The neurobiology of mindfulness

Michael T. Treadway

Sara W. Lázár

pp. 45-57

in: Fabrizio Didonna (ed), Clinical handbook of mindfulness, Berlin, Springer, 2009

Abstract

As Western culture has become more aware of Eastern spiritual traditions, scientists have been increasingly interested in verifying the anecdotal claims from expert meditators regarding mindfulness practice. For almost 50 years, the practice of meditation and mindfulness has been studied byWestern neuroscientists looking to better understand its phenomenology, neurobiology, and clinical effects. In this chapter, we provide an overview of current neurobiological research on mindfulness and meditation practices, including key findings, methodological issues, and clinical implications.