Spirituality, a near-universal human experience, may aid recovery in neurorehabilitation by activating brain pathways linked to neuroplasticity. This narrative review of 50 articles found that spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, singing, dancing, and yoga are associated with increased neuronal activity, potentially strengthening existing synapses and forming new ones. Many cultures have long recognized spirituality's impact on health, and recent neuroradiological advances allow mapping of these experiences to specific brain networks. While observational evidence supports benefits for patients, more randomized controlled trials are needed before including spiritual interventions in neurorehabilitation guidelines for holistic restoration.
A review of neuroimaging research on self-referential processing (SRP) distinguishes between verbal and non-verbal forms, each occurring in controlled, top-down tasks (introspection and interoception) and in spontaneous, bottom-up states (mind wandering and body wandering during rest). The authors propose a conceptual and methodological framework for future SRP research, which they apply to understanding psychological and neurological disorders linked to abnormal SRP. The discussion draws on William James' writings on the consciousness of self.