Research: KHALSA and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 183

Abstract

KHALSA and COLLEAGUES, Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation, Tucson, Arizona, USA examined changes in brain physiology during a chanting meditation practice using cerebral blood flow single-photon emission computed tomography.

Background

Methodology

Single-photon emission computed tomography scans were acquired in 11 healthy individuals during either a resting state or meditation practice randomly performed on two separate days. Statistical parametric mapping analyses were conducted to identify significant changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) between the two conditions.

Results

When the meditation state was compared with the baseline condition, significant rCBF increases were observed in the right temporal lobe and posterior cingulate gyrus, and significant rCBF decreases were observed in the left parietotemporal and occipital gyri.

Conclusion

The results offer evidence that this form of meditation practice is associated with changes in brain function in a way that is consistent with earlier studies of related types of meditation as well as with the positive clinical outcomes anecdotally reported by its users.

References

Khalsa DS,  Amen D,  Hanks C,  Money N and Newberg A. Cerebral blood flow changes during chanting meditation. Nuclear Medicine Communications. 30(12): 956-61. Dec 2009.

Comment

This potentially useful research information may become part of the multi-function toolbox to be used to build and maintain brain health.

ICAN Skyscraper

Scientific and Medical Network 2

Cycle Around the World for Charity 2023

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Charity 2023

top of the page