Electro-encephalographic changes of short-term transcendental meditation

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the effects of short transcendental meditation lasting ten minutes in untrained subjects. The changes in electroencephalogram (EEG), pulse rate (PR) and blood pressure (BP) were evaluated. Materials and Methods : EEG was taken after 10 minutes rest; during meditation with AUM chanting; and after 10 minutes of meditation, in 30 medical students. BP and PR were recorded after 10 minutes rest and after meditation. Results: The mean resting EEG was 38 Hz (range 32-48 Hz; SD: 4.3). During meditation, alpha waves were seen in 8 (26%) subjects, the rest had beta waves. The mean EEG during and after meditation were 24 Hz (range 8-35 Hz; SD 10.8) and 25 Hz (range 8-36 Hz; SD 10), respectively. The mean PR before and after meditation were 82/min (range 70-96; SD 6.6) and 74/min (range 68-88; SD 5.2), respectively, and the change was significant (P = 0.03). There was a significant drop in both systolic BP (P = 0.001) and diastolic BP (P = 0.002) following meditation. Mean systolic BP before and after meditation were 118 mm Hg (range 106-130; SD 7.4) and 112 mmHg (range 100-126; SD 7.3), respectively, and the mean diastolic BP before and after meditation were 74 mm Hg (range 60-82; SD 5.2) and 68 mmHg (range 60 - 82; SD 5.2), respectively . Conclusion: A significant reduction in PR and BP can be achieved with short transcendental meditation. Alpha waves consistent with meditative state could be achieved in 26% of the subjects.