Larger gray matter volumes in long-term meditators

Introduction Although the systematic study of meditation is still in its infancy, research has shown that actively meditating promotes psychological and physiological well-being. [...]meditation practice has been shown not only to benefit higher-order cognitive functions but also to alter brain activity. Conclusions Given that the orbito-frontal cortex has been implicated in emotional regulation and response control, increased GM in this region might account for meditators' singular abilities and habits to cultivate positive emotions, retain emotional stability, and engage in mindful behavior. [...]larger GM volumes in the thalamus might be associated with an enhanced sense of focus, as often attained during the state of meditation; larger GM volumes in the left inferior temporal lobe could explain feelings of calm and deep pleasure, as frequently experienced by meditators.