The aim of Vipassana meditation is to reduce cognitive and emotional reactivity.

Dr. Alberto Chiesa at the University of Bologna, in Italy, reviewed the evidence.

First, the details.

• 7 “mainly poor-quality studies” were identified.

And, the results.

• 3 neuroimaging studies (image the structure and function of the brain) suggest that Vipassana meditation might be associated with activation and changes in various areas of the brain.
• 3 studies in incarcerated populations suggest it reduced alcohol and substance abuse but not post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in prisoners.
• 1 study in healthy people suggested it enhanced copying styles and more mature defenses (unconscious psychological strategies to cope with reality and maintain self-image).

The bottom line?

Dr. Chiesa concluded, “Current studies provided preliminary results about neurobiological and clinical changes related to Vipassana meditation.”

However, he continues, “Few and mainly low-quality data are available especially for clinical studies, and current results have to be considered with caution,” with respect to reproducibility of results, placebo effect, and long-term response to treatment.

6/2/10 21:06 JR