NEURO SCIENCE
Relationship between brain science and prayer
There is a difference between positive prayer and negative prayer.
First of all, what kind of act is "praying"?
I think the definition varies greatly depending on the person.
For people of a certain faith, the object of prayer is clear, but for others, I think it is not so clear.
The content of prayers varies greatly depending on the person.
However, research has shown that there is a big difference between positive and negative prayers in terms of their effects on the brain.
Japanese people's unconscious cultural values
The act of making a wish at a shrine, temple, or Buddhist statue is thought to be related to the subjective experience that it actually worked, as well as a sense of expectation stemming from a religious background.
In other words, shrines, temples, and Buddhist statues have traditional values based on their long history and beliefs, and it is believed that participating in their beliefs and rituals can bring peace of mind and strength.
For example, some research shows that religion and faith can lead to people's sense of meaning and happiness in life. Research also suggests that prayer may reduce stress.
Prayers and wishes can have a positive effect on the brain
There is a lot of research being done on the relationship between prayer and the brain.
A variety of studies have shown that prayer can positively impact brain function and structure.
For example, a study conducted at Harvard Medical School and New York University School of Medicine showed that meditation increases gray matter in the brain's hippocampus.
And research shows that increasing gray matter improves cognitive function.
Gray matter is made up of the bodies and axons of nerve cells in the brain and is involved in cognitive function and intellectual ability.
Specifically, when gray matter increases, the following effects are expected:
You can change the neural circuits of your brain through prayers and wishes.
Research has shown that continuous prayer changes the connections between neurons and neural circuits in the brain, allowing us to develop more positive thinking patterns.
A study published in 2009 reported that praying improved the subjects' self-esteem and self-esteem.
Sense of mental stability due to the effects of prayer
It has been reported that meditation and prayer cause changes in brain waves, especially an increase in brain waves called alpha waves.
This is said to be related to relaxation and improved concentration.
Research has shown that regular prayer practices not only reduce stress and support physical and mental health, but also have a positive impact on improving cognitive function and intellectual abilities. Masu
Much knowledge has been obtained through these studies in psychology and neuroscience.
*However, caution is required regarding the details and results of these studies, as there are various studies and results may vary. Also, it should be noted that the effects vary depending on individual differences and situations, so it cannot be said that they are absolutely effective.
The mystery where emotion and reason conflict
Passion overtakes reason.
This originates from the basic structure of the human brain.
In the first place, the ``mind'' that we are always conscious of is part of the brain's functions.
■History of brain evolution
Over millions of years of evolutionary history, the brain has developed in an incremental manner.
Broadly speaking, the brain evolved in the following order: brain stem (life-sustaining functions), limbic system (emotional functions), and neocortex (thinking functions).
In this way, emotional brains existed hundreds of years before thinking brains were born.
Therefore, the brain with emotional functions has countless circuits connecting it to the brain with thinking functions.
Because of this neural circuit structure, emotions have an extremely strong influence and decision-making power over the functioning of the entire brain.
Normally, our brains have two parts: a brain with emotional functions and a brain with thinking functions, and we think and act rationally while maintaining a balance between the two.
However, when strong emotions arise, such as when an emergency occurs, the balance between the two is disrupted.
Due to the structure of the brain's neural circuits mentioned earlier, the brain with emotional functions overwhelms all other brain functions.
Therefore, the emotional side reacts a little faster than the intellect.