Post by Admin on Jun 10, 2018 15:44:39 GMT -5
MBSR Meditation is more than just relaxation: Neuroscience Weighs In
Just read the AMRA's (American Mindfulness Research Association) June 2018 monthly bulletin. Its first paper is about new -- and to this reader -- interesting research in 2018 studying the differences of brain effects caused by Relaxation Response versus MBSR body scan meditation. The major neuroscientists co-authors (including Brita Holzel & Sara Lazar*) found that the relaxation response engages different parts of the brain than in an MBSR body scan. This supports the anecdotal assertion among mindfulness specialists that meditation (a la MBSR) is not just relaxation, that it impacts --and changes -- different areas of the brain's networks. Of course some of us will say, 'Well, we knew that intuitively!', but it's still nice to see one's experience validated somewhat by science.
(*As an aside, you might also check out Harvard neuroscientist Sara Lazar's TED Talk on brain changes on youtube HERE. )
Here's the AMRA brief summary:
goamra.org/mbsr-and-relaxation-both-reduce-stress-but-brain-activity-differs/
MBSR and relaxation both reduce stress, but brain activity differs
Posted 05.17.2018 | by AMRA (American Mindfulness Research Association)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Relaxation Response (RR) training are both well-established mind-body interventions designed to reduce stress. While there is some overlap between these modalities—both involve meditative attention to bodily sensations—there are also significant differences. MBSR emphasizes non-judgmental awareness to increase acceptance of the present moment, while RR employs muscle relaxation to induce a parasympathetic state that interferes with the fight-or-flight response.
To understand the ways in which these two programs function, Sevinc et al. [Psychosomatic Medicine] tested for commonalties and differences in terms of psychological effects and brain correlates....
...
This is one of the first head-to-head comparisons of mind-body practices using both self-report and brain imaging data. Both MBSR and RR reduce stress levels and increase aspects of mindfulness. Their unique pattern of brain commonalties and differences makes sense given that MBSR emphasizes non-judgmental awareness, while RR emphasizes parasympathetic relaxation along with attention to muscular sensations.
The results also support the idea that mindfulness is not identical to relaxation: the two have their own unique neurological signatures. The study is limited by its small sample size and lack of an attention-only control.
To read the full abstract from AMRA: goamra.org/mbsr-and-relaxation-both-reduce-stress-but-brain-activity-differs/
For the hardcore science paper behind this discussion see it on PubMed:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29642115
goamra.org/mbsr-and-relaxation-both-reduce-stress-but-brain-activity-differs/
MBSR and relaxation both reduce stress, but brain activity differs
Posted 05.17.2018 | by AMRA (American Mindfulness Research Association)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Relaxation Response (RR) training are both well-established mind-body interventions designed to reduce stress. While there is some overlap between these modalities—both involve meditative attention to bodily sensations—there are also significant differences. MBSR emphasizes non-judgmental awareness to increase acceptance of the present moment, while RR employs muscle relaxation to induce a parasympathetic state that interferes with the fight-or-flight response.
To understand the ways in which these two programs function, Sevinc et al. [Psychosomatic Medicine] tested for commonalties and differences in terms of psychological effects and brain correlates....
...
This is one of the first head-to-head comparisons of mind-body practices using both self-report and brain imaging data. Both MBSR and RR reduce stress levels and increase aspects of mindfulness. Their unique pattern of brain commonalties and differences makes sense given that MBSR emphasizes non-judgmental awareness, while RR emphasizes parasympathetic relaxation along with attention to muscular sensations.
The results also support the idea that mindfulness is not identical to relaxation: the two have their own unique neurological signatures. The study is limited by its small sample size and lack of an attention-only control.
To read the full abstract from AMRA: goamra.org/mbsr-and-relaxation-both-reduce-stress-but-brain-activity-differs/
For the hardcore science paper behind this discussion see it on PubMed:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29642115