Functional and Structural MRI Analysis of the Brain Effects of Sahaja Yoga Meditation – New Doctoral Thesis on Sahaja Yoga
By the grace of our Divine Mother Shri Mataji, I am pleased to inform you that last Tuesday, September 3rd, the defence of the Doctoral Thesis entitled “Functional and Structural MRI Analysis of the Brain Effects of Sahaja Yoga Meditation” took place. The event was presented in the lecture hall of the School of Engineering and Technology of the University of La Laguna (ULL) in Tenerife, Spain.
Brief summary of the thesis:
The author Óscar Pérez worked for 4 years to complete this doctoral thesis under the coordination of professors Sergio Elías Hernández Alonso from the ULL and Alfonso Barros Loscertales from the Jaume I University of Castellón.
In the thesis he used a multi-methodological approach, based on studies recorded in the resonance scanner for biomedical research at ULL, to investigate the neuronal effects of Sahaja Yoga Meditation, revealing modifications in the functional and structural connectivity of key brain regions, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the insula, which are associated with improved inhibitory control, emotional regulation and attention. The results of the thesis appear in two scientific articles already published and a third in the process of publication.
The presentation and thesis report were evaluated by a jury composed of 3 professors: Professor Lejla Colij from the University of Jena, Germany; Professor María Picó, from the Jaume I University of Castellón; and Professor Leopoldo Acosta, from ULL. This panel awarded the thesis with outstanding cum laude.
The thesis report (in English) in pdf is available on the website:
www.sergioeliashernandez.com , Research/Articles section
https://www.sergioeliashernandez.com/english
This website aims to provide access to the research I have been working on since 2010 in the field of Meditation and Neuroscience. In addition to other scientists from the University of La Laguna (ULL), these investigations are also supported by scientists from: King’s College London, England; University of California, San Diego, United States; Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain.
We mainly investigate how meditation in the state of Mental Silence influences our brain.
I have been practicing meditation since 1987.
Please feel welcome, best regards.
Dr. Sergio Elías Hernández
The video of the thesis defence is available on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/NyzKzr0xKLU
Best spiritual wishes to all.
Sergio Elías Hernández Alonso
Jai Shri Mataji
