Science News: 8 Weeks of Mindfulness Meditation Changes Brain’s Gray Matter

Every once in a while, research on mindfulness gets mainstream press coverage.  Not only is mindfulness therapy not a fad, according to the LA Times, but in even wider national coverage, scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital, as reported by Business Week, have shown that 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation can increase

gray matter density in the hippocampus (important for learning and memory) and in structures associated with compassion and self-awareness.The investigators also found that participant-reported reductions in stress were associated with decreased gray matter density in the amygdala, which plays a role in anxiety and stress. None of these brain structure changes were seen in the control group.

Business Weak also reported the primary investigator, Britta Holzel, as saying

“It is fascinating to see the brain’s plasticity and that, by practicing meditation, we can play an active role in changing the brain and can increase our well-being and quality of life.

So now we know that there’s a strong correlation between the practice of meditation and changes in the brain that correlate with increased well-being and a higher quality of life.  Amazing!  Next question:  How does it work?  What is the mechanism behind the brain changes.  Is it the focusing?  Stress inoculation?  Gentleness with self and others?  Living in the present moment?  Maybe it’s all of the above and more, and I’m looking forward reading the science on these questions as it’s published.

Here are some additional links to articles on this release:

• Business Week
• BBC (with video)
• UPI