Posted On: 2008-07-14

by Dr. Vincent Fortanasce

The serenity, the calmness, want and strength that motivates us, increases our awareness of our oneness with nature, and the Almighty is the essence of prayer and meditation. Some say prayer is asking for what one needs from God, meditation is listening for His answer. One is active, the other passive. Both serve a purpose, to bring us as one with nature, society, family, and God.

Research demonstrates that prayer is nurturing and healing. Study after study supports this assertion. Some say that this healing power is the direct hand of God, a miracle. Though this may be true at times, God has made us a physical being ruled by the laws of science or nature. Why could he not act through that nature, the basis of science?

Many may be upset at the thought that prayer is nothing but a scientific molecular process. I believe that accepting science is not a denial of God’s power. Every day we are a witness to God’s power through His creation: the flowers, birds of paradise, the moon, and the stars. Why not marvel in the creative process of the body he has made; the hormones, neurotransmitters, and the molecules that make us work? They are His greatest creation. Why not marvel at His scientific creation at home and at work?

THE SCIENCE OF PRAYER

When we pray what happens to us from a scientific standpoint?

Neurologically, the process begins in our brain, the neocortex, the thinking brain. This is an active, willful decision, i.e. to pray. This causes a cascade of events which begins with reaching out to God. Some call this cascade of events simple relaxation, others meditation and prayer. The process begins in our thinking brain; it makes us different from other animals. It is initiated by oneself, an active process, an act of will. This in turn stimulates many areas of the brain, one in particular, the limbic or emotional brain. This is in control of our autonomic nervous system, one that is seemingly not under our conscious control, but can be stimulated by our conscious brain. The proverbial Ying and Yang, one part of this unconscious system brings excitation and alarm and the other, peace and calm.

Through meditation and prayer, a mantra or saying the Rosary, one actively stimulates the frontal inferior gyrus, the optimistic center of the brain. This in turn diminishes the adrenaline sympathetic nervous system and augments the vagal or relaxation system of the nervous system. You know that feeling of bliss or contentment that comes with prayer. Our body reacts by the lowering of our blood pressure, a decreased pulse, our skin warms, and our muscles relax. At the same time, messages are sent to central parts of the brain called the hypothalamus and dopamine and serotonin, the feel-good and calmative neurotransmitters are stimulated.

The Buddha study performed at the University of Wisconsin showed that this ability, the act of calming through meditation, can be learned and enhanced as indicated by the functional MRI (FMRI) scan that indicates the areas of the brain that are activated during prayer and meditation. In this study, veteran and novice Buddha’s and University of Wisconsin students were tested. The results, the veteran monks caused large areas of the frontal temporal optimistic lobe to light up immediately, the novice monks only a moderate amount and the students very little when they meditated.

What was the difference between the three groups? Was it just a matter of genetics? I don’t think so. By constant reinforcement the pathways of the optimistic center are increased with connections to all areas of the frontal lobe and pathways affecting the rest of the brain. The pessimistic center in the right frontal temporal lobe seemed to be suppressed so negative thoughts were diminished.

Clearly, praying as a daily part of life has its rewards, an optimistic mind and attitude as does not praying has its drawbacks, pessimism and depression. It is our choice everyday; it is our decision to be someone that inspires others or one who does not.

CALM

Stress is a rampant at the work place and at home, it is the major cause of obesity, hypertension and Alzheimer’s disease. When we pray it increases our dopamine and serotonin and changes our reaction to stress. First, due to serotonin the mind acts calmly saying "it’s okay" and examines the problem that presents itself. There is neither overreaction nor panic. One might ask, “How does this stop Alzheimer’s disease?” The over-response of panic does not stimulate adrenaline and consequently, and therefore high insulin levels, a major cause of Alzheimer’s stay low and amyloid, the corrosive brain toxin, the cause of Alzheimer’s, is removed.

Thus, prayer and meditation on a daily basis prevents Alzheimer’s. This is the biological plan of God behind prayer and meditation, the reason why those who meditate have a lower Alzheimer’s rate and an increased cardiovascular health. Pray and the world is yours and nothing is impossible, forgive and nothing can harm you.

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Dr. Vincent Fortanasce is a clinical professor of neurology at USC, neurologist, psychiatrist and rehabilitation specialist, St. Joseph Radio Host, member of the board of directors at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, Knight of Malta and Legatus member. He has treated such notables as the Dali Lama and Pope John Paul II. His book, The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription , is available at Amazon.com and all bookstores.