Neurophysiology of Meditation

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Neurophysiology of Meditation

 

By simple definition, meditation is engagement in contemplation,

especially of a spiritual or devotional nature. To elaborate

further, meditation is an attempt to concentrate mind on a single

form or an idea or an aspect of divinity at the exclusion of all

other forms, thoughts, and ideas. The mind is focused inwards, and

this effort of concentration acts as a stimulus to gain access to

knowledge of 'object of meditation'. The aspirant makes an attempt

to minimize perceptions through senses - inputs through special

senses like touch, sight, hearing, etc. - by detaching mind from

sense organs in the brain. This helps in controlling restlessness of

mind, in favour of inner contemplation. The mind, as if, is made

still. Meditation may be, therefore, taken as a 'passive' activity!

But is it really so?

 

Tremendous changes observed in the human brain and nervous system

during mediation run contrary to this belief of 'passivity' attached

to meditation. Unprecedented progress and research in neurobiology,

investigative neurology, and study of neurotransmitters in the last

two decades has given a great fillip to the study of neuro-

physiology of Meditation and Yoga. Altered State of Consciousness

can be brought about by hypnosis, drugs (e. g. LSD), sleep, etc.,

but here we are trying to study a state specific science of altered

consciousness brought about by meditation alone.

 

We shall attempt to review the progress in neurobiology in the

recent years. An attempt is made to throw light on this new and

fascinating subject. The terms used are technical, but, as far as

possible, an attempt is made to simplify the description.

 

This attempt to explain the neurophysiology of meditation is purely

hypothetical.

 

Meditation and Changes in Neurophysiology:

 

One of the ways to control physiological reactions to psychological

stimuli is meditation, Yoga, Zen Buddhism etc. The scientists take

Transcendental Meditation as the uniform technique, and base

their observations on the study of the subjects engaged in this form

of meditation. In summing up the results the scientists have come to

conclusion that the effect of meditation is a "wakeful, hypo-

metabolic state".

 

They have found that:

 

1) Yogis could slow both heart rate and rate of respiration,

 

2) Yogis could slow the rate of metabolism as confirmed by decreased

oxygen consumption and carbon-di-oxide output.

 

3) Electro-Encephalo-Gram (EEG - recording of brain activity) in

Yogis showed changes of calmness in the form of "alpha rhythm"

during both eyes closed and eyes open recordings.

 

4) Their skin resistance to electric stimulation was increased

(indicating increased tolerance to external stimuli).

 

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