Buddha's Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation [In the Spotlight]
IEEE Signal Processing Magazine January 1, 2008 Richard J. Davidson, Antoine Lutz 282 citations
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change in response to experience. This article reviews how different styles of meditation practice produce distinct changes in brain structure and function. The authors describe evidence that meditation can alter brain regions involved in attention, emotion regulation, and self-awareness, with variations depending on the specific meditation technique, such as focused attention or open monitoring. The findings suggest that meditation induces measurable neuroplastic changes, but the exact nature of these changes varies by practice style.