Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex activation (DLPFC) has been a consistent finding throughout several EEG studies pertaining to a wide range of mindfulness and meditation practices. Increased cortical thickness in this area among seasoned meditators suggests that long-term and routine practice encourages neural strengthening in this area, which is associated with executive decision-making and the capacity for attentiveness.

DLPFC Activation in Mindfulness-based EEG Studies

The Cingulate Cortex, and in particular the Anterior subdivision (ACC) of the brain, is commonly found to be active during mindfulness and meditation. This area of the brain pulls together attention, motivation, and motor control and has been found to react to both emotional and cognitive stimuli. Thus, it is suggested that as a meditator gains leverage over his or her thoughts and emotions, their response to these stimuli both physically and emotionally is affected as well. 

ACC Activation in Mindfulness-based EEG Studies

The Insula has been consistently reported to activate during mindfulness meditation practice. This area of the brain is responsible for introspection and the awareness of bodily sensations, leading to the experience of "selfness", and it's activation during mindfulness practices is likely due to the practitioner's increased attentiveness toward internal sensations.

Insula Activation in Mindfulness-based EEG Studies

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a medical device that detects abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain. Excels in distinguishing between broad-spectrum changes in the neural activity of the brain, such as Aplha waves which represent relaxed attention and Delta waves which represent sleep states. Lacks in spatial resolution and cannot detect distinct regions of the brain. 

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Villanova University

Research methods concerning the neurobiology of mindfulness follow the standard scientific model, incorporating a hypothesis, an experimental group, and a control group. Empirical evidence is commonly collected in the form of brain scans via one or more methods including fMRI, PET, and EEG. Such experiments began in the 1960's and have delivered valuable insight into long-term and short-term effects of mindfulness-based practice, but these advanced methods are not infallible. Notable inconsistencies exist within the data likely due to the wide range of mindfulness styles studied as well as a bias to study more experienced practitioners. Data suggests that researchers would benefit from distinguishing the type of mindfulness practice being studied as well as the intent of that practice. 

Research Methods - Neurobiology of Mindfulness

Fabrizio, D. (ed.). (2009). Clinical handbook of mindfulness. Springer. 

Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness

EEG in Mindfulness

Functional Magnetic Resonace Imaging (fMRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are medical devices that provide spacial internal images of the human body. In mindfulness studies, they excel at distinguishing specific regions of the brain which are most active or "light up" during the active practice of mindfulness meditation. However they fail to indicate the kind of neural activity those regions are engaged in.

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