Autonomic and EEG patterns distinguish transcending from other experiences during Transcendental Meditation practice

Int J Psychophysiol. 2001 Aug;42(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/s0167-8760(01)00143-x.

Abstract

This study compared EEG and autonomic patterns during transcending to "other" experiences during Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice. To correlate specific meditation experiences with physiological measures, the experimenter rang a bell three times during the TM session. Subjects categorized their experiences around each bell ring. Transcending, in comparison to "other" experiences during TM practice, was marked by: (1) significantly lower breath rates; (2) higher respiratory sinus arrhythmia amplitudes; (3) higher EEG alpha amplitude; and (4) higher alpha coherence. In addition, skin conductance responses to the experimenter-initiated bell rings were larger during transcending. These findings suggest that monitoring patterns of physiological variables may index dynamically changing inner experiences during meditation practice. This could allow a more precise investigation into the nature of meditation experiences and a more accurate comparison of meditation states with other eyes-closed conditions.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arrhythmia, Sinus / physiopathology
  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiology*
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Female
  • Galvanic Skin Response / physiology
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meditation / psychology*
  • Respiratory Mechanics / physiology
  • Sex Characteristics