New research has revealed that advanced meditation has an effect on the brain and is linked to feelings of well-being.

A team led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a founding member of the Massachusetts General Brigham (MGB), has used advanced brain-scanning technology to reveal insights into what happens in the brain during an advanced form of meditation known as Zen.

By revealing distinct patterns of activity in different regions of the brain during jhana, the study suggests exciting possibilities for innovative therapies that combine ancient meditation practices with modern neuroscience to improve health.

About the published research Cerebral cortex, The scientists performed a type of ultra-high-field functional magnetic resonance imaging study on volunteers who were experienced meditators with more than 25 years of experience. The imaging data were collected during 27 meditation sessions over five consecutive days.

The advanced absorption meditation technique known as jhana is associated with self-transcendence, also known as ego disappearance or insight into “no-self,” as well as mindfulness, intrinsic joy, and equanimity, qualities that are important for well-being and that are often disrupted in various mental illnesses.

“To increase the precision of our brain mapping, this study used an ultra-high field strength 7T magnetic resonance imaging system, which has never before been used in research on meditation, let alone advanced meditation. This technology allowed us to assess with high precision cortical, subcortical, brainstem, and cerebellar activity during the highly focused meditation known as Zen,” said senior author Matthew D. Satchett, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry at MGH and Harvard Medical School and director of the Meditation Research Program.

“This allows us to gain insight into the functioning of the whole brain in the context of jhana meditation, including the brainstem and cerebellum, which have so far been little studied.”

Satchett and his colleagues also observed correlations between brain activity during meditation and attention, the qualities of meditation (such as joy, mental peace, tranquility, and formlessness), and self-awareness.

“This research provides the basis for the development of cutting-edge interventions to support health and treat mental illness. These interventions may include the development of new contemplative therapies based on advanced meditation techniques such as jhana, which have received little attention from the scientific community,” said Satchett.

“Our neuroscientific insights may directly inform neurotechnologies such as neurofeedback and brain stimulation that can be applied to target specific brain systems involved in advanced meditation. Our research has important and untapped potential for alleviating suffering and promoting human flourishing.”

Satchett and his team intend to establish a research center at MGH and HMS dedicated to this work and develop a more comprehensive science of advanced meditation. The group is currently collecting brain imaging data from many more meditators and is exploring additional ways to understand Zen and other advanced forms of meditation.

Additional authors include Winson FZ Yang, Avijit Chowdhury, Marta Bianciardi, Remko van Lutterveld, and Terje Sparby.