The Right Anterior Insula is a brain region associated with processing emotions, especially one's own emotions in relation to needs (pain, hunger, etc.). Mindfulness has been linked to an increase in gray matter in this region, which indicates improved processing of one's emotions.

New York University

Somatic:

- Improved Immune Response

- Improvement in Conditions Worsened by Stress

Neurological:

- Improved functioning of the amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex

- Increased gray matter in the right anterior insula

- Increased left-sided anterior activation

- Increased connection between the amygdala and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC)

Physical Effects Resulting From Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Uddin, L. Q., Nomi, J. S., Hébert-Seropian, B., Ghaziri, J., & Boucher, O. (2017). Structure and Function of the Human Insula. Journal of clinical neurophysiology: official publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society, 34(4), 300–306. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNP.0000000000000377

Structure and Function of the Human Insula

Greeson, J. M. (2009). Mindfulness Research Update: 2008. Complementary Health Practice Review, 14(1), 10–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/1533210108329862

Mindfulness Research Update: 2008

Various structures on the left side of the anterior section of the brain are associated with positive emotion and stronger activation of this region indicates an increase in positive affect. Mindfulness meditation has shown an increase in left-sided anterior activation, suggesting an increase in positive affect for those who practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness Effects on Left-Sided Anterior Activation

Mindfulness mediation has been tied to a stronger immune system. A study found that participants who practiced mindfulness meditation exhibited a stronger response to flu vaccinations than participants who did not practice meditation. 

Mindfulness Effects on Immune Response

Mindfulness Effects on the Right Anterior Insula

The amygdala is a section of the brain that processes fearful stimuli. Patients with anxiety disorders exhibit stronger amygdala responses than patients without anxiety disorders. Studies suggest that mindfulness interventions can reduce the amygdala response in patients with anxiety disorders.

Mindfulness Effects on the Amygdala and Anxiety

The Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex is a region of the brain involved in directing attention and ignoring distractions. Long-term mindfulness practice has been linked to increased activation in this region, suggesting that mindfulness practice can improve one's ability to regulate their attention.

Mindfulness Effects on Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) have been shown to improve symptoms related to a variety of physical disorders, including cancer, chronic pain or fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), epilepsy, heart disease, tinnitus, and acquired brain injury.

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