NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION: AN EEG WAVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Mindfulness meditation has attracted increasing scientific interest due to its beneficial effects on mental health, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance. In recent years, electroencephalography (EEG) has been extensively employed to explore the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying mindfulness practices. This paper presents a comprehensive review of EEG-based studies investigating brain wave dynamics during mindfulness meditation. The review focuses on changes in major EEG frequency bands, including delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma waves, and their functional significance in meditative states. Existing research consistently reports enhanced alpha and theta activity, reduced beta power, and, in experienced practitioners, increased gamma synchronization. Methodological variations, limitations, and emerging trends in EEG-based mindfulness research are critically discussed. This survey aims to consolidate current knowledge and provide direction for future research in contemplative neuroscience.