/Video/The Scientific Power of Meditation

The Scientific Power of Meditation

For thousands of years, people have practiced meditation to enhance mental, emotional, and physical health. But from a scientific perspective, how does meditation affect the body? And does it truly work? The answer lies in the brain.

Impact on the Brain

When meditating, studies show increased activity in areas of the brain associated with reduced anxiety, depression, and improved pain tolerance. Specifically, the default mode network (DMN)—active when the brain is at rest rather than focused on the external world—has been shown to improve memory, self-awareness, and goal-setting abilities. Experienced meditators also tend to have greater empathy. Research comparing long-term meditators with beginners reveals that brain regions associated with empathy are more developed in those who have meditated for years.

Meditation also changes brain waves. Meditators have higher levels of alpha waves, which are known to reduce stress, sadness, and anger. Additionally, meditation alters the brain’s shape and size. Studies show that after just eight weeks of practice, grey matter in areas related to learning, memory, and emotional regulation thickens, while the amygdala—the part of the brain that processes stress, blood pressure, and fear—shows a decrease in size.

Impact on the Body

Meditation benefits the whole body, not just the brain. It can lower blood pressure and increase heart rate variability, which enhances oxygen and carbon dioxide transport throughout the body. Research also indicates that meditators produce more antibodies and have a stronger immune response when exposed to the flu virus.

Cellular Effects

Meditation may even affect cellular structures, specifically telomeres—protein complexes that protect chromosomes, reducing DNA damage and cell death. Short telomeres are associated with heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Notably, cancer patients who meditate show significant telomere lengthening, likely due to reduced psychological stress.

While meditation isn’t a substitute for medical advice or a healthy lifestyle, it serves as a “workout” for the brain, bringing added health benefits. Since the brain controls all bodily functions, why not take a moment to relax and meditate?

Watch the full video HERE on the AsapSCIENCE channel with Vietnamese subtitles available.

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