In recent years, scientists at the University of Wisconsin have been studying the effects of Buddhist meditation on gamma brain waves. While it has long been known that the benefits of meditation include stress and anxiety reduction, researchers now believe that, when practiced consistently, meditation techniques can encourage structural changes in the brain itself. Neuroscientists call the brain's capacity to grow and develop “neuroplasticity.”
The Concept of Neuroplasticity and Understanding of the Human Brain
In the past, scientists believed that the brain, once formed in early childhood, remained physically unchanged throughout life.
However, according to Marc Kaufman, a writer for The Washington Post, advances in brain imaging technology have changed that belief, and “scientists have embraced the concept of ongoing brain development and 'neuroplasticity.'”
Research into the Effects of Meditation on the Brain
In November 2004, the University of Wisconsin published a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that showed that training the mind alters the physical circuitry of the brain itself. The study involved eight Buddhist monks, each of whom had passed between 10,000 and 50,000 hours in meditation, and ten volunteers with no previous experience in meditation techniques. The study volunteers were asked to meditate on the subject of compassion while neuroscientists monitored their brain activity.
The experiment revealed that practicing this traditional Buddhist meditation increased levels of gamma brain waves in all subjects. Gamma brain waves are responsible for heightened levels of awareness and perception, higher levels of intelligence, focus and energy, better memory and more consistently positive thoughts and moods.
The experiment also showed that those monks who had passed the most hours meditating demonstrated the highest levels of gamma brain waves, and that the experienced meditators maintained high levels of gamma brain waves even when not meditating. This leads researchers to believe that training the mind, whether through Buddhist meditation or through other disciplines like yoga, creates permanent changes in brain structure.
Increasing Gamma Brain Waves and Meditation
So, what does this research mean to you? While not everyone can become a Buddhist monk, everyone can benefit from increasing their own levels of gamma brain waves through mental training. If compassion meditation doesn't sound appealing, here are some other techniques you can try to increase your gamma brain waves:
- Get plenty of sleep. Gamma brain waves occur during R.E.M. Sleep, and are associated with dreaming. Gamma brain wave levels also elevate upon the moment of awakening. Adequate sleep helps increase overall gamma wave levels.
- Try hypnosis or self-hypnosis, which amplify gamma brain wave levels.
- Study yoga, which has also been shown to increase gamma brain waves.
Neuroscientists Prove What Buddhist Monks Have Known for Centuries
Recent research has overturned the old idea that brain structure remains unchanged in adulthood. Neuroscientists are now conducting inquiries into the field of neuroplasticity, the idea that the physical structure of the brain changes throughout life.
Research conducted at the University of Wisconsin shows that training the mind through meditation can effect changes in the brain, increasing gamma brain waves and leading to increased perception and awareness, heightened intelligence and focus, and greater prevalence of positive moods and thoughts.
Sources:
Kaufman, Marc. “Meditation Gives Brain a Charge, Study Finds.” TheWashingtonPost.com. The Washington Post. 3 January 2005. Web. 24 November 2009.
“Understanding Gamma Brain Waves.” 4mind4life.com. 4 Mind 4 Life—Brainwaves. n.d. Web. 24 November 2009.
Marjorie McAtee - I hold a BA in English and French from Hollins University, where I spent the best years of my life. I've been writing since I was old ...
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