Effect of Meditation on electro encephalographic graph (EEG), blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate

Abstract

Background: Ancient India presented to the world a great solution in the form of Meditation. Meditation is one healthy means which control the brain electrical activity to maintain a good health and healthy society. Objective: To study the effect of meditation on electro encephalograph and on other parameters like blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. Methods: Twenty healthy individuals who were practicing meditation regularly since last five years were compared with 20 healthy individuals who never practiced meditation. EEG, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate was recorded on these selected Individuals before and during meditation. Results: Meditators as a group showed significant increase in Alfa actitivity in occipital region of frequency of 8 Hz and decrease of ß- activity in parietal region compared to controls. Diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate showed a significant reduction before and during meditation among study subjects compared to controls. But this was not significant in case of systolic blood pressure. Conclusion: It was found that meditation has a positive impact on the EEG changes and other parameters studied among meditators as compared to non-meditators.

Keywords

• electrical activity
• electo encephalogram
• meditation