Researchers at the University of Montreal have conducted a study which suggests that people who frequently meditate gain the brain potential to control their perception of physical pain.
While examining the brain images of individuals that were introduced to a painful heat stimulus, the team of scientists found decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus regions in the brains of people who regularly practiced meditation. These brain sections have been known to control cognition, emotion and memory, respectively.
"These results challenge current concepts of mental control, which is thought to be achieved by increasing cognitive activity or effort. Instead, we suggest it is possible to self-regulate in a more passive manner, by 'turning off' certain areas of the brain, which in this case are normally involved in processing pain," said Joshua Grant, the study's lead author.
The findings suggest that meditators have the ability to disengage parts of their brains when it is necessary, like at times when they must endure pain.
This research supports philosopher Ilchi Lee's beliefs on Brain Education and its ability to help people take control over their brains for the betterment of mankind.
