Dr. Sharmistha Nandy

Abstract

Ancient contemplative practices rooted in both Āstika and Nāstika traditions offer a sophisticated framework for mental health that modern neuropsychology increasingly validates. Rather than operating as abstract mythology, concepts like the Pañca Kośa align directly with central nervous system regulation, executive function, and affective control. Neurally, long-term meditation drives profound structural and functional neuroplasticity—increasing cortical thickness in the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices, promoting neuroglial myelination, upregulating BDNF, GABA, and serotonin, and simultaneously downregulating amygdala reactivity and cortisol, thereby shifting the brain toward sustained gamma-band synchronisation. By targeting the root causes of psychological distress through fronto-limbic modulation and hippocampal resilience, and by bridging Vedic psychophysiology with contemporary neuroscience, these ancient techniques are reframed as evidence-based interventions for clinical psychopathology.
The research interest explores the multifaceted intersection of ancient meditative traditions from the Vedic and Pre-Vedic eras and modern neuroscience, especially focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying mindfulness therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). The study contextualises the pre-existence of the concept of Meditation in Indian philosophical frameworks, including the Orthodox (Astika) schools like Yoga, Vedanta, and Samkhya, alongside Heterodox (Nastika) traditions like Buddhism and Jainism, where the Seven Chakras and Pancha Kosa balance and their connection with the breathing system that carries through the spinal cord to the brain stem. The ancient practices align with contemporary biological findings- suggesting that the human nervous system's structure may reflect Vedic patterns, such as the correspondence between the four primary brain lobes and the four chapters of the Yoga Sutras. Indian Psychological Practices help remove all the causes of mental disturbances from the root.

In modern science, it is pragmatically evident that the teachings of Indian Psychology are not mythological; rather, they invigorate the connection between spirituality and well-being. The existential evidence demonstrates that consistent mindfulness practice induces significant neuroplasticity, releases neurochemicals, and creates higher brain waves (Gamma) – that can only be produced by practising meditation. Brain’s structural changes include increased cortical thickness in the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which are critical for executive function and emotional regulation, and downregulation of amygdala volume and reactivity, leading to decreased stress and anxiety. Through the meditation process, neuroglial cells strengthen the myelin sheath in a natural way, which can help the human body more to adapt the environment’s impact and changes. The neurochemical impact of meditation enhances its ability to boost mood-stabilising neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin while elevating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) to support neuronal growth and cognitive resilience. Conversely, it effectively lowers cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. These biological shifts translate into clinical benefits for psychopathology, such as PTSD, ASD, ICD-10, -"heal" the hippocampus and balancing the nervous system.

Keywords: Neurobiological Mechanisms, Neuroglial cell, Anterior cingulate cortex, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Neurotransmitter, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Neuroplasticity, Pancha-Kosha

Biography

A Specialist in Psychology and Philosophy, she has over five years of university-level teaching experience, including faculty roles across Delhi University institutions, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at PES University. Dr. Sharmistha Nandy's interdisciplinary research focuses on Psychoanalysis, Postmodern Social Psychology, language, and ethics through the theoretical frameworks of Sigmund Freud and Jean-François Lyotard. A recipient of the highest academic honours, she ranked first statewide in Clinical Psychology during my Master’s program, achieved the highest marks in West Bengal in Higher Secondary Philosophy, and earned top distinction in M.Phil. research at Jadavpur University, excelling in Cognitive Psychology, Vedanta, and Buddhist Philosophy. Dr Nandy's professional trajectory spans Clinical Neuropsychology, Applied Positive Psychology, and Behavioural Science, encompassing curriculum development and thesis supervision across clinical, organisational, and legal subfields. I am dedicated to expanding my research and pedagogical horizons through innovative scholarship that advances institutional academic excellence