From alpha to gamma: Electrophysiological correlates of meditation-related states of consciousness.


Author: Fell J, Axmacher N, Haupt S.

Affiliation: Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud Str. 25, D-53105 Bonn, Germany.  
Conference/Journal: Med Hy-  potheses.
Date published: 2010 Mar 11
Other:
  Word Count: 165  
    Abstract:  Meditation practice is difficult to access because of its countless forms of appearances originating 

from the complexity of cultures it has to serve. This makes a suitable categorization for scientific use almost impossi- 

ble. However, empirical data suggest that different forms of meditation show similar steps of development in terms of 

their neurophysiological correlates. Some electrophysiological alterations can be observed on the beginner/student 

level, which are closely related to non-meditative processes. Others seem to correspond to an advanced/expert level, 

and seem to be unique for meditation-related states of consciousness. Meditation is one possibility to specialize 

brain/mind functions using the brain\'s immanent neural plasticity. This plasticity is probably recruited by certain EEG 

patterns observed during or as a result of meditation, for instance, synchronized gamma oscillations. While meditation 

formerly has been understood to comprise mainly passive relaxation states, recent EEG findings suggest that medita- 

tion is associated with active states which involve cognitive restructuring and learning. Copyright © 2010. Published 

by Elsevier Ltd.