Autonomic changes during "OM" meditation.
The autonomic and respiratory variables were studied in seven experienced meditators (with experience ranging from 5 to 20 years). Each subject was studied in two types of sessions--meditation (with a period of mental chanting of "OM") and control (with a period of non-targetted thinking). The meditators showed a statistically significant reduction in heart rate during meditation compared to the control period (paired 't' test). During both types of sessions there was a comparable increase in the cutaneous peripheral vascular resistance. Keeping in mind similar results of other authors, this was interpreted as a sign of increased mental alertness, even while being physiologically relaxed (as shown by the reduced heart rate).
Telles
S
S
Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation, Bangalore.
Nagarathna
R
R
Nagendra
H R
HR
D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response / Q000502:physiology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008660:Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010991:Plethysmography; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D015013:Yoga