Neurophysiological mechanisms of induction of meditation: a hypothetico-deductive approach.

ABSTRACT

A detailed analysis of methods of induction of meditation and meditative experience encountered therein implicates involvement of several mechanisms in inducing 'meditative effect'. 'Efferent attenuation', 'sensory attenuation' and 'cognitive restructuring' appear three possible mechanisms employed in varying degree of combinations to produce the 'meditative effect' during different types of meditations. Using hypothetico-deductive approach, it is possible to generate a neural model for explaining the 'meditative effect'. Primarily, the meditation is produced by disengaged association cortices driven by thalamus or other older group of reticular nuclei. Secondarily, there may be involvement of some more phylogenetically older structures depending upon depth and types of meditation. This model explains induction, maintenance and long-term effects of meditation.