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Volume 21, Issue 2 (Summer & Autumn- In Press 2024)
ASJ 2024, 21(2): 0-0 |
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Gorgich E A, Raoofi A, Rustamzadeh A. Spiritual Meditation as a Multimodal Mind-Body Practice: Linking Embodied Posture and Rhythmic Sound to Brain Connectivity and Sensorimotor Control. ASJ 2024; 21 (2)
URL: http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-650-en.html
URL: http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-650-en.html
1- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran.
2- Department of Anatomy, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
3- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. & Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
2- Department of Anatomy, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
3- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. & Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Abstract: (350 Views)
Introduction: Neuroscientific research increasingly shows that contemplative practices affect brain function primarily through large-scale network dynamics rather than isolated regional changes. Despite its unique integration of embodied movement, Rhythmic Contemplative Spiritual Embodiment (RCSE)/Rhythmic Embodied Spiritual Meditation (RESM), sustained attention, and emotional–spiritual engagement, meditation practice has received less attention than RCSE. In the context of network neuroscience, predictive processing, and neuroplasticity, this review reframes spiritual meditation as a multimodal neurocognitive system.
Methods: This study was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2010–2026). Inclusion focused on human studies reporting neural, physiological, molecular, or behavioral effects of spiritual meditation or sound recitation via EEG/QEEG, MEG, or fMRI. Findings were synthesized qualitatively due to methodological heterogeneity.
Results: According to studies, RCSE was linked to enhanced alpha-theta power, reduced default-mode network activity, strengthened prefrontal-cingulo-insular recruitment, and parasympathetic dominance, supporting attentional regulation and stress reduction. Structural MRI showed corpus callosum neuroplasticity; endocrine data indicated normalized cortisol/alpha-amylase and modulated BDNF/IL-6 expression. Behavioral outcomes included improved emotional stability and mindfulness in psychiatric groups. Comparisons with VR meditation, motor imagery, and rhythmic stimulation revealed shared embodied cognition and plasticity mechanisms. Neurophenomenological analyses highlighted between-network integration as a contemplative expertise marker.
Conclusion: Spiritual meditation emerges as a cohesive mind-body practice influencing networks, autonomic balance, and neuroplasticity at multiple levels. Future research using QEEG, MEG, high-field fMRI, tractography, and molecular profiling is needed to elucidate causal pathways and extend findings to cellular/epigenetic domains.
Methods: This study was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2010–2026). Inclusion focused on human studies reporting neural, physiological, molecular, or behavioral effects of spiritual meditation or sound recitation via EEG/QEEG, MEG, or fMRI. Findings were synthesized qualitatively due to methodological heterogeneity.
Results: According to studies, RCSE was linked to enhanced alpha-theta power, reduced default-mode network activity, strengthened prefrontal-cingulo-insular recruitment, and parasympathetic dominance, supporting attentional regulation and stress reduction. Structural MRI showed corpus callosum neuroplasticity; endocrine data indicated normalized cortisol/alpha-amylase and modulated BDNF/IL-6 expression. Behavioral outcomes included improved emotional stability and mindfulness in psychiatric groups. Comparisons with VR meditation, motor imagery, and rhythmic stimulation revealed shared embodied cognition and plasticity mechanisms. Neurophenomenological analyses highlighted between-network integration as a contemplative expertise marker.
Conclusion: Spiritual meditation emerges as a cohesive mind-body practice influencing networks, autonomic balance, and neuroplasticity at multiple levels. Future research using QEEG, MEG, high-field fMRI, tractography, and molecular profiling is needed to elucidate causal pathways and extend findings to cellular/epigenetic domains.
Keywords: Spiritual Meditation, Neuroimaging, Neuroplasticity, Brain Connectivity, Rhythmic Contemplative Spiritual Embodiment (RCSE), Rhythmic Embodied Spiritual Meditation (RESM), Brain Networks
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Neuroanatomy
Received: 2024/04/24 | Accepted: 2024/06/13 | Published: 2024/08/30
Received: 2024/04/24 | Accepted: 2024/06/13 | Published: 2024/08/30
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