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Published on: May 11, 2020
Effect of SOHAM meditation on human brain: a voxel-based morphometry study
Uttam Kumar1, Anupam Guleria, Sadguru Sri Kunal Kishan
1From the Centre of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Lucknow, India.
Summary
Long-term SOHAM meditation practice is linked to increased gray matter density in key brain areas like the brain stem. These structural brain changes suggest meditation impacts neuroanatomy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Meditation Studies
Background:
- Meditation is a practice known to influence cognitive functions and emotional regulation.
- Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of different meditation techniques is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical correlates of long-term SOHAM meditation practitioners.
- To identify specific brain regions showing structural differences in meditators compared to non-meditators.
Main Methods:
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was employed to analyze brain structure.
- Comparison of gray matter density between SOHAM meditators and age-matched non-meditators.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher gray matter density was observed in the brain stem, ventral pallidum, and supplementary motor area of meditators.
- These findings suggest meditation-induced neuroplasticity.
Conclusions:
- Long-term SOHAM meditation is associated with distinct structural changes in the brain.
- The study contributes to understanding the neuroanatomical effects of specific meditation practices.
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