisons and 960 participants with elevated BP met criteria for well-designed randomized controlled trials and were replicated within intervention categories. Meta-analysis was used to calculate BP changes for biofeedback, -0.8/-2.0 mm Hg (P = NS); relaxation-assisted biofeedback, +4.3/+2.4 mm Hg (P = NS); progressive muscle relaxation, -1.9/-1.4 mm Hg (P = NS); stress management training, -2.3/-1.3 mm (P = NS); and the Transcendental Meditation program, -5.0/-2.8 mm Hg (P = 0.002/0.02). Available evidence indicates that among stress reduction approaches, the Transcendental Meditation program is associated with significant reductions in BP. Related data suggest improvements in other CVD risk factors and clinical outcomes. |
Publication | Current Hypertension Reports |
Volume | 9 |
Issue | 6 |
Pages | 520-528 |
Date | Dec 2007 |
Journal Abbr | Curr. Hypertens. Rep |
ISSN | 1522-6417 |
Short Title | Stress reduction programs in patients with elevated blood pressure |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18350109 |
Accessed | Thursday, September 03, 2009 12:55:23 AM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 18350109 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Substantial evidence indicates that psychosocial stress contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Previous meta-analyses of stress reduction and high blood pressure (BP) were outdated and/or methodologically limited. Therefore, we conducted an updated systematic review of the published literature and identified 107 studies on stress reduction and BP. Seventeen trials with 23 treatment comparisons and 960 participants with elevated BP met criteria for well-designed randomized controlled trials and were replicated within intervention categories. Meta-analysis was used to calculate BP changes for biofeedback, -0.8/-2.0 mm Hg (P = NS); relaxation-assisted biofeedback, +4.3/+2.4 mm Hg (P = NS); progressive muscle relaxation, -1.9/-1.4 mm Hg (P = NS); stress management training, -2.3/-1.3 mm (P = NS); and the Transcendental Meditation program, -5.0/-2.8 mm Hg (P = 0.002/0.02). Available evidence indicates that among stress reduction approaches, the Transcendental Meditation program is associated with significant reductions in BP. Related data suggest improvements in other CVD risk factors and clinical outcomes.
Type | Book |
---|---|
Author | Matthieu Ricard |
Place | New York |
Publisher | Atlantic Books |
Date | 2010-01-01 |
ISBN | 1848870752 |
Library Catalog | Amazon.com |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:35 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:35 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Heleen A Slagter |
Author | Antoine Lutz |
Author | Lawrence L Greischar |
Author | Sander Nieuwenhuis |
Author | Richard J Davidson |
Abstract | The information processing capacity of the human mind is limited, as is evidenced by the attentional blink-a deficit in identifying the second of two targets (T1 and T2) presented in close succession. This deficit is thought to result from an overinvestment of limited resources in T1 processing. We previously reported that intensive mental training in a style of meditation aimed at reducing elaborate object processing, reduced brain resource allocation to T1, and improved T2 accuracy [Slagter, H. A., Lutz, A., Greischar, L. L., Francis, A. D., Nieuwenhuis, S., Davis, J., et al. Mental training affects distribution of limited brain resources. PloS Biology, 5, e138, 2007]. Here we report EEG spectral analyses to examine the possibility that this reduction in elaborate T1 processing rendered the system more available to process new target information, as indexed by T2-locked phase variability. Intensive mental training was associated with decreased cross-trial variability in the phase of oscillatory theta activity after successfully detected T2s, in particular, for those individuals who showed the greatest reduction in brain resource allocation to T1. These data implicate theta phase locking in conscious target perception, and suggest that after mental training the cognitive system is more rapidly available to process new target information. Mental training was not associated with changes in the amplitude of T2-induced responses or oscillatory activity before task onset. In combination, these findings illustrate the usefulness of systematic mental training in the study of the human mind by revealing the neural mechanisms that enable the brain to successfully represent target information. |
Publication | Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience |
Volume | 21 |
Issue | 8 |
Pages | 1536-1549 |
Date | Aug 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Cogn Neurosci |
DOI | 10.1162/jocn.2009.21125 |
ISSN | 0898-929X |
Short Title | Theta phase synchrony and conscious target perception |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/18823234 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:43:27 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 18823234 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
The information processing capacity of the human mind is limited, as is evidenced by the attentional blink-a deficit in identifying the second of two targets (T1 and T2) presented in close succession. This deficit is thought to result from an overinvestment of limited resources in T1 processing. We previously reported that intensive mental training in a style of meditation aimed at reducing elaborate object processing, reduced brain resource allocation to T1, and improved T2 accuracy [Slagter, H. A., Lutz, A., Greischar, L. L., Francis, A. D., Nieuwenhuis, S., Davis, J., et al. Mental training affects distribution of limited brain resources. PloS Biology, 5, e138, 2007]. Here we report EEG spectral analyses to examine the possibility that this reduction in elaborate T1 processing rendered the system more available to process new target information, as indexed by T2-locked phase variability. Intensive mental training was associated with decreased cross-trial variability in the phase of oscillatory theta activity after successfully detected T2s, in particular, for those individuals who showed the greatest reduction in brain resource allocation to T1. These data implicate theta phase locking in conscious target perception, and suggest that after mental training the cognitive system is more rapidly available to process new target information. Mental training was not associated with changes in the amplitude of T2-induced responses or oscillatory activity before task onset. In combination, these findings illustrate the usefulness of systematic mental training in the study of the human mind by revealing the neural mechanisms that enable the brain to successfully represent target information.
Type | Book |
---|---|
Author | Susan Smalley |
Place | Cambridge Mass. |
Publisher | Da Capo Lifelong |
Date | 2010 |
ISBN | 9780738213248 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:48 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:48 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | J C Smith |
Publication | Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology |
Volume | 44 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 630-637 |
Date | Aug 1976 |
Journal Abbr | J Consult Clin Psychol |
ISSN | 0022-006X |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/939847 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 05, 2009 2:15:04 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 939847 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Pailoor Subramanya |
Author | Shirley Telles |
Abstract | ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: A yoga practice involving cycles of yoga postures and supine rest (called cyclic meditation) was previously shown to improve performance in attention tasks more than relaxation in the corpse posture (shavasana). This was ascribed to reduced anxiety, though this was not assessed. METHODS: In fifty-seven male volunteers (group average age +/- S.D., 26.6 +/- 4.5 years) the immediate effect of two yoga relaxation techniques was studied on memory and state anxiety. All participants were assessed before and after (i) Cyclic meditation (CM) practiced for 22:30 minutes on one day and (ii) an equal duration of Supine rest (SR) or the corpse posture (shavasana), on another day. Sections of the Wechsler memory scale (WMS) were used to assess; (i) attention and concentration (digit span forward and backward), and (ii) associate learning. State anxiety was assessed using Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the scores of all sections of the WMS studied after both CM and SR, but, the magnitude of change was more after CM compared to after SR. The state anxiety scores decreased after both CM and SR, with a greater magnitude of decrease after CM. There was no correlation between percentage change in memory scores and state anxiety for either session. CONCLUSION: A cyclical combination of yoga postures and supine rest in CM improved memory scores immediately after the practice and decreased state anxiety more than rest in a classical yoga relaxation posture (shavasana). |
Publication | BioPsychoSocial Medicine |
Volume | 3 |
Pages | 8 |
Date | Aug 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Biopsychosoc Med |
DOI | 10.1186/1751-0759-3-8 |
ISSN | 1751-0759 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19674483 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:07:04 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19674483 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Background: A yoga practice involving cycles of yoga postures and supine rest (called cyclic meditation) was previously shown to improve performance in attention tasks more than relaxation in the corpse posture (shavasana). This was ascribed to reduced anxiety, though this was not assessed. Methods: In fifty-seven male volunteers (group average age +/- S.D., 26.6 +/- 4.5 years) the immediate effect of two yoga relaxation techniques was studied on memory and state anxiety. All participants were assessed before and after (i) Cyclic meditation (CM) practiced for 22:30 minutes on one day and (ii) an equal duration of Supine rest (SR) or the corpse posture (shavasana), on another day. Sections of the Wechsler memory scale (WMS) were used to assess; (i) attention and concentration (digit span forward and backward), and (ii) associate learning. State anxiety was assessed using Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: There was a significant improvement in the scores of all sections of the WMS studied after both CM and SR, but, the magnitude of change was more after CM compared to after SR. The state anxiety scores decreased after both CM and SR, with a greater magnitude of decrease after CM. There was no correlation between percentage change in memory scores and state anxiety for either session. Conclusion: A cyclical combination of yoga postures and supine rest in CM improved memory scores immediately after the practice and decreased state anxiety more than rest in a classical yoga relaxation posture (shavasana).
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Pailoor Subramanya |
Author | Shirley Telles |
Abstract | Practicing meditation while focusing on a sound or a symbol influenced midlatency auditory evoked potentials (MLAEPs). Cyclic meditation (CM) is a technique combining yoga postures with meditation while supine, which has influenced the P300 event-related potential. The effects of CM on MLAEPs have not been previously studied. The MLAEPs were studied before and after the practice of CM compared to an equal duration of supine rest (SR) in 47 male volunteers (group mean age 26.5 +/- 4.4 years), recorded from the vertex referenced to linked earlobes. The sessions were one day apart and subjects were randomly assigned to each session. The Pa wave peak latency and Nb wave peak latency significantly increased following CM compared to before CM (repeated measures ANOVA, post-hoc analysis with least significant difference, p<0.05). There was a significant increase in the peak amplitude of the Nb wave (p<0.05) compared to before CM. Post SR there was a significant increase in the peak latency of the Na wave (p<0.05) compared to before SR. In conclusion following CM the latencies of neural generators corresponding to cortical areas is prolonged, whereas following SR a similar change occurs at mesencephalic-diencephalic levels. |
Publication | Clinical EEG and Neuroscience: Official Journal of the EEG and Clinical Neuroscience Society (ENCS) |
Volume | 40 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 190-195 |
Date | Jul 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Clin EEG Neurosci |
ISSN | 1550-0594 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19715182 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:45:39 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19715182 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Practicing meditation while focusing on a sound or a symbol influenced midlatency auditory evoked potentials (MLAEPs). Cyclic meditation (CM) is a technique combining yoga postures with meditation while supine, which has influenced the P300 event-related potential. The effects of CM on MLAEPs have not been previously studied. The MLAEPs were studied before and after the practice of CM compared to an equal duration of supine rest (SR) in 47 male volunteers (group mean age 26.5 +/- 4.4 years), recorded from the vertex referenced to linked earlobes. The sessions were one day apart and subjects were randomly assigned to each session. The Pa wave peak latency and Nb wave peak latency significantly increased following CM compared to before CM (repeated measures ANOVA, post-hoc analysis with least significant difference, p<0.05). There was a significant increase in the peak amplitude of the Nb wave (p<0.05) compared to before CM. Post SR there was a significant increase in the peak latency of the Na wave (p<0.05) compared to before SR. In conclusion following CM the latencies of neural generators corresponding to cortical areas is prolonged, whereas following SR a similar change occurs at mesencephalic-diencephalic levels.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Bruce M. Sullivan |
Author | Bill Wiist |
Author | Heidi Wayment |
Abstract | In an effort to contribute to the understanding of contemporary Western Buddhism, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Northern Arizona University wrote a set of questions to elicit data from Buddhist practitioners. In addition to demographic questions, we included questions on health and health-related practices, and psychological characteristics, drawing from previously used measures (see Wiist et al. 2010). For the Buddhist practices segment of the survey, all the questions were written by the researchers. With the religious practices segment of the survey, we sought (among other things) to test four hypotheses concerning contemporary Western Buddhist practitioners: * 1 Contemporary Western Buddhist practitioners are more likely to identify themselves as Buddhist than as members of other religious traditions and to have marked that identity in a formal way such as pronouncing the Three Refuges formula. * 2 Contemporary Western Buddhist practitioners are more likely to engage in meditation than to attend Buddhist religious services supervised by clergy. * 3 Contemporary Western Buddhist practitioners who engage in meditation are more likely to engage in a variety of meditative practices, practices that they regard as identifiably distinct, than to engage in a single meditative technique. * 4 Buddhist practitioners today engage in conscious efforts to increase loving-kindness and compassion through meditation practices. |
Publication | CrossCurrents |
Volume | 60 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 185-207 |
Date | 06/2010 |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1939-3881.2010.00119.x |
ISSN | 00111953 |
URL | http://blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1939-3881.2010.00119.x |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:23 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:23 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Yi-Yuan Tang |
Author | Yinghua Ma |
Author | Yaxin Fan |
Author | Hongbo Feng |
Author | Junhong Wang |
Author | Shigang Feng |
Author | Qilin Lu |
Author | Bing Hu |
Author | Yao Lin |
Author | Jian Li |
Author | Ye Zhang |
Author | Yan Wang |
Author | Li Zhou |
Author | Ming Fan |
Abstract | Five days of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) improves attention and self-regulation in comparison with the same amount of relaxation training. This paper explores the underlying mechanisms of this finding. We measured the physiological and brain changes at rest before, during, and after 5 days of IBMT and relaxation training. During and after training, the IBMT group showed significantly better physiological reactions in heart rate, respiratory amplitude and rate, and skin conductance response (SCR) than the relaxation control. Differences in heart rate variability (HRV) and EEG power suggested greater involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the IBMT group during and after training. Imaging data demonstrated stronger subgenual and adjacent ventral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity in the IBMT group. Frontal midline ACC theta was correlated with high-frequency HRV, suggesting control by the ACC over parasympathetic activity. These results indicate that after 5 days of training, the IBMT group shows better regulation of the ANS by a ventral midfrontal brain system than does the relaxation group. This changed state probably reflects training in the coordination of body and mind given in the IBMT but not in the control group. These results could be useful in the design of further specific interventions. |
Publication | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 106 |
Issue | 22 |
Pages | 8865-8870 |
Date | Jun 2, 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A |
DOI | 10.1073/pnas.0904031106 |
ISSN | 1091-6490 |
Accessed | Tuesday, February 22, 2011 7:07:23 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19451642 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:06:18 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:06:18 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Yi-Yuan Tang |
Author | Yinghua Ma |
Author | Junhong Wang |
Author | Yaxin Fan |
Author | Shigang Feng |
Author | Qilin Lu |
Author | Qingbao Yu |
Author | Danni Sui |
Author | Mary K Rothbart |
Author | Ming Fan |
Author | Michael I Posner |
Abstract | Recent studies suggest that months to years of intensive and systematic meditation training can improve attention. However, the lengthy training required has made it difficult to use random assignment of participants to conditions to confirm these findings. This article shows that a group randomly assigned to 5 days of meditation practice with the integrative body-mind training method shows significantly better attention and control of stress than a similarly chosen control group given relaxation training. The training method comes from traditional Chinese medicine and incorporates aspects of other meditation and mindfulness training. Compared with the control group, the experimental group of 40 undergraduate Chinese students given 5 days of 20-min integrative training showed greater improvement in conflict scores on the Attention Network Test, lower anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue, and higher vigor on the Profile of Mood States scale, a significant decrease in stress-related cortisol, and an increase in immunoreactivity. These results provide a convenient method for studying the influence of meditation training by using experimental and control methods similar to those used to test drugs or other interventions. |
Publication | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 104 |
Issue | 43 |
Pages | 17152-17156 |
Date | Oct 23, 2007 |
Journal Abbr | Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A |
DOI | 10.1073/pnas.0707678104 |
ISSN | 0027-8424 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17940025 |
Accessed | Thursday, September 03, 2009 1:22:45 AM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 17940025 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Recent studies suggest that months to years of intensive and systematic meditation training can improve attention. However, the lengthy training required has made it difficult to use random assignment of participants to conditions to confirm these findings. This article shows that a group randomly assigned to 5 days of meditation practice with the integrative body-mind training method shows significantly better attention and control of stress than a similarly chosen control group given relaxation training. The training method comes from traditional Chinese medicine and incorporates aspects of other meditation and mindfulness training. Compared with the control group, the experimental group of 40 undergraduate Chinese students given 5 days of 20-min integrative training showed greater improvement in conflict scores on the Attention Network Test, lower anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue, and higher vigor on the Profile of Mood States scale, a significant decrease in stress-related cortisol, and an increase in immunoreactivity. These results provide a convenient method for studying the influence of meditation training by using experimental and control methods similar to those used to test drugs or other interventions.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Yi-Yuan Tang |
Author | Yinghua Ma |
Author | Yaxin Fan |
Author | Hongbo Feng |
Author | Junhong Wang |
Author | Shigang Feng |
Author | Qilin Lu |
Author | Bing Hu |
Author | Yao Lin |
Author | Jian Li |
Author | Ye Zhang |
Author | Yan Wang |
Author | Li Zhou |
Author | Ming Fan |
Abstract | Five days of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) improves attention and self-regulation in comparison with the same amount of relaxation training. This paper explores the underlying mechanisms of this finding. We measured the physiological and brain changes at rest before, during, and after 5 days of IBMT and relaxation training. During and after training, the IBMT group showed significantly better physiological reactions in heart rate, respiratory amplitude and rate, and skin conductance response (SCR) than the relaxation control. Differences in heart rate variability (HRV) and EEG power suggested greater involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the IBMT group during and after training. Imaging data demonstrated stronger subgenual and adjacent ventral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity in the IBMT group. Frontal midline ACC theta was correlated with high-frequency HRV, suggesting control by the ACC over parasympathetic activity. These results indicate that after 5 days of training, the IBMT group shows better regulation of the ANS by a ventral midfrontal brain system than does the relaxation group. This changed state probably reflects training in the coordination of body and mind given in the IBMT but not in the control group. These results could be useful in the design of further specific interventions. |
Publication | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 106 |
Issue | 22 |
Pages | 8865-8870 |
Date | Jun 2, 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A |
DOI | 10.1073/pnas.0904031106 |
ISSN | 1091-6490 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19451642 |
Accessed | Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:46:37 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19451642 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Five days of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) improves attention and self-regulation in comparison with the same amount of relaxation training. This paper explores the underlying mechanisms of this finding. We measured the physiological and brain changes at rest before, during, and after 5 days of IBMT and relaxation training. During and after training, the IBMT group showed significantly better physiological reactions in heart rate, respiratory amplitude and rate, and skin conductance response (SCR) than the relaxation control. Differences in heart rate variability (HRV) and EEG power suggested greater involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the IBMT group during and after training. Imaging data demonstrated stronger subgenual and adjacent ventral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity in the IBMT group. Frontal midline ACC theta was correlated with high-frequency HRV, suggesting control by the ACC over parasympathetic activity. These results indicate that after 5 days of training, the IBMT group shows better regulation of the ANS by a ventral midfrontal brain system than does the relaxation group. This changed state probably reflects training in the coordination of body and mind given in the IBMT but not in the control group. These results could be useful in the design of further specific interventions.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Melissa A Tanner |
Author | Fred Travis |
Author | Carolyn Gaylord-King |
Author | David A F Haaga |
Author | Sarina Grosswald |
Author | Robert H Schneider |
Abstract | Mindfulness is associated with low levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as high levels of self-esteem and satisfaction with life (Brown & Ryan, 2003). As part of a 3-month randomized waitlist-controlled trial of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program on university students (N=295), we examined the impact of TM practice on mindfulness as measured by the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS; Baer, Smith, & Allen, 2004). A repeated measures ANOVA on total KIMS scores showed a significant timextreatment interaction, with the TM participants reporting greater increases in mindfulness than the waitlist participants. All KIMS subscales were positively intercorrelated at pretreatment, and there were no differences over time or as a function of treatment condition in subscale intercorrelations. Therefore, previously published findings of a positive correlation between subscales measuring the skills of observing and accepting-without-judgment one's inner experiences only among those with meditation experience may have reflected a self-selection effect rather than a change in the relation of these mindfulness components resulting directly from meditation practice. |
Publication | Journal of Clinical Psychology |
Volume | 65 |
Issue | 6 |
Pages | 574-589 |
Date | Jun 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Clin Psychol |
DOI | 10.1002/jclp.20544 |
ISSN | 1097-4679 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19241401 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:17:57 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19241401 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Mindfulness is associated with low levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as high levels of self-esteem and satisfaction with life (Brown & Ryan, 2003). As part of a 3-month randomized waitlist-controlled trial of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program on university students (N=295), we examined the impact of TM practice on mindfulness as measured by the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS; Baer, Smith, & Allen, 2004). A repeated measures ANOVA on total KIMS scores showed a significant timextreatment interaction, with the TM participants reporting greater increases in mindfulness than the waitlist participants. All KIMS subscales were positively intercorrelated at pretreatment, and there were no differences over time or as a function of treatment condition in subscale intercorrelations. Therefore, previously published findings of a positive correlation between subscales measuring the skills of observing and accepting-without-judgment one’s inner experiences only among those with meditation experience may have reflected a self-selection effect rather than a change in the relation of these mindfulness components resulting directly from meditation practice.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Shisei Tei |
Author | Pascal L Faber |
Author | Dietrich Lehmann |
Author | Takuya Tsujiuchi |
Author | Hiroaki Kumano |
Author | Roberto D Pascual-Marqui |
Author | Lorena R R Gianotti |
Author | Kieko Kochi |
Abstract | Many meditation exercises aim at increased awareness of ongoing experiences through sustained attention and at detachment, i.e., non-engaging observation of these ongoing experiences by the intent not to analyze, judge or expect anything. Long-term meditation practice is believed to generalize the ability of increased awareness and greater detachment into everyday life. We hypothesized that neuroplasticity effects of meditation (correlates of increased awareness and detachment) would be detectable in a no-task resting state. EEG recorded during resting was compared between Qigong meditators and controls. Using LORETA (low resolution electromagnetic tomography) to compute the intracerebral source locations, differences in brain activations between groups were found in the inhibitory delta EEG frequency band. In the meditators, appraisal systems were inhibited, while brain areas involved in the detection and integration of internal and external sensory information showed increased activation. This suggests that neuroplasticity effects of long-term meditation practice, subjectively described as increased awareness and greater detachment, are carried over into non-meditating states. |
Publication | Brain Topography |
Volume | 22 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 158-165 |
Date | Nov 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Brain Topogr |
DOI | 10.1007/s10548-009-0107-4 |
ISSN | 1573-6792 |
Short Title | Meditators and non-meditators |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19653090 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 2:58:46 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19653090 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Many meditation exercises aim at increased awareness of ongoing experiences through sustained attention and at detachment, i.e., non-engaging observation of these ongoing experiences by the intent not to analyze, judge or expect anything. Long-term meditation practice is believed to generalize the ability of increased awareness and greater detachment into everyday life. We hypothesized that neuroplasticity effects of meditation (correlates of increased awareness and detachment) would be detectable in a no-task resting state. EEG recorded during resting was compared between Qigong meditators and controls. Using LORETA (low resolution electromagnetic tomography) to compute the intracerebral source locations, differences in brain activations between groups were found in the inhibitory delta EEG frequency band. In the meditators, appraisal systems were inhibited, while brain areas involved in the detection and integration of internal and external sensory information showed increased activation. This suggests that neuroplasticity effects of long-term meditation practice, subjectively described as increased awareness and greater detachment, are carried over into non-meditating states.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Fred Travis |
Author | Jonathan Shear |
Abstract | This paper proposes a third meditation-category--automatic self-transcending--to extend the dichotomy of focused attention and open monitoring proposed by Lutz. Automatic self-transcending includes techniques designed to transcend their own activity. This contrasts with focused attention, which keeps attention focused on an object; and open monitoring, which keeps attention involved in the monitoring process. Each category was assigned EEG bands, based on reported brain patterns during mental tasks, and meditations were categorized based on their reported EEG. Focused attention, characterized by beta/gamma activity, included meditations from Tibetan Buddhist, Buddhist, and Chinese traditions. Open monitoring, characterized by theta activity, included meditations from Buddhist, Chinese, and Vedic traditions. Automatic self-transcending, characterized by alpha1 activity, included meditations from Vedic and Chinese traditions. Between categories, the included meditations differed in focus, subject/object relation, and procedures. These findings shed light on the common mistake of averaging meditations together to determine mechanisms or clinical effects. |
Publication | Consciousness and Cognition |
Volume | 19 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 1110-1118 |
Date | Dec 2010 |
Journal Abbr | Conscious Cogn |
DOI | 10.1016/j.concog.2010.01.007 |
ISSN | 1090-2376 |
Short Title | Focused attention, open monitoring and automatic self-transcending |
Accessed | Tuesday, January 18, 2011 6:58:41 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20167507 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:58:46 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:58:46 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Frederick Travis |
Author | Jonathan Shear |
Abstract | We agree with Josipovic that a fundamental differentiating feature of meditation techniques is whether they remain within the dualistic subject-object cognitive structure, or they transcend this structure to reveal an underlying level of non-dual awareness. Further discussion is needed to delineate the basic non-dual experience in meditation, where all phenomenal content is absent, from the more advanced experience of non-duality in daily life, where phenomenal content is obviously present as well. In this discussion, it is important to recognize that the experiencer-object relation makes the experience dual or non-dual, rather than the nature of the object experienced. |
Publication | Consciousness and Cognition |
Volume | 19 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 1122-1123 |
Date | December 2010 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.concog.2010.04.003 |
ISSN | 1053-8100 |
Short Title | Reply to Josipovic |
Accessed | Tuesday, January 18, 2011 8:05:59 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:58:46 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 8:58:46 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Sara van Leeuwen |
Author | Notger G Müller |
Author | Lucia Melloni |
Abstract | Here we explore whether mental training in the form of meditation can help to overcome age-related attentional decline. We compared performance on the attentional blink task between three populations: A group of long-term meditation practitioners within an older population, a control group of age-matched participants and a control group of young participants. Members of both control groups had never practiced meditation. Our results show that long-term meditation practice leads to a reduction of the attentional blink. Meditation practitioners taken from an older population showed a reduction in blink as compared to a control group taken from a younger population, whereas, the control group age-matched to the meditators' group revealed a blink that was comparatively larger and broader. Our results support the hypothesis that meditation practice can: (i) alter the efficiency with which attentional resources are distributed and (ii) help to overcome age-related attentional deficits in the temporal domain. |
Publication | Consciousness and Cognition |
Volume | 18 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 593-599 |
Date | Sep 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Conscious Cogn |
DOI | 10.1016/j.concog.2009.05.001 |
ISSN | 1090-2376 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19515578 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:31:24 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19515578 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Here we explore whether mental training in the form of meditation can help to overcome age-related attentional decline. We compared performance on the attentional blink task between three populations: A group of long-term meditation practitioners within an older population, a control group of age-matched participants and a control group of young participants. Members of both control groups had never practiced meditation. Our results show that long-term meditation practice leads to a reduction of the attentional blink. Meditation practitioners taken from an older population showed a reduction in blink as compared to a control group taken from a younger population, whereas, the control group age-matched to the meditators’ group revealed a blink that was comparatively larger and broader. Our results support the hypothesis that meditation practice can: (i) alter the efficiency with which attentional resources are distributed and (ii) help to overcome age-related attentional deficits in the temporal domain.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Francisca M Vera |
Author | Juan M Manzaneque |
Author | Enrique F Maldonado |
Author | Gabriel A Carranque |
Author | Francisco M Rodriguez |
Author | Maria J Blanca |
Author | Miguel Morell |
Abstract | Yoga represents a fascinating mind-body approach, wherein body movements (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation are integrated into a single multidimensional practice. Numerous beneficial mental and physical effects have been classically ascribed to this holistic ancient method. The purpose of the present study has been to examine the effects of long-term yoga practice on Subjective Sleep Quality (SSQ) and on several hormonal parameters of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Twenty-six subjects (16 experimental and 10 controls) were recruited to be part of the study. Experimental subjects were regular yoga practitioners with a minimum of 3 years of practice. Blood samples for the quantification of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) were drawn from all subjects. Likewise, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was employed to assess SSQ. As statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U-test was performed. The yoga group displayed lower PSQI scores and higher blood cortisol levels than control subjects. Therefore, it can be concluded that long-term yoga practice is associated with significant psycho-biological differences, including better sleep quality as well as a modulatory action on the levels of cortisol. These preliminary results suggest interesting clinical implications which should be further researched. |
Publication | Biological Psychology |
Volume | 81 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 164-168 |
Date | Jul 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Biol Psychol |
DOI | 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2009.03.008 |
ISSN | 1873-6246 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19482233 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:45:36 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19482233 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Yoga represents a fascinating mind-body approach, wherein body movements (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation are integrated into a single multidimensional practice. Numerous beneficial mental and physical effects have been classically ascribed to this holistic ancient method. The purpose of the present study has been to examine the effects of long-term yoga practice on Subjective Sleep Quality (SSQ) and on several hormonal parameters of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Twenty-six subjects (16 experimental and 10 controls) were recruited to be part of the study. Experimental subjects were regular yoga practitioners with a minimum of 3 years of practice. Blood samples for the quantification of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) were drawn from all subjects. Likewise, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was employed to assess SSQ. As statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U-test was performed. The yoga group displayed lower PSQI scores and higher blood cortisol levels than control subjects. Therefore, it can be concluded that long-term yoga practice is associated with significant psycho-biological differences, including better sleep quality as well as a modulatory action on the levels of cortisol. These preliminary results suggest interesting clinical implications which should be further researched.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Peter Vestergaard-Poulsen |
Author | Martijn van Beek |
Author | Joshua Skewes |
Author | Carsten R Bjarkam |
Author | Michael Stubberup |
Author | Jes Bertelsen |
Author | Andreas Roepstorff |
Abstract | Extensive practice involving sustained attention can lead to changes in brain structure. Here, we report evidence of structural differences in the lower brainstem of participants engaged in the long-term practice of meditation. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we observed higher gray matter density in lower brain stem regions of experienced meditators compared with age-matched nonmeditators. Our findings show that long-term practitioners of meditation have structural differences in brainstem regions concerned with cardiorespiratory control. This could account for some of the cardiorespiratory parasympathetic effects and traits, as well as the cognitive, emotional, and immunoreactive impact reported in several studies of different meditation practices. |
Publication | Neuroreport |
Volume | 20 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 170-174 |
Date | Jan 28, 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Neuroreport |
DOI | 10.1097/WNR.0b013e328320012a |
ISSN | 1473-558X |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19104459 |
Accessed | Monday, March 28, 2011 6:18:24 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19104459 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:06:18 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:06:18 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Peter Vestergaard-Poulsen |
Author | Martijn van Beek |
Author | Joshua Skewes |
Author | Carsten R Bjarkam |
Author | Michael Stubberup |
Author | Jes Bertelsen |
Author | Andreas Roepstorff |
Abstract | Extensive practice involving sustained attention can lead to changes in brain structure. Here, we report evidence of structural differences in the lower brainstem of participants engaged in the long-term practice of meditation. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we observed higher gray matter density in lower brain stem regions of experienced meditators compared with age-matched nonmeditators. Our findings show that long-term practitioners of meditation have structural differences in brainstem regions concerned with cardiorespiratory control. This could account for some of the cardiorespiratory parasympathetic effects and traits, as well as the cognitive, emotional, and immunoreactive impact reported in several studies of different meditation practices. |
Publication | Neuroreport |
Volume | 20 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 170-174 |
Date | Jan 28, 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Neuroreport |
DOI | 10.1097/WNR.0b013e328320012a |
ISSN | 1473-558X |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19104459 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 2:52:06 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19104459 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Extensive practice involving sustained attention can lead to changes in brain structure. Here, we report evidence of structural differences in the lower brainstem of participants engaged in the long-term practice of meditation. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we observed higher gray matter density in lower brain stem regions of experienced meditators compared with age-matched nonmeditators. Our findings show that long-term practitioners of meditation have structural differences in brainstem regions concerned with cardiorespiratory control. This could account for some of the cardiorespiratory parasympathetic effects and traits, as well as the cognitive, emotional, and immunoreactive impact reported in several studies of different meditation practices.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Lisa Christine Vettese |
Author | Tony Toneatto |
Author | Jonathan N. Stea |
Author | Linda Nguyen |
Author | Jenny Jing Wang |
Abstract | Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to alleviate symptoms of a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Regular between-session practice of mindfulness meditation is among the key factors proposed to produce the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness-based programs. This article reviews the mindfulness intervention literature with a focus on the status of home practice research and the relationship of practice to mindfulness program outcomes. Of 98 studies reviewed, nearly one-quarter (N = 24) evaluated the associations between home practice and measures of clinical functioning, with just over half (N = 13) demonstrating at least partial support for the benefits of practice. These findings indicate a substantial disparity between what is espoused clinically and what is known empirically about the benefits of mindfulness practice. Improved methodologies for tracking and evaluating the effects of home practice are recommended. |
Publication | Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy |
Volume | 23 |
Pages | 198-225 |
Date | August 2009 |
DOI | 10.1891/0889-8391.23.3.198 |
Short Title | Do Mindfulness Meditation Participants Do Their Homework? |
URL | http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/springer/jcogp/2009/00000023/00000003/art00003 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 5:00:31 PM |
Library Catalog | IngentaConnect |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:06:02 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:06:02 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Ernest Volinn |
Abstract | This paper examines membership in a certain type of New Religious group-viz. those whose members leave the larger society of their own volition in order to participate in meditation and other practices from the East. The data include field observations, responses from a structure interview, and semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews. A model of membership is proposed: individuals with IA) a psychotherapeutic orientation who are IB) structurally available for II) in depth drug experimentation III) seek an alternative to the drug highs without the lows. In the great majority of societies, there is some built-in way of entering a meditative state, some release from the here-and-now other than drugs or alcohol. This society is one of the few exceptions. Members of New Religious groups such as the ashram may be seen as those who have found, in a corner of this society, a way of entering a meditative state. |
Publication | Sociological Analysis |
Volume | 46 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 147-156 |
Date | Summer, 1985 |
ISSN | 00380210 |
Short Title | Eastern Meditation Groups |
URL | http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/stable/3711057 |
Accessed | Sunday, November 08, 2009 11:34:24 PM |
Library Catalog | JSTOR |
Extra | ArticleType: primary_article / Full publication date: Summer, 1985 / Copyright © 1985 Association for the Sociology of Religion, Inc. |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
This paper examines membership in a certain type of New Religious group-viz. those whose members leave the larger society of their own volition in order to participate in meditation and other practices from the East. The data include field observations, responses from a structure interview, and semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews. A model of membership is proposed: individuals with IA) a psychotherapeutic orientation who are IB) structurally available for II) in depth drug experimentation III) seek an alternative to the drug highs without the lows. In the great majority of societies, there is some built-in way of entering a meditative state, some release from the here-and-now other than drugs or alcohol. This society is one of the few exceptions. Members of New Religious groups such as the ashram may be seen as those who have found, in a corner of this society, a way of entering a meditative state.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Amy Wachholtz |
Author | Kenneth Pargament |
Abstract | This study compared secular and spiritual forms of meditation to assess the benefits of a spiritual intervention. Participants were taught a meditation or relaxation technique to practice for 20 min a day for two weeks. After two weeks, participants returned to the lab, practiced their technique for 20 min, and placed their hand in a cold-water bath of 2°C for as long as they could endure it. The length of time that individuals kept their hand in the water bath was measured. Pain, anxiety, mood, and the spiritual health were assessed following the two-week intervention. Significant interactions occurred (time × group); the Spiritual Meditation group had greater decreases in anxiety and more positive mood, spiritual health, and spiritual experiences than the other two groups. They also tolerated pain almost twice as long as the other two groups. |
Publication | Journal of Behavioral Medicine |
Volume | 28 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 369-384 |
Date | 2005 |
DOI | 10.1007/s10865-005-9008-5 |
Short Title | Is Spirituality a Critical Ingredient of Meditation? |
URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10865-005-9008-5 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 05, 2009 1:23:40 PM |
Library Catalog | SpringerLink |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
This study compared secular and spiritual forms of meditation to assess the benefits of a spiritual intervention. Participants were taught a meditation or relaxation technique to practice for 20 min a day for two weeks. After two weeks, participants returned to the lab, practiced their technique for 20 min, and placed their hand in a cold-water bath of 2°C for as long as they could endure it. The length of time that individuals kept their hand in the water bath was measured. Pain, anxiety, mood, and the spiritual health were assessed following the two-week intervention. Significant interactions occurred (time × group); the Spiritual Meditation group had greater decreases in anxiety and more positive mood, spiritual health, and spiritual experiences than the other two groups. They also tolerated pain almost twice as long as the other two groups.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Amy B Wachholtz |
Author | Kenneth I Pargament |
Abstract | Migraine headaches are associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety (Waldie and Poulton Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 72: 86-92, 2002) and feelings of low self-efficacy (French et al. Headache, 40: 647-656, 2000). Previous research suggests that spiritual meditation may ameliorate some of the negative traits associated with migraine headaches (Wachholtz and Pargament Journal of behavioral Medicine, 30: 311-318, 2005). This study examined two primary questions: (1) Is spiritual meditation more effective in enhancing pain tolerance and reducing migraine headache related symptoms than secular meditation and relaxation? and, (2) Does spiritual meditation create better mental, physical, and spiritual health outcomes than secular meditation and relaxation techniques? Eighty-three meditation naïve, frequent migraineurs were taught Spiritual Meditation, Internally Focused Secular Meditation, Externally Focused Secular Meditation, or Muscle Relaxation which participants practiced for 20 min a day for one month. Pre-post tests measured pain tolerance (with a cold pressor task), headache frequency, and mental and spiritual health variables. Compared to the other three groups, those who practiced spiritual meditation had greater decreases in the frequency of migraine headaches, anxiety, and negative affect, as well as greater increases in pain tolerance, headache-related self-efficacy, daily spiritual experiences, and existential well being. |
Publication | Journal of Behavioral Medicine |
Volume | 31 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 351-366 |
Date | Aug 2008 |
Journal Abbr | J Behav Med |
DOI | 10.1007/s10865-008-9159-2 |
ISSN | 0160-7715 |
Short Title | Migraines and meditation |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18551362 |
Accessed | Friday, November 13, 2009 7:00:33 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 18551362 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Migraine headaches are associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety (Waldie and Poulton Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 72: 86-92, 2002) and feelings of low self-efficacy (French et al. Headache, 40: 647-656, 2000). Previous research suggests that spiritual meditation may ameliorate some of the negative traits associated with migraine headaches (Wachholtz and Pargament Journal of behavioral Medicine, 30: 311-318, 2005). This study examined two primary questions: (1) Is spiritual meditation more effective in enhancing pain tolerance and reducing migraine headache related symptoms than secular meditation and relaxation? and, (2) Does spiritual meditation create better mental, physical, and spiritual health outcomes than secular meditation and relaxation techniques? Eighty-three meditation naïve, frequent migraineurs were taught Spiritual Meditation, Internally Focused Secular Meditation, Externally Focused Secular Meditation, or Muscle Relaxation which participants practiced for 20 min a day for one month. Pre-post tests measured pain tolerance (with a cold pressor task), headache frequency, and mental and spiritual health variables. Compared to the other three groups, those who practiced spiritual meditation had greater decreases in the frequency of migraine headaches, anxiety, and negative affect, as well as greater increases in pain tolerance, headache-related self-efficacy, daily spiritual experiences, and existential well being.
Type | Book |
---|---|
Author | Robert Keith Wallace |
Edition | 3d ed. |
Place | Los Angeles |
Publisher | Students' International Meditation Society |
Date | 1973 |
Library Catalog | fcaw.library.umass.edu:8991 Library Catalog |
Call Number | BL627 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Shr-Da Wu |
Author | Pei-Chen Lo |
Abstract | The cardiac and respiratory systems can be viewed as two self-sustained oscillators with various interactions between them. In this study, the cardiorespiratory phase synchronization (CRPS) quantified by synchrogram was investigated to explore the phase synchronization between these two systems. The synchrogram scheme was applied to electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration signals. Particular focus was the distinct cardiac-respiratory regulation phenomena intervened by inward-attention meditation and normal relaxation. Four synchronization parameters were measured: frequency ratio, lasting length, number of epochs, and total length. The results showed that normal rest resulted in much weaker CRPS. Statistical analysis reveals that the number of synchronous epochs and the total synchronization length significantly increase (p = 0.024 and 0.034 respectively) during meditation. Furthermore, a predominance of 4:1 and 5:1 rhythm-ratio synchronizations was observed during meditation. Consequently, this study concludes that CRPS can be enhanced during meditation, compared with normal relaxation, and reveals a predominance of specific frequency ratios. |
Publication | International Journal of Cardiology |
Volume | 141 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 325-328 |
Date | June 11, 2010 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.11.137 |
ISSN | 0167-5273 |
Accessed | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 1:46:45 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:23 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:03:23 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | C.W. Wu |
Author | C.H. Hsieh |
Author | C.W. Li |
Author | J.H. Chen |
Abstract | Introduction Meditation means a mental training practice for the meditators to strengthen attentional focus and achieve a tranquil state (Brefczynski-Lewis JA, 2007). The engagement of such process on experienced meditators was reported combining with the increase of attention and improvement of perception (Jha A, 2007 and Carter OL, 2005). However, mapping the brain functions during meditation is arduous for experimental designs since the normal meditation usually last for a long time, comparing to timing of traditional cognitive task design. Therefore, in this work we applied the resting-state fMRI analyses (Biswal B, 1995) on the comparison between normal resting conditions and traditional Chinese meditation states. Methods Eight healthy experienced mediators participated in the experiments on a 3T Bruker Medspec system. A typical gradient-echo EPI sequence was used to collect imagings for 21 minutes (630 measurements, TR=2s). Images were acquired on the whole cerebrum (24 slices) along the AC-PC line, with FOV of 256 mm, MTX of 64×64, and slice thickness of 4mm. At first, subjects were instructed to close their eyes and stayed in a relaxing resting status during the beginning of 9-minute scan. Subsequently, the subjects were asked to read mantra and prepared to perform meditation, which lasted for no longer than 3 minutes. Subsequently, the subjects remained at meditation for the rest of the scan time (not, vert, similar 9 min, as shown in fig. 1). Data were pre-processed with motion correction, detrending, and low-pass filtered (<0.1 Hz) using MATLAB, and then underwent spatial normalization (resampled to an isotropic resolution 3×3×3 mm3), smoothing (Gausian kernel = 6 mm) and statistical analyses by AFNI. Physiological noise and motion artifacts were regressed out during individual calculation of cross-correlation. Spherical seeds with 6 mm diameter were placed on the right primary motor cortex (M1) [36, −28, 54] and right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) [38, 28, 26] in the normalized MNI/Talairach space to observe the connectivity in sensori-motor and attentional networks, respectively. A group-level analysis of correlation maps was performed to reveal significant functional connectivity (p <10−4, cluster = 529 mm3). Results Fig.2 shows the group results of functional connectivity maps on both motor and attention networks, overlaid on an averaged anatomical image. With seeds placed on right M1, strong connections are observed in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and contralateral M1, formatting the structure of sensori-motor networks. However, such connection was suppressed, or even disappeared in some brain area during the meditation state, such as the contralateral M1. When putting seeds on the right MFG, only ipsilateral connections to precentral gyrus (PCG) and middle temporal gyrus (MTG) are explicit under the resting state; however, under the meditation state, the contralateral side of MFG, and MTG are aroused, showing the concentration during performing meditation practices. Conclusions Functional connectivity analysis was first time adopted in the research of meditation in the current work. Such experimental design is more reliable and feasible for meditators without interruption of experimental interests. In contrast to resting status of the same group, the functional connectivity of motor and attention networks was indeed modulated by the practice of meditation. |
Publication | NeuroImage |
Volume | 47 |
Issue | Supplement 1 |
Pages | S42 |
Date | July 2009 |
DOI | 10.1016/S1053-8119(09)70006-0 |
ISSN | 1053-8119 |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6WNP-4X3PHYG-6/2/3e7feb6276eecd7ce199962b262e68dd |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 6:29:40 PM |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Introduction: Meditation means a mental training practice for the meditators to strengthen attentional focus and achieve a tranquil state (Brefczynski-Lewis JA, 2007). The engagement of such process on experienced meditators was reported combining with the increase of attention and improvement of perception (Jha A, 2007 and Carter OL, 2005). However, mapping the brain functions during meditation is arduous for experimental designs since the normal meditation usually last for a long time, comparing to timing of traditional cognitive task design. Therefore, in this work we applied the resting-state fMRI analyses (Biswal B, 1995) on the comparison between normal resting conditions and traditional Chinese meditation states. Methods: Eight healthy experienced mediators participated in the experiments on a 3T Bruker Medspec system. A typical gradient-echo EPI sequence was used to collect imagings for 21 minutes (630 measurements, TR=2s). Images were acquired on the whole cerebrum (24 slices) along the AC-PC line, with FOV of 256 mm, MTX of 64×64, and slice thickness of 4mm. At first, subjects were instructed to close their eyes and stayed in a relaxing resting status during the beginning of 9-minute scan. Subsequently, the subjects were asked to read mantra and prepared to perform meditation, which lasted for no longer than 3 minutes. Subsequently, the subjects remained at meditation for the rest of the scan time (not, vert, similar 9 min, as shown in fig. 1). Data were pre-processed with motion correction, detrending, and low-pass filtered (<0.1 Hz) using MATLAB, and then underwent spatial normalization (resampled to an isotropic resolution 3×3×3 mm3), smoothing (Gausian kernel = 6 mm) and statistical analyses by AFNI. Physiological noise and motion artifacts were regressed out during individual calculation of cross-correlation. Spherical seeds with 6 mm diameter were placed on the right primary motor cortex (M1) [36, −28, 54] and right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) [38, 28, 26] in the normalized MNI/Talairach space to observe the connectivity in sensori-motor and attentional networks, respectively. A group-level analysis of correlation maps was performed to reveal significant functional connectivity (p <10−4, cluster = 529 mm3). Results: Fig.2 shows the group results of functional connectivity maps on both motor and attention networks, overlaid on an averaged anatomical image. With seeds placed on right M1, strong connections are observed in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and contralateral M1, formatting the structure of sensori-motor networks. However, such connection was suppressed, or even disappeared in some brain area during the meditation state, such as the contralateral M1. When putting seeds on the right MFG, only ipsilateral connections to precentral gyrus (PCG) and middle temporal gyrus (MTG) are explicit under the resting state; however, under the meditation state, the contralateral side of MFG, and MTG are aroused, showing the concentration during performing meditation practices. Conclusions: Functional connectivity analysis was first time adopted in the research of meditation in the current work. Such experimental design is more reliable and feasible for meditators without interruption of experimental interests. In contrast to resting status of the same group, the functional connectivity of motor and attention networks was indeed modulated by the practice of meditation.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Glen L Xiong |
Author | P Murali Doraiswamy |
Abstract | Meditation practices have various health benefits including the possibility of preserving cognition and preventing dementia. While the mechanisms remain investigational, studies show that meditation may affect multiple pathways that could play a role in brain aging and mental fitness. For example, meditation may reduce stress-induced cortisol secretion and this could have neuroprotective effects potentially via elevating levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Meditation may also potentially have beneficial effects on lipid profiles and lower oxidative stress, both of which could in turn reduce the risk for cerebrovascular disease and age-related neurodegeneration. Further, meditation may potentially strengthen neuronal circuits and enhance cognitive reserve capacity. These are the theoretical bases for how meditation might enhance longevity and optimal health. Evidence to support a neuroprotective effect comes from cognitive, electroencephalogram (EEG), and structural neuroimaging studies. In one cross-sectional study, meditation practitioners were found to have a lower age-related decline in thickness of specific cortical regions. However, the enthusiasm must be balanced by the inconsistency and preliminary nature of existing studies as well as the fact that meditation comprises a heterogeneous group of practices. Key future challenges include the isolation of a potential common element in the different meditation modalities, replication of existing findings in larger randomized trials, determining the correct "dose," studying whether findings from expert practitioners are generalizable to a wider population, and better control of the confounding genetic, dietary and lifestyle influences. |
Publication | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 1172 |
Pages | 63-69 |
Date | Aug 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci |
DOI | 10.1196/annals.1393.002 |
ISSN | 1749-6632 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19743551 |
Accessed | Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:40:12 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19743551 |
Date Added | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Modified | Saturday, October 01, 2011 4:55:15 PM |
Meditation practices have various health benefits including the possibility of preserving cognition and preventing dementia. While the mechanisms remain investigational, studies show that meditation may affect multiple pathways that could play a role in brain aging and mental fitness. For example, meditation may reduce stress-induced cortisol secretion and this could have neuroprotective effects potentially via elevating levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Meditation may also potentially have beneficial effects on lipid profiles and lower oxidative stress, both of which could in turn reduce the risk for cerebrovascular disease and age-related neurodegeneration. Further, meditation may potentially strengthen neuronal circuits and enhance cognitive reserve capacity. These are the theoretical bases for how meditation might enhance longevity and optimal health. Evidence to support a neuroprotective effect comes from cognitive, electroencephalogram (EEG), and structural neuroimaging studies. In one cross-sectional study, meditation practitioners were found to have a lower age-related decline in thickness of specific cortical regions. However, the enthusiasm must be balanced by the inconsistency and preliminary nature of existing studies as well as the fact that meditation comprises a heterogeneous group of practices. Key future challenges include the isolation of a potential common element in the different meditation modalities, replication of existing findings in larger randomized trials, determining the correct “dose,” studying whether findings from expert practitioners are generalizable to a wider population, and better control of the confounding genetic, dietary and lifestyle influences.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | E C Young |
Author | C Brammer |
Author | E Owen |
Author | N Brown |
Author | J Lowe |
Author | C Johnson |
Author | R Calam |
Author | S Jones |
Author | A Woodcock |
Author | J A Smith |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Chronic cough is common, and medical treatment can be ineffective. Mindfulness is a psychological intervention that aims to teach moment-to-moment non-judgemental awareness of thoughts, feelings and sensations. METHOD: 30 healthy subjects and 30 patients with chronic cough were studied in two sequential trials. For both studies, cough reflex sensitivity to citric acid (C5) was measured on two occasions, with urge to cough rated following each inhalation; between challenges subjects were randomised to (1) no intervention, (2) mindfulness or (3) no intervention but modified cough challenge (subjects suppress coughing). For the healthy volunteers, measures were 1 h apart and mindfulness was practised for 15 min. For the patients with chronic cough measures were 1 week apart and mindfulness was practised daily for 30 min. RESULTS: In healthy volunteers, median change (interquartile range (IQR)) in cough reflex sensitivity (logC5) for no intervention, mindfulness and suppression was +1.0 (0.0 to +1.3), +2.0 (+1.0 to +3.0) and +3.0 (+2.8 to +3.0) doubling concentrations (p = 0.003); there were significant reductions for both mindfulness (p = 0.043) and suppression (p = 0.002) over no intervention. In patients with cough, median change (IQR) in logC5 for no intervention, mindfulness training and voluntary suppression was 0.0 (-1.0 to +1.0), +1.0 (-0.3 to +1.0) and +1.0 (+1.0 to +2.0) doubling concentrations (p = 0.046); there was a significant reduction for suppression (p = 0.02) but not mindfulness (p = 0.35). Urge to cough did not change after mindfulness compared with control in either healthy subjects (p = 0.33) or those with chronic cough (p = 0.47). CONCLUSION: Compared with control, mindfulness decreased cough reflex sensitivity in healthy volunteers, but did not alter cough threshold in patients with chronic cough. Both groups were able to suppress cough responses to citric acid inhalation. |
Publication | Thorax |
Volume | 64 |
Issue | 11 |
Pages | 993-998 |
Date | Nov 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Thorax |
DOI | 10.1136/thx.2009.116723 |
ISSN | 1468-3296 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19679578 |
Accessed | Monday, November 23, 2009 7:51:04 PM |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19679578 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:55 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:04:55 AM |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Fadel Zeidan |
Author | Susan K Johnson |
Author | Nakia S Gordon |
Author | Paula Goolkasian |
Abstract | Abstract Objectives: Although long-term meditation has been found to reduce negative mood and cardiovascular variables, the effects of a brief mindfulness meditation intervention when compared to a sham mindfulness meditation intervention are relatively unknown. This experiment examined whether a 3-day (1-hour total) mindfulness or sham mindfulness meditation intervention would improve mood and cardiovascular variables when compared to a control group. Methods: Eighty-two (82) undergraduate students (34 males, 48 females), with no prior meditation experience, participated in three sessions that involved training in either mindfulness meditation, sham mindfulness meditation, or a control group. Heart rate, blood pressure, and psychologic variables (Profile of Mood States, State Anxiety Inventory) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The meditation intervention was more effective at reducing negative mood, depression, fatigue, confusion, and heart rate, when compared to the sham and control groups. Conclusions: These results indicate that brief meditation training has beneficial effects on mood and cardiovascular variables that go beyond the demand characteristics of a sham meditation intervention. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 16 |
Issue | 8 |
Pages | 867-873 |
Date | Aug 2010 |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2009.0321 |
ISSN | 1557-7708 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20666590 |
Extra | PMID: 20666590 |
Date Added | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:02:43 AM |
Modified | Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:02:43 AM |