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Saki Santorelli

University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

2 papers in the library · 3,785 citations · publishing 2003-2016

Papers

Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation

Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003 Richard J. Davidson, Jon Kabat‐zinn, Jessica R. Schumacher et al. 2,924 citations

An 8-week mindfulness meditation training program for healthy employees increased left-sided anterior brain activation, a pattern linked to positive emotion, and boosted antibody titers after an influenza vaccine compared with a wait-list control group. The magnitude of the brain activation increase predicted the size of the antibody response. These results indicate that a brief meditation intervention can measurably alter brain and immune function.

What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft

Psychological Medicine December 29, 2016 Rebecca Crane, Judson A. Brewer, Christina Feldman et al. 861 citations

A framework defines essential characteristics of mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) like MBSR and MBCT, distinguishing them from other interventions. MBPs draw from contemplative traditions, science, medicine, psychology, and education; are grounded in a model addressing causes of human distress and pathways to relief; foster present-moment focus, decentering, and an approach orientation; cultivate qualities such as joy, compassion, wisdom, equanimity, and self-regulation; and involve sustained intensive meditation training, experiential inquiry, and exercises. The framework aims to support clarity for systematic research and maintain integrity as MBPs expand into healthcare, education, criminal justice, and workplaces.