Your Brain on Zen? Meditation Said to Incite Anxiety-Reducing Changes in the Brain

Scientists have identified the brain functions involved in meditation’s power to reduce anxiety. The study, published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, found that meditation-induced anxiety relief activate the anterior cingulate cortex and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the areas of the brain that handle executive-level function and worrying respectively.

“Mindfulness is premised on sustaining attention in the present moment and controlling the way we react to daily thoughts and feelings,” a researcher said. “Interestingly, the present findings reveal that the brain regions associated with meditation-related anxiety relief are remarkably consistent with the principles of being mindful.” Click here to read the full article.