Meditation, Neuroplasticity, Health Benefits

Check this out - it was posted on a friend's wall on Facebook. The friend is a nurse.

   I'm reading a nurse CE about meditation. :" Data have shown that people who meditated 40 minutes a day had a thicker cerebral cortex (the area playing a critical role in decision-making) than people who did not meditate.17 This research suggests that daily meditation can alter the physical structure of the brain, and it may have positive applications related to aging, such as enhanced memory. Meditation has been shown to produce significant increases in left-sided anterior brain activity, which is associated with positive emotional states. Neuronal firings in the amygdala have been associated with positive emotions and have led researchers to discover and measure the connection between the brain’s lighted activity centers and mood.18 (Level B) Not only did this map brain activity, but it also took the concept of neuroplasticity a step further by showing that meditation may change the mapping of brain circuitry. In a recent review, researchers say that meditation may be of benefit to adults with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer disease, but more research is needed." also this: "Meditation is being incorporated into many clinical practices by teams of healthcare providers. By reducing stress and developing concentration, meditation can not only increase concentration but also may help prevent job burnout.36 (Level C) The result is a better relationship with patients and perhaps a method for self-healing."