Author Question: Describe how meditation affects brain activity.[br][br][b][color=#FA1639]Question ... (Read 60 times)

fox

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 540
Describe how meditation affects brain activity.

Question 2

Discuss the physical benefits of mindfulness.



britb2u

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 331
Answer to Question 1

The relaxed state induced by meditation is characterized by significant physiological changes, including changes in brain activity. More specifically, alpha waves (slow, low-amplitude brain waves associated with a low-stress, resting state) become more frequent and intense. Meditation shifts brain activity from the left hemisphere to the more intuitive right hemisphere and allows both hemispheres to work together in unison. The altered state induced by meditation effectively cancels out the stress response by slowing body and mind.

Answer to Question 2

Mindfulness is particularly helpful in reducing stress, which can occur only when we allow our minds to think or worry about things beyond what is happening in our current experience. Mindfulness-based stress reduction has been shown in well-controlled studies to yield small to moderate improvements in anxiety, depression, pain, feelings of stress/distress, and health-related quality of life. Among the other positive physical effects of mindfulness are: lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol; enhanced immunity; relief of chronic pain; relief of symptoms of fibromyalgia, cancer, and other illnesses; relief of digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel disorder; help in smoking cessation.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Coca-Cola originally used coca leaves and caffeine from the African kola nut. It was advertised as a therapeutic agent and "pickerupper." Eventually, its formulation was changed, and the coca leaves were removed because of the effects of regulation on cocaine-related products.

Did you know?

Before a vaccine is licensed in the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews it for safety and effectiveness. The CDC then reviews all studies again, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Every lot of vaccine is tested before administration to the public, and the FDA regularly inspects vaccine manufacturers' facilities.

Did you know?

In 1864, the first barbiturate (barbituric acid) was synthesized.

Did you know?

In the United States, there is a birth every 8 seconds, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Population Clock.

Did you know?

When Gabriel Fahrenheit invented the first mercury thermometer, he called "zero degrees" the lowest temperature he was able to attain with a mixture of ice and salt. For the upper point of his scale, he used 96°, which he measured as normal human body temperature (we know it to be 98.6° today because of more accurate thermometers).

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library