Below is a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the neurological and endocrine effects of meditation (mindfulness, focused attention, loving-kindness, transcendental, etc.). Effects are dose-dependent (stronger with daily practice ≥20 min, long-term ≥8 weeks). Data come from fMRI, EEG, salivary/blood assays, and longitudinal RCTs. Neurological Effects of Meditation Neuroplasticity & Brain Structure ↑ Gray matter in the […]
Playing instrumental music has important neurological and endocrine effects. In certain countries, playing an instrument is obligatory in schools. Below is a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the neurological and endocrine effects of playing instrumental music (e.g., piano, violin, drums, guitar). Effects are strongest in trained musicians and those with active performance experience, but even amateur […]
Below is a head-to-head comparison of singing vs. dancing on neurological and endocrine systems. Effects are grouped by mechanism, magnitude, context (solo vs. group), and evidence strength. 1. Neurological Effects: Singing vs. Dancing Mechanism Singing Dancing Winner / Notes Neuroplasticity ↑ Gray matter in auditory cortex, arcuate fasciculus, hippocampus (Halwani 2011; Wan 2010) ↑ Hippocampal […]
Singing has powerful, measurable effects on both the neurological (brain and nervous system) and endocrine (hormone) systems. These effects span motor control, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and social bonding—often amplified when singing in groups (e.g., choirs). Below is a structured breakdown supported by peer-reviewed research. Neurological Effects of Singing Motor & Respiratory Neural Control Primary […]
Dancing has profound effects on both the neurological (brain and nervous system) and endocrine (hormone) systems, supported by extensive research in neuroscience, psychology, and physiology. I always felt great when dancing and afterwards. Our ancestral traditions incorporated dancing as a ritual. Dancing is disappearing. Similarly, singing has the same kind of effect, and people are […]
Dementia: Pathways to Prevention Dementia, a progressive decline in cognitive function that affects memory, thinking, and daily activities, is a growing global concern. While there is no cure, emerging research offers strong evidence that a significant portion—up to 45%—of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed through lifestyle modifications targeting modifiable risk factors. thelancet.com […]
The role of the vagus nerve in regulating inflammation and its broader implications for immunity and metabolism have been analyzed by Valentin A. Pavlov and Kevin J. Tracey in the article, “The vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex—linking immunity and metabolism.” The two scientists describe the inflammatory reflex as a neural circuit where the vagus […]
The vagus nerve, the tenth cranial nerve, is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the “rest and digest” system. It runs from the brainstem through the neck, chest, and abdomen, innervating multiple organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. Its primary roles include: Regulating Autonomic Functions: It controls heart rate, […]
We have examined the gut microbiota, blood-brain barrier (BBB), gut-brain axis, and probiotics in previous articles in relation to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Let us look at a detailed overview of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), focusing on its mechanisms, applications, recent research (2020–2025), and connections to the BBB, microbiota, and gut-brain axis. […]