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Abstract

This study explores the physiological correlates of a highly practiced Kundalini Yoga meditator. Thoracic and abdominal breathing patterns, heart rate (HR), occipital parietal electroencephalograph (EEG), skin conductance level (SCL), and blood volume pulse (BVP) were monitored during prebaseline, meditation, and postbaseline periods. Visual analyses of the data showed a decrease in respiration rate during the meditation from a mean of 11 breaths/min for the pre- and 13 breaths/min for the postbaseline to a mean of 5 breaths/min during the meditation, with a predominance of abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing. There was also more alpha EEG activity during the meditation (M = 1.71 microV) compared to the pre- (M = .47 microV) and postbaseline (M = .78 microV) periods, and an increase in theta EEG activity immediately following the meditation (M = .62 microV) compared to the pre-baseline and meditative periods (each with M = .26 microV). These findings suggest that a shift in breathing patterns may contribute to the development of alpha EEG, and those patterns need to be investigated further.

Effect of yoga on the Myofascial Pain Syndrome of neck

“…In the cervical myofascial pain syndrome, breathing is invariably strained, shallow, and mainly thoracic, which in turn affects other rhythmic phenomena like neuronal flow and vital cyclic rhythms with high flat cortisol levels, similar to the chronic arousal response. [3738] Āsanās and prānāyāma activates the Parasympathetic system, by increasing the local blood flow, which influences the endocrine system and nerve plexuses, affecting the neuronal flow. [39] Deep yogic breathing with prolonged exhalation relaxes most of the skeletal muscles.…”

Effects of an 8-week yoga program on sustained attention and discrimination function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“…Like physical activity, yoga has been found to have beneficial impacts on neurological and physiological activity and behavior in a range of populations. The reported benefits of yoga include increased slow-frequency brain wave activity (Arambula et al, 2001); favorable profiles on heart rate (HR) variability, depression, perceived stress, and superior aerobic fitness (Satin, Linden & Millman, 2014); and significant decrement of cortisol and increment in brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), serotonin, and dopamine (Pal et al, 2014). In essence, the practice of yoga exercise elicits reduced activation of the sympathetic nervous system and increased activation of the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in a sense of equilibrium into the body and mind, and increased emotional self-regulation (Streeter et al, 2012).…”

Low and then high frequency oscillations of distinct right cortical networks are progressively enhanced by medium and long term Satyananda Yoga meditation practice

“…Most studies report proficiency in years, although a more recent trend uses the more accurately calculated “hours of practice,” “based on daily practice and time spent in meditative retreats” (Brefczynski-Lewis et al, 2007). The term “advanced” has usually been reserved for meditators with more than 20 years' experience (Arambula et al, 2001). Numerous studies conducted over the last 40 years with Western meditators, usually with less than 10 years' experience, have reported increased power and coherence in the alpha and theta frequency bands during meditation practice (Cahn and Polich, 2006).…”