How Meditation Work? The Science Behind It
Hello, I'm Jeff.
If you've read my previous blogs, you surely know that I used to be deeply troubled by bipolar disorder. Nowadays, I'm rarely affected by it, and I can manage my emotions quite well. I can achieve this, scientific treatment played an important role, Zen and meditation I encountered on the trip to Shangri-La are more indispensable.
As the most common way to practice Zen, meditation can manage emotions, relieve stress, improve concentration, and even boost the immune system. All these benefits can be obtained just by focusing on our breath. It sounds incredible, doesn't it?
As a real beneficiary, I think it's necessary to comprehend the scientific principles behind meditation instead of simply attributing them to "spiritual power". So, I began to delve deep into the scientific mysteries of meditation. I went through a lot of medical journals and psychological research reports, and also consulted many experts and scholars in this field. Now, let me briefly introduce my insights.
It turns out that when we meditate, a series of wonderful changes occur in our brains. Neuroscientists, through advanced brain scanning techniques, have found that during meditation, the prefrontal cortex in the brain becomes more active. This part of the brain is closely related to our attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. That is to say, when we focus on our breath during meditation, we are actually exercising the prefrontal cortex, making it stronger. As a result, we can better control our attention and won't be easily distracted by external disturbances or inner distractions.
Moreover, meditation also affects the amygdala in the brain. The amygdala is a key area in the brain responsible for processing emotions, especially negative emotions like fear and anxiety. In people who have been practicing meditation for a long time, the volume of the amygdala will decrease to some extent, and its activity will also become more stable. This explains why meditation can help us reduce stress and anxiety, enabling us to maintain a more peaceful and calm state of mind when facing various challenges in life.
From a physiological perspective, meditation has a positive impact on the body's immune system as well. Research shows that meditation can regulate the body's inflammatory response and enhance the activity of immune cells. When we are in a meditative state, the body will secrete some beneficial chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins can bring a sense of pleasure and relaxation, while serotonin plays an important role in emotional regulation. The secretion of these chemicals is not only beneficial to our mental health but also can improve the overall immunity of the body, making us less likely to get sick.
I don't want to keep you away by using professional medical terms, so that's it. I hope my words inspire you and drive you to embark on your "travel to Shangri-La."
May you enjoy peace in Zen.