Articles tagged with Meditation
A traditional Chinese mind-body practice called Baduanjin was proven to lower blood pressure as effectively as brisk walking in a large randomized clinical trial. Practiced for centuries, Baduanjin is a low-to-moderate-intensity routine that requires no equipment and can be performed in various settings.
Researchers found that a one-week meditation retreat produced rapid changes in brain function, metabolism, immunity, and pain relief. The study suggests that intensive meditation can trigger similar brain activity to psychedelic substances, promoting mental health, emotional regulation, and stress resilience.
A study conducted at the University of São Paulo found that mindfulness can help reduce pain sensitivity and improve emotional regulation in women with TMD. The research involved 53 women who participated in an eight-week mindfulness program, showing significant improvement in pressure pain threshold and reduction in painful points.
Researchers found that group-based interventions, mindfulness-based techniques, and expressive therapies can reduce emotional distress and build resilience in people with cancer. CHMs like peer support and psychoeducation help patients reclaim their sense of self.
A study found that mindfulness meditation training significantly decreased depressive symptoms, Internet Addiction Test scores, and video game cravings in individuals with depression and gaming disorder. Brain imaging revealed a decrease in brain responses to gaming cues and increased activity in the lentiform nucleus.
Researchers Dr. Sharday Mosurinjohn and Dr. Richard Ascough critique the 'psychedelic mysteries hypothesis' in a new article, arguing that it relies on circumstantial evidence rather than solid historical scholarship. They advocate for responsible curiosity and a focus on living traditions to unlock psychedelic wisdom.
A new study by University College London found that stimulating the vagus nerve through small electric pulses can amplify the benefits of self-compassion meditation training. This technique shows promise in boosting self-kindness and mindfulness, particularly when combined with regular practice.
A new study from the University of Southern California reveals that just 30 days of guided mindfulness meditation can significantly enhance key aspects of attentional control. The study demonstrates that even short-term meditation can lead to measurable cognitive improvements, particularly in reaction speed.
A recent study published in eNeuro found that mobile mindfulness meditation apps can improve attention control in adults, as measured by eye movement tasks. Self-reported measures suggest that participants were unaware of the cognitive improvement from meditation.
A major randomized clinical trial highlights potential long-term heart health benefits of stress-reducing meditation practice. The study found a 65% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular events over a 5-year period among those who practiced Transcendental Meditation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that mindfulness training and non-invasive brain stimulation can significantly reduce bladder leaks and feelings of urgency evoked by specific environments or scenarios. The study, published in Continence, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to activate the prefrontal co...
Researchers identified risk factors for sudden unusual mental or somatic experiences, including past psychedelic use, reality distorting practices, and extensive spiritual practice. These findings can help clinicians diagnose and treat associated suffering, and inform the development of practical guidelines.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies with over 1,200 participants found TM to be highly effective in reducing stress and PTSD symptoms in diverse populations. The study showed a large effect size of 1.01 for TM compared to control groups, with rapid reductions in symptoms observed within one month of practicing TM.
Giulio Toscani argues that meditation and critical thinking skills are vital for humans to interact with artificial intelligence responsibly. By reflecting on technology use and its impact, individuals can make informed decisions that enhance the positive impact of AI while mitigating its risks.
Research at Maharishi International University found that long-term TM practitioners have lower inflammation, slower age-related decline in cognitive function, and reduced cortisol levels, indicating potential benefits for overall health and longevity. The study suggests a protective effect against both stress and aging.
Researchers propose darkening cities to improve biodiversity, human health, and reduce energy waste by embracing nocturnal living. Professor Nick Dunn's 'Dark Futures: When the Lights Go Down' presents a vision for an alternative future that reconnects humans with nature's rhythms.
Researchers discovered a common cognitive feedback loop used by Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues practices to achieve profound focus and joy. This 'Attention, Arousal and Release Spiral' offers insights into cultivating deep states of tranquility and bliss.
Researchers used intracranial EEG recordings to find that meditation led to changes in the amygdala and hippocampus, key regions involved in emotional regulation and memory. Loving kindness meditation was specifically found to be associated with changes in brain wave activity.
A pilot study found that qigong significantly decreases chronic low back pain in US military veterans, improving physical function and reducing sleep disturbance. The holistic practice also showed positive effects on PTSD, depression, anxiety, and social roles, highlighting its potential as a nonpharmacological treatment option.
A digital mindfulness-based program has been shown to reduce employee stress perceptions and improve work-specific well-being. The study suggests that such interventions can be easily accessible and scalable methods for reducing workplace stress.
A meta-analysis of 61 studies with over 3,400 participants found that Transcendental Meditation (TM) significantly outperforms other meditation techniques in treating PTSD. Results show TM produces large and consistent reductions in PTSD symptoms across various trauma populations.
Research suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain levels, anxiety, and heart rate, with patients experiencing a lower need for opioid medication. Music's calming effect may also contribute to faster recovery by easing the transition from waking up after surgery.
A new study has found that men and women utilize different biological systems to relieve pain. Women rely on non-opioid based pathways, which may explain why they respond poorly to opioid therapies and are more likely to become addicted. The research suggests tailoring pain treatment to an individual's sex may improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that participants with hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency perform body-scan meditation better in supine and upright postures, which can alleviate anxiety and depression. The study developed scales to assess the ease of mindfulness meditation, aiding psychiatrists and therapists in choosing suitable interventions.
A new study reveals that mindfulness meditation reduces pain intensity and unpleasantness ratings by directly modifying how we experience pain. Unlike the placebo cream, which only affects brain activity patterns associated with the placebo effect, mindfulness meditation employs a separate neural pathway to alleviate pain.
A randomized clinical trial tested the effectiveness of two eight-week telehealth mindfulness-based interventions, finding they improved pain and overall well-being among veterans with chronic pain. The scalable format made it accessible for patients, suggesting a potential solution to accelerate non-medication pain treatment.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that both meditation and stretching can significantly reduce cramp severity and improve quality of life for patients with cirrhosis. The researchers were surprised to find that meditation also had a positive effect on cramp severity, despite not expecting it.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that mindfulness training doubled the likelihood of participants experiencing unity and disembodiment. The more hours of formal practice, the higher the risk of these altered states of consciousness.
A study found that Transcendental Meditation increases self-esteem, self-efficacy, and gratitude in Ugandan female youth while decreasing tiredness and excessive alcohol use. The technique improved their mental and physical health, as well as relationships with family and community members.
A systematic review of 14 studies found that mindfulness reduced anxiety and stress to a statistically significant extent. The study highlights the importance of combining mindfulness with improving work conditions to manage symptoms of anxiety and stress among nursing staff.
Researchers found that patients wearing a brain-tracking headband while meditating experienced improved physical functioning and reduced body pain after surgery. The MUSE-2 device provides audio biofeedback to aid meditation.
Research finds that altered states of consciousness associated with yoga, meditation, and other practices are common among the general population. While many people report positive outcomes, some experience negative well-being and even substantial suffering.
A new paradigm of peace through health is proposed by integrating traditional meditation practices into public health initiatives. Research demonstrates significant reductions in crime rates and war intensity when relatively small groups engage in meditation practices.
Researchers analyzed over 150 studies involving more than 10,000 participants to find that lowering physiological arousal is key to managing anger. Arousal-decreasing activities such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation were effective in reducing anger, while activities increasing arousal like jogging had no effect.
A single mindfulness and compassion session significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in participants one week later. The study, conducted on 91 individuals, demonstrated the efficacy of a single session mindfulness-based intervention.
A study published in the Journal of Nursing Administration found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced PTSD, anxiety, and burnout in frontline nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The technique improved flourishing by 15% and decreased symptoms by more than half over a 3-month period.
A Rutgers study found that mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) can improve women's emotion regulation and impulse control, reducing opioid cravings. The program boosted communication between brain areas involved in controlling negative emotions and drug cravings.
A new randomised controlled trial found that an 18-month meditation programme can improve the wellbeing of older adults by enhancing their awareness, connection to others, and insight. However, it did not confer significant benefits on two commonly used measures of psychological wellbeing.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used ultra-high field functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the effects of advanced meditation called jhana on the brain. The study found correlations between brain activity during jhana and aspects of well-being, including attention, joy, and equanimity.
A study led by Brown University researchers found that mindfulness-based blood pressure reduction programs improve health behaviors associated with lower blood pressure. Participants in the program showed significant improvements in adherence to a heart-healthy diet and self-awareness, which influences dietary choices.
A study showed that yoga therapy can improve heart failure patients' endurance, strength, balance, symptom stability, and overall quality of life. Additionally, echocardiographic parameters revealed improved left ventricular systolic function in the yoga group compared to the non-interventional group.
A new editorial addresses clinician burnout by proposing a unifying systems medicine model that incorporates biological, psychological, environmental, and consciousness factors. The authors suggest that Transcendental Meditation can enhance resilience and prevent burnout-related mind-body conditions.
National guidelines recommend mindfulness meditation, yoga, and music therapy for cancer patients experiencing anxiety and depression. The guidelines are based on strong evidence from clinical studies, providing a comprehensive approach to managing these common side effects of cancer treatment.
Researchers investigated the effects of meditation training and non-native language training on cognition in older adults. Despite initial expectations, these interventions failed to demonstrate salutary cognitive effects, casting doubt on their potential as a preventative measure for aging-related decline.
A new analysis of 13 studies confirms that in-person mindfulness courses reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months. The research found that roughly half of participants experienced a small to moderate reduction in psychological distress after completing the programmes.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that kindness meditation improves the retrieval of specific personal memories in people with a history of depression. After four weeks, participants in the meditation group showed increased memory specificity and reduced rumination compared to those in the control condition.
A study led by Brown University researchers found that qigong practice significantly improved cancer-related fatigue in participants. The program was as effective as a more standard exercise program in reducing fatigue levels.
Researchers debunk rock'n'roll myth, finding narcotics have no effect on inspiration. Instead, complex training programs, meditation, and cultural exposure boost creativity. Training that highlights mental techniques has long-term impacts, while mindfulness activities like meditation also improve imagination in the short term.
A study found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced stress-related burnout symptoms, such as somatization, depression, and anxiety, in healthcare workers. The technique showed rapid improvements, with mean reductions in anxiety of 62% and emotional exhaustion of 40%, compared to a control group.
A study of 232 healthy adults found that hypnosis and mindfulness meditation reduced pain intensity and tolerance, while prayer did not. The results suggest that brief sessions of these techniques may be useful for acute pain self-management.
A 15-year study found that group practice of Transcendental Meditation and its advanced aspect, TM-Sidhi, may help counter the rising trends in US drug overdose deaths. The study estimated that 34,194 drug-related fatalities may have been averted as a result of the decline in drug-related fatality rate during the demonstration phase.
A mindfulness-based intervention program significantly decreased subjective anxiety and improved emotional regulation in AN patients. The study found changes in brain regions involved in anxiety, emotion arousal, and self-referential processing.
A randomized controlled study found significant reductions in both burnout and depression symptoms among academic physicians who practiced Transcendental Meditation. The technique produced large effect sizes in decreasing burnout and depression symptoms, with improvements also observed in emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishmen...
A recent study from UW's Center for Healthy Minds found that COVID-19's impact on K-12 schooling took a toll on educators' mental health, with 78% reporting clinically meaningful anxiety symptoms. Meditation-based interventions showed promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among school system employees.
A study found that Tibetan Buddhist monks with long-term deep meditation practice had distinct gut microbiome profiles, associated with lower risks of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Their gut microbiota was enriched with beneficial bacteria that may influence mental health.
Researchers from UNIGE observed that negative emotions modify the brains of older adults excessively and over time, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. This could be prevented with better emotional management, such as meditation, which could limit neurodegeneration.
A new study reveals that 'poetic meditation' can improve qualitative data analysis by offering researchers a unique sensory experience and approach to data collection. Researchers at the University of Birmingham and Kedge Business School found that this technique allows them to capture unexpected insights and deal with uncertainty.
A survey of over 1,000 cancer patients and 150 oncologists found that nearly two-thirds of patients want to know about complementary therapies before starting conventional treatment. Integrative oncology can help manage side effects and improve overall well-being, with 50% of patients and 60% of oncologists strongly agreeing.
A recent study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) was as effective as the gold-standard antidepressant drug escitalopram in reducing anxiety symptoms. MBSR showed a significant 30% drop in anxiety severity, similar to escitalopram.
Researchers found that all mind-body practices led to significant reductions in blood sugar levels, with yoga providing the largest benefit. The study suggests that these practices could be used as a complementary nonpharmacological treatment or preventive measure for type 2 diabetes.