This is a very interesting release from CIT suggests concrete evidence that electric fields in the brain are not just a byproduct of neural activity, but also influence the firing and synchronization of neurons. Many have speculated or assumed this is the case, but this adds evidence. The role of the electric field in communications among neurons and the more likely role in their synchronization will likely be further unraveled with similar techniques.
I list it as a reference, though this doesn’t inform any techniques used on TSB at …
Continue Reading Neural communication: Weak electrical fields in the brain help neurons fire together
We’ve all likely experienced and observed that verbalizing, through discussion, writing in a journal, or similar means, seems to lessen emotional intensity. The effect is confirmed at a neurological level by a psychologists in a UCLA study.
The study found that introducing language along with contexts that trigger emotions, such as anger, in the amygdala, triggers increases in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex region along with a decrease in amygdala activity. Since the amygdala participates extensively in emotional experience, and the particular prefrontal region is associated with language and …
Continue Reading Putting Feelings Into Words Produces Therapeutic Effects In The Brain
In a study at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind/Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Genomics Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), it was found that triggering the relaxation response (yes, that Benson) activates a pattern of genes that appear related to stress management. This study may suggest diverse areas from pain management, arthritis, and many others could be influenced positively by systematically and consistently evoking the relaxation resposne.
This obviously points in a positive and expected direction, confirming Benson’s original observations in new areas. …
Continue Reading Relaxation Response Can Influence Expression Of Stress-Related Genes
In the study by Emory School of Medicine, Zen Meditation training and practice was shown to reduce the recovery time after distractions. Simple tests showed that Zen meditators more quickly return to focusing on a word task when particular distractions were created. The presumption is that the practice includes our overall focus and attention management, though more studies would need to confirm the effect before we jump too far.
In any case, this shows another positive effect of simple meditation practices. The general Mindfulness and Zen practices are our …
Continue Reading Zen Training Reduces Distraction Effects
In the study referenced below, it was found that neurons in the frontal cortex of rats change rapidly when a new behavior replaces a prior behavior. After being exposed to a period of trial and error, the neural patterns suddenly reorganize and a new behavior emerges. There was no observed period of gradual change, but rather, an “a-ha” moment in the brain.
The implications are quite interesting for areas where human neural operation is similar. This suggests we need the exploration in thought and/or action, but that transitions occur …
Continue Reading Neural evidence for sudden insight
In the study below, performed by psychologists at Tufts University, the brain’s “Event Related Potential Response” (ERP) was observed after varying patterns of statements the listener can easily determine are true or untrue. Specifically, they found that negation does not appear to interfere with cognition or assessment when the material is presented in a straightforward sentence structure.
We interpret this to refute common assertion that negative terms interfere with cognition or are less effective in affirmations or self talk. Clear, coherent, sentence structure, whether or not positive or negating …
Continue Reading True Or False? How Our Brain Processes Negative Statements
This study performed by doctors at Children’s Hospital Boston evaluated how speech-part sounds, at various rates of change, affect brain activity in normal and dyslexic children.
In addition to revealing clues about the differences between normal and dyslexic children, the study also suggests that sound patterns trigger a rewiring of the brain in dyslexic children. Repeated application of specific sound patterns gradually changed the dyslexic childrens’ brain patterns to match the normal group and improved reading performance. The study didn’t evaluate the long term effects, but does reveal the …
Continue Reading Sound Training Rewires Dyslexic Children’s Brains For Reading
In this study, it was found that a Buddhist meditation technique can improve visuospatial abilities for a period of time following the meditation session. This specifically refers to the ability to hold visuospatial images in mind for longer than the baseline period.
Although this doesn’t directly apply to any techniques used in the programs here, it does add to the body of evidence that meditation techniques have lasting, measurable, cognitive effects beyond the session itself.
Association for Psychological Science (2009, April 28). Buddhist Deity Meditation Temporarily Augments Visuospatial Abilities, …
Continue Reading Buddhist Meditation Temporarily Augments Visuospatial Abilities
The study referenced below shows that a small number of weekly audio sessions using theta / delta binaural beat frequencies appears to have benefits in anxiety treatment.
Almost all self-improvement programs that utilize binaural beats and other entrainment techniques claim this benefit.
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine (2001, January; vol 7:1). Use of Binaural Beat Tapes for Treatment of Anxiety: A Pilot Study of Tape Preference and Outcomes. René-Pierre Le Scouarnec, PhD, Roger-Michel Poirier, MD, et. al.
http://www.alternative-therapies.com/
This novel study reviews the brains activity during and subsequent to zen meditation practices. In particular, they are identifying the effects of Zen meditation, a very simple posture and breath meditation practice, on activation and inhibition reactions in various regions of the brain.
Emory University Health Sciences Center (2004, June 17). Emory Researchers Study The Effects Of Zen Meditation On The Brain. ScienceDaily.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/06/040617081841.htm
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