Neurophysiological mechanisms of induction of meditation: a hypothetico-deductive approach.

Full Abstract

A detailed analysis of methods of induction of meditation and meditative experience encountered therein implicates involvement of several mechanisms in inducing 'meditative effect'. 'Efferent attenuation', 'sensory attenuation' and 'cognitive restructuring' appear three possible mechanisms employed in varying degree of combinations to produce the 'meditative effect' during different types of meditations. Using hypothetico-deductive approach, it is possible to generate a neural model for explaining the 'meditative effect'. Primarily, the meditation is produced by disengaged association cortices driven by thalamus or other older group of reticular nuclei. Secondarily, there may be involvement of some more phylogenetically older structures depending upon depth and types of meditation. This model explains induction, maintenance and long-term effects of meditation.

Author information

Author/s: Deepak, K K (KK);

Affiliation: Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110 029.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology (Indian J Physiol Pharmacol), published in India. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Apr; vol 46 (issue 2) : pp 136-58

Dates: Created 2002/12/25; Completed 2003/05/20; Revised 2005/11/16;

PMID: 12500489, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

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