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

Abstract

Meditation proficiency is related to trait-like (learned) effects on brain function, developed over time. Previous studies show increases in EEG power in lower frequency bands (theta, alpha) in experienced meditators in both meditation states and baseline conditions. Higher gamma band power has been found in advanced Buddhist meditators, yet it is not known if this occurs in Yoga meditation practices. This study used eLORETA to compare differences in cortical source activity underlying scalp EEG from intermediate (mean experience 4 years) and advanced (mean experience 30 years) Australian meditators from the Satyananda Yoga tradition during a body-steadiness meditation, mantra meditation, and non-meditation mental calculation condition. Intermediate Yoga meditators showed greater source activity in low frequencies (particularly theta and alpha1) during mental calculation, body-steadiness and mantra meditation. A similar spatial pattern of significant differences was found in all conditions but the number of significant voxels was double during body-steadiness and mantra meditation than in the non-meditation (calculation) condition. These differences were greatest in right (R) superior frontal and R precentral gyri and extended back to include the R parietal and occipital lobes. Advanced Yoga meditators showed greater activity in high frequencies (beta and especially gamma) in all conditions but greatly expanded during meditation practice. Across all conditions (meditation and non-meditation) differences were greatest in the same regions: R insula, R inferior frontal gyrus and R anterior temporal lobe. Distinct R core networks were identified in alpha1 (8–10 Hz) and gamma (25–42 Hz) bands, respectively. The voxels recruited to these networks greatly expanded during meditation practice to include homologous regions of the left hemisphere. Functional interpretation parallels traditionally described stages of development in Yoga proficiency.

Efficacy of a Satyananda Yoga Intervention for Reintegrating Adults Diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

“…Meditation has further been associated with an increase in telomerase activity (Jacobs et al, 2011), 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) and serotonin levels, as well as a decrease in vanillic-mandelic acid (VMA), each of which may engage the relaxation response rather than the fight-or-flight response (Bujatti & Biederer, 1976). Finally, Satyananda Yoga meditation has been associated with an increase in low frequency EEG activity (Thomas, Jamieson, & Cohen, 2014), which could be responsible for an improvement in hyperarousal and other PTSD symptoms. Satyananda Yoga was selected for use in the present study because the classes incorporate the benefits of these four practices in a holistic approach so that all PTSD symptom clusters are addressed in the most integral way.…”

A fMRI Study of Stages of Yoga Meditation Described in Traditional Texts

“…It was also found by the study of Thomas et al [23] that the networks greatly expanded during meditation practice to include homologous regions of the left hemisphere. It may be speculated that this may be true for the present study as well.…”

“…The above studies [18,23] demonstrated changes in the right inferior frontal gyrus and temporal region. The activation of the rMTG reported in the present study is in contrast to the findings of a report [24] which measured the performance of participants during an fMRI adapted Stroop word-color task.…”

“…These results are comparable with an eLORETA study. Here eLORETA was used to compare differences in cortical source activity in intermediate (average experience 4 years) and advanced (average experience 30 years) Australian meditators of the Satyananda Yoga tradition [23]. Assessments were made during a body steadiness meditation, mantra meditation and non meditation mental calculation.…”

Improvement of Brain Function through Combined Yogic Intervention, Meditation and Pranayama: A Critical Analysis

“…Effect of yoga meditation practice and EEG wave was analyzed and it was observed that immediate yoga meditators have greater source of activity in low frequencies particularly theta and alpha wave during mental calculation. Advance yoga meditators showed greater activity in high frequencies (beta and gamma) in all conditions (Thomas, 2014). Other researcher reported that EEG based improvements in cognitive abilities like attention and working memory with meditation practice .…”