September 2018 PMID 29682753

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

Mentions

10
Peak: 2 in Jul 2019
across 2 sources since May 2018

Extended reach

383,660
potential audience

Total likes

10,314

Video views

376,856

Mentions per month

May 2018 – May 2023

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter8 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

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.

AgreementModerate agreement

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

InterestHigh interest

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

EngagementModerate engagement

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

ImpactModerate 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.

Abstract in brief

  • 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.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Annette Verpillot
@posture_pro · X

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

Jan 27, 2023 · 6 likes · 1 share · 2,280 followers View post →
Mithu Storoni
@MithuStoroni · X

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

Jul 25, 2019 · 2 likes · 1 share · 4,183 followers View post →
Antonio Fernández
@boxerito1 · X

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

Jul 22, 2020 · 1 like · 128 followers View post →
OhChuckles
@ohChuckles · X

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

Jul 28, 2019 · 1 share · 148 followers View post →
Choudhary
@kaar099 · X

@Navayan https://t.co/8BqTFrMkUw

May 6, 2021 · 24 followers View post →
Choudhary
@kaar099 · X

@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

May 6, 2021 · 24 followers View post →

All mentions

Heather Adams
@heathera618 · X

https://t.co/Ojc25K4MBC

May 3, 2023 · 3 followers View post →
Annette Verpillot
@posture_pro · X

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

Jan 27, 2023 · 6 likes · 1 share · 2,280 followers View post →
Choudhary
@kaar099 · X

@Navayan https://t.co/8BqTFrMkUw

May 6, 2021 · 24 followers View post →
Choudhary
@kaar099 · X

@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

May 6, 2021 · 24 followers View post →
Antonio Fernández
@boxerito1 · X

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

Jul 22, 2020 · 1 like · 128 followers View post →
OhChuckles
@ohChuckles · X

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

Jul 28, 2019 · 1 share · 148 followers View post →
Mithu Storoni
@MithuStoroni · X

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

Jul 25, 2019 · 2 likes · 1 share · 4,183 followers View post →
versatz.art
@versatzart · X

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

Jun 15, 2019 · 9 followers View post →