5.6 Integrative and Contemplative Neuroscience
Sunny Sanghee Baek and Bushra Ahmed
Introduction to Contemplative Science
Neuroplasticity is the innate property of the brain to alter its structure and function depending on our experiences. The theoretical framework of neuroplasticity is often associated with learning a new skill, such as how to juggle or speak a new language. A new field of scientific study, contemplative science, is concerned with contemplative practices and their effect on neuroplasticity. Contemplative practices involve training a complex array of cognitive processing, including attentional and emotional regulation. In this chapter, we explore how a contemplative practice like mindfulness meditation, influences neural activity and the architecture of the brain. We will also take a closer look at the methodology used to understand the effects of contemplative therapy on the brain and behaviour.
Meditation
Mediation is defined as a technique to train the mind or induces an altered state of consciousness, to increase mindfulness. The practice of meditation has rich roots that extend back to the century-old traditions of Eastern religions. In Western society, the practice of meditation has been adopted and utilized as a self-help tool for stress reduction (Cutshall et al., 2011). Both secular and non-secular forms of meditation involve the regulation of attention and emotions, utilizing techniques such as focused attention (FA), open monitoring (OM), and controlled breathing. FA requires that individuals actively direct their attention to an object, sensation, or idea (i.e. a mantra). OM involves attending to the transiency of thoughts and bodily sensations as they change from moment-to-moment (Lutz et al., 2009).
The most widely practiced form of meditation is Mindfulness meditation (MM), which is based on the concept that mindfulness is the ability to; pay attention, on purpose, to thoughts and sensations in the present moment, in a non-judgemental manner. (Kabat-Zinn,1994). Mindfulness meditation has been integrated into therapies to treat psychiatric disorders such as major depression and anxiety, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease (Shonin & Van Gordon, 2016).
Making the Connection Between Meditation and Neuroscience
Identifying Effects on Neural Activity
Initial research on meditation focused on identifying how long-term practice influenced cortical activity using electroencephalography (EEG). Seminal work by Lutz et al. (2004), uncovered that long-term Buddhist practitioners exhibited EEG patterns in the lateral frontoparietal area that were indicative of phase synchrony of gamma-band oscillatory activity (25-70 Hz). This pattern of cortical activity has been associated with the integration of information across neural networks through short and long-term synaptic changes that underlie processes of cognitive and affective regulation. These findings suggest that the practice