Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does mindfulness meditation affect the activity in these areas of the brain?
Mindfulness meditation leads to increased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the pain-processing areas of the brain, such as the thalamus and the insula. This heightened connectivity allows for better regulation of emotional responses to pain, leading to a decrease in perceived intensity. Additionally, mindfulness meditation helps activate the endogenous opioid system, which is responsible for producing the body's natural painkillers.