Abstract
Meditation advances positivity but how these behavioral and psychological changes are brought can be explained by understanding neurophysiological effects of meditation. In this paper, a broad spectrum of neural mechanics under a variety of meditation styles has been reviewed. The overall aim of this study is to review existing scientific studies and future challenges on meditation effects based on changing EEG brainwave patterns. Albeit the existing researches evidenced the hold for efficacy of meditation in relieving anxiety and depression and producing psychological well-being, more rigorous studies are required with better design, considering client variables like personality characteristics to avoid negative effects, randomized controlled trials, and large sample sizes. A bigger number of clinical trials that concentrate on the use of meditation are required. Also, the controversial subject of epileptiform EEG changes and other adverse effects during meditation has been raised.
Highlights
Meditation is a broad variety of practices
Complementary therapies like meditation are starting to be used in clinical practices
Understanding neuroelectrical effects of meditation is an important area of research, especially considering the application of meditation techniques in clinical practice and therapy
Summary
Meditation is a broad variety of practices. Meditation includes relaxation supporting techniques and various movements to achieve regulation and nurturing of well-being. In the beginning of each meditation style, Lutz et al have categorized meditation as Focused Attention (FA) and open monitoring (OM) Travis represented another category as automatic self-transcending according to brain pattern based EEG bands. These categories define a number of meditation practices [4, 5]. Evidences reveal the positive effects of meditation as it increases the level of monoamines, parasympathetic activity, and gray matter density of brain regions (reflecting emotion regulation) and reduces oxidative effects. These effects result in reversal of stress mediated depression. A debate on the EEG changes during meditation, controversial adverse effects of meditation, and signal processing challenges with future direction has been given below
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
