Mindfulness meditation training in awareness of present
moment experience, such as body and breath sensations, prevents depression and
reduces distress in chronic pain. In a new paper, Brown University scientists
propose a neurophysiological framework to explain these clinical benefits.
hy does training in mindfulness meditation help patients
manage chronic pain and depression? In a newly published neurophysiological
review, Brown University scientists propose that mindfulness practitioners gain
enhanced control over sensory cortical alpha rhythms that help regulate how the
brain processes and filters sensations, including pain, and memories such as
depressive cognitions.