The effect of meditation on neural processes, scientifically explained
According to Singer (2015, p. 31), the development phase of the human brain lasts until around the age of 20.
In the first phase, sensory as well as motor functions
optimized, after that the development process takes place mainly in
Structures take place in which social skills are managed (ibid.). After this development phase, the connections in the brain are only minimal
changeable (ibid.).
In this context, low means that functional processes in the brain are only possible by changing the efficiency of existing connections, such as in learning processes (ibid.). After birth and also during
In adulthood, new nerve cells that fit into existing circuits can arise in certain regions, but new long-distance connections can no longer be made (ibid.).
This new formation of nerve cells relates primarily to structures
the cerebral cortex, which is based on higher cognitive abilities (ibid.).
Nevertheless, the mature brain can be programmed so that humans remain capable of learning (ibid.). The change of functional processes and the flow
neuronal activity occurs via an increase or decrease in synaptic connections (ibid.).
The activity of sending to receiving neurons can be attributed to a very specific temporal structure, which prevents
Signals unordered to all transmitters associated with them,
be sent and thus reach their goal (Singer, Ricard, 2015, p. 32 f.).
Here, the transmitter and receiver are set to the same oscillation frequency (ibid.)
Because billions of transmitters are active in the brain at the same time and their information has to reach certain structures, their routes have to be changed quickly and as needed (ibid.). This process allows new functional networks to take place from one second to the next
can (ibid.). The described change between programs takes place on
faster time scales than the slow changes in neural connections (ibid.). Singer (2015, p. 33 f.) assumes that this procedure is used in meditation and that the
Attention-dependent selection of information to be processed on this
principle is based. For meditators, this means using their cognitive
Use control mechanisms to focus on different emotional states and clearly differentiate them (ibid.). It also means that control systems that run in the frontal brain can be trained while meditating in such a way that the activity of the subsystems responsible for feelings
are responsible can either be enlarged or reduced (ibid.). In the meantime
There is neurobiological evidence showing that the brain
is in deep awareness and awareness when meditating
(Singer, Ricard, 2015, p. 52). During mediation, attention is drawn to internal brain conditions and attempts are made to make them clear for as long as possible. (Singer, Ricard, 2015, p. 64)
Because the attention in meditation is on the inner state, one becomes familiar with them through getting to know, which in turn
leads to being able to visit them at will (ibid.). Singer (2015, p.
64) assumes that through meditation new mental states can be formed and learned, later consciously and intentionally
to evoke.
Literature:
Singer W, Ricard M (2015). brain research and meditation. A dialogue. 8th edition. Suhrkamp
Publisher Frankfurt am Main 2008.
