A study recently published in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers explores the neural differences between concentrative and analytical meditation using EEG.

Concentrative meditation is when the practitioner has a fixed attention during the meditation such as the breath, a sensation, or an object. Analytical meditation is when the practitioner contemplates on a spiritual teaching, instruction, or riddle and will eventually come up with a solution due to the various states of mind that arises.

Researchers found distinct brain activity patterns for each type, offering insights into how meditation impacts cognitive and emotional regulation. By focusing on concentrative and analytical meditation, they sought to map the distinct neurophysiological profiles associated with each.

The 12-week study involved 23 monks with varying meditation experience, divided into beginners, intermediates, and advanced groups. EEG data showed that concentrative meditation resulted in significant increases in alpha and theta brain waves, indicating enhanced attentional control. Analytical meditation, showed less dramatic brain activity changes.

Advanced meditators displayed unique EEG patterns, including a marked beta frequency peak, suggesting enhanced cognitive processes from long-term practice.

The study highlights the benefits of concentrative practices as well as the result of reaping the benefits of longtime, dedicated practices.

While meditation comes in many forms, this study suggests concentrative types to offer specific benefits based on EEG results. While meditation may not be easy, and often people find multitudes of excuses why they won’t do it, the benefits pay back in dividends if once starts now and remain dedicated to it.

B Neri et al. Report from a Tibetan Monastery: EEG neural correlates of concentrative and analytical meditation. Frontiers in Psychology (2024). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1348317