Meditation is represented as a state of heightened self-awareness where human consciousness is explored. The benefits associated with meditative states on mental health and physical wellbeing have been attributed to contemporary mindfulness and other contemplative practices, which have gained growing interest worldwide. Albeit inconclusive and limited, studies on the impact of mindfulness-related practices indicated physiological alterations primarily corresponding to changes in endocrine functions, including reduction in the circulatory levels of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol as well as proinflammatory cytokines, decreased systolic blood pressure, and altered neuroanatomy such as thickening of key cortical areas that facilitate modulation of attention and emotions. It is proposed that mental and physical wellbeing is supported through meditation, where the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system for stress response is promoted, while the sympathetic division is deactivated. However, the relationship between mindfulness-based practices and the regulation of endocrine functions remains largely unknown.
Endocrine changes associated with mindfulness-related practices are greatly underexplored, partially owing to a lack of standardized measurability of meditative states. Despite current methods in assessing meditative states, including self-reported psychological functioning, neuroimaging using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) as well as electrophysiological methods such as electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs), evaluation of the internal and diverse experience of an individual is subject to large heterogeneity and remains challenging. Recent advances in the qualitative and quantitative measurements of mental states tackle such variability utilizing machine learning and pattern recognition on neural data, as exemplified by multivariate fMRI which individualizes brain structure and activity to identify meditation period.
This Research Topic will leverage recent technological advances in integrative multi-omics approaches, involving genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses, in order to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying endocrine outcomes associated with mindfulness-based practices. Investigation of the neuroendocrine profiles following regular meditation practices, revealing any alterations in the level of endocrine markers, offers a better understanding of the potential health benefits corresponding with such mental states. Specifically, examination of the associated stress-induced physiological and metabolic changes provides insights into the clinical potential of meditation practices in preventing and treating chronic stress-induced endocrine dysfunctions.
We welcome original research, review, mini review, and perspective articles focused on the following areas:
• Comparison of the representative ways to measure, define, and classify meditative states, both objective and subjective. Methods to address the current lack of consensus and introduce advancement in methodologies and technologies
• The functional readout of endocrine activity
• The effects of mindfulness-based practices on the neuroendocrine (the HPA axis and catecholaminergic system) and the endocrine systems – short-term and long-term impact involving real-time and longitudinal monitoring of progression
• Endocrine regulation in response to challenges with metabolic and environmental stressors in practitioners versus non-practitioners
• Utilization of multi-omics approaches to investigate the biological outcomes of a complex experiential process, generate neuroendocrine profiles, provide insights into the influence of meditation practices on the cellular and molecular dynamics of endocrine function
• Therapeutic potential of mindfulness-related practices in the lifestyle treatment for mental and physical health conditions associated with endocrine disorders
Keywords: meditation, endocrine, consciousness, mindfulness, contemplation, stress, health, wellbeing, hormones, parasympathetic
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
