Meditation Reduces Blood Flow to the Parietal Lobe: Learn why this can be a Problem
Overview
Meditation is characterized by repetition–chants, songs, and mantras–and the thorough focus of an image or idea. In order to receive the benefits of the experience, it is vital to conceptualize oneself in reflection, rather than become blank. The process of meditation often alters the brain’s perception of the outer world due to what is externally explained within the grounds of mental imaging. Because the parietal lobe is responsible for information processing and visual perception, it is the area triggered and targeted by meditation. Meditation reduces blood flow to the parietal lobe by focusing singularly on the functions of the frontal lobe; the area associated with concentration. Blood flow is transcended to the frontal lobe area while the flow appears to recede in the region of the parietal lobe. There are many dangers associated with this altered state of being and is increasingly becoming problematic in westernized cultures as meditation becomes popularized and its true eastern roots are ignored.
Health Effects of Reduced Blood Flow
Damage to the parietal lobe results in the loss of visual integrating systems. The parietal lobe can be divided into two sections; a region responsible for sensation and perception and the other organizes sensory input and the imaging system. Some diseases of this area include;
- Gerstmann’s Syndrome–right and left confusion, difficulty with writing and math, language deficiencies, and the loss of the ability to perceive objects.
- Contralateral Neglect–inability to inhibit self-care skills, such as bathing and dressing and the loss of skills used for making things and drawing.
- Balint’s Syndrome–inability to control gaze, components of visual scenes, and depth perception.
A phenomenon called “involuntary meditation” has been found to inflict older meditators with spontaneous unreality. Others are prone to epilepsy-like brain seizures and hallucinations, mostly interpreted as “mystical experiences.” These conditions are a result of the brain’s ability to change its structure and function to conform to lifestyle adaptations. Neuroplasticity results in over 100 billion nerve cells, or gray matter, enabling new nerve pathways and changing older ones to accommodate changes within the body. The lack of usage of the parietal lobe during prolonged stints of meditation allows the brain to assume those functions are no longer primary for living, thus retains blood flow for areas in greater use. As research progresses, it is becoming more relevant to be educated in the harmful side-effects of meditation along with its benefits.
Prevention
Because meditation can reduce blood flow to the parietal lobe, education is the most important factor in brain health during meditation. Research is readily available online and in libraries to assist in the meditative journey of enlightenment. Question meditation instructors on the side-effects of their practice and refuse further training if they cannot provide adequate answers. A case study in San Francisco, a Mecca for meditation, found that only three of the fourteen questioned practitioners were aware of the dangerous changes to the mind involved with meditation. It is important that while practicing meditation, to note changes in the body. When negative effects occur, it is always safe to report to a doctor.
Sources
Garden, Mary. “Can Meditation Be Bad for You?.” Humanist (2007): 1. Web. https://www.thehumanist.org/humanist/MaryGarden.html
Begley, Sharon. “Mediation Alters Brain Structure.” Science Journal (2004): 1. Web. https://www.urbandharma.org/udharma8/monkstudy.html.
“Parietal Lobe Function .” n. Web. https://www.neuroskills.com/tbi/bparieta.shtml.
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