Coupling of respiration and attention via the locus coeruleus: Effects of meditation and pranayama.

Michael Christopher Melnychuk, Paul M Dockree, Redmond G O'Connell, Peter R Murphy, Joshua H Balsters, Ian H Robertson

September 2018

Synopsis of Social media discussions

Participants discuss how practices like breathing exercises may influence brain regions such as the locus coeruleus, with comments highlighting mechanisms like modulating norepinephrine and improving focus, using technical terms and expressing both curiosity and critical viewpoints to reflect a moderate but engaged understanding of the research.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the positive influence of meditation and pranayama on the locus coeruleus and attention, showing general support.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

Participants are clearly interested, with several posts exploring mechanisms and potential benefits, indicating a high curiosity about neurophysiological effects.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

The discussion includes references to specific neuroanatomical structures and potential applications, demonstrating meaningful engagement beyond surface-level commentary.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

While there is recognition of the importance of modulating attention and emotion, the overall perceived impact appears moderate, with some skepticism about the extent of influence.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Twitter

8 Posts

Metrics

Video Views

376,856

Total Likes

10,314

Extended Reach

383,660

Social Features

10

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

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  • Heather Adams
    @heathera618 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/Ojc25K4MBC
    view full post

    May 3, 2023

  • Annette Verpillot
    @posture_pro (Twitter)

    A recent study from 2018 titled Coupling of respiration and attention via the locus coeruleus: Effects of meditation and pranayama discussed how focused attention to breathing can help improve brain health and increase your focus and concentration. https://t.co/pTFRRsRSpl
    view full post

    January 27, 2023

    6

    1

  • Choudhary
    @kaar099 (Twitter)

    @Navayan https://t.co/8BqTFrMkUw
    view full post

    May 6, 2021

  • Choudhary
    @kaar099 (Twitter)

    @Navayan I normally don't reply, In Germany, Govt. spending millions to research and publish positive outcome of on Yoga/Pranayam on mental and physical health. Food for your rotten brain: Coupling of respiration and attention via the locus coeruleus: Effects of meditation and pranayama
    view full post

    May 6, 2021

  • Antonio Fernández
    @boxerito1 (Twitter)

    In effect, meditation and breathing exercises influence the locus coeruleus, which is the power source of NE in the brain. https://t.co/U6qe2llhCQ
    view full post

    July 22, 2020

    1

  • OhChuckles
    @ohChuckles (Twitter)

    RT @StoroniMithu: Some data suggests it may be possible to voluntarily modulate locus coeruleus activity by controlling the rate and rhythm…
    view full post

    July 28, 2019

    1

  • Mithu Storoni
    @MithuStoroni (Twitter)

    Some data suggests it may be possible to voluntarily modulate locus coeruleus activity by controlling the rate and rhythm of breathing : https://t.co/sMMpdekbDX https://t.co/0IH8QETEbQ
    view full post

    July 25, 2019

    2

    1

  • versatz.art
    @versatzart (Twitter)

    Breathing affects the #Locus #coeruleus (LC). The LC releases Noradrenalin. Is this a mechanism that could explain the attentional, emotional and physiological enhancements that come with #meditation? article: https://t.co/pEBhlGQSP2 original paper: https://t.co/rsX72xGaVI
    view full post

    June 15, 2019

Abstract Synopsis

  • The locus coeruleus (LC) is a small brain area that influences both attention and breathing, with its activity fluctuating in sync with respiration and affecting neural and physical responses like pupil dilation.
  • The study suggests that mental practices like meditation and pranayama may enhance attention, emotion, and physiology partly by modulating the coupling between respiration and LC activity, which acts as a relay connecting breathing and attentional systems.
  • The researchers present new evidence from imaging and modeling to show how respiratory phases affect LC activity and attention, discuss underlying neurophysiological mechanisms, and explore how understanding this link could improve therapies for attention and emotional regulation.