Taoist meditation enhances resting brain activity and autonomic responses
A recent study published in Scientific Reports by researchers Anna Rusinova, Maria Volodina, and Alexei Ossadtchi, explored the effects of Taoist meditation on brain and autonomic nervous system activity.
Over eight weeks, 25 novice participants underwent a Taoist meditation training program, with a control group listening to audiobooks.
The study found significant alterations in brain activity and sympathetic responses during rest but not during meditation sessions.
Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG), photoplethysmography (PPG), galvanic skin response (GSR), and respirometry, the researchers measured physiological changes before and after the intervention.
Results indicated increased theta and alpha power in various brain regions during rest, signifying enhanced relaxed alertness and internal attention.
Additionally, autonomic indicators showed increased sympathetic activity, suggesting heightened alertness and stress responses.
The findings highlight that even short-term meditation training can alter baseline physiological states, although this might initially be stressful. Interestingly, the changes did not manifest during active meditation, prompting further investigation into how meditation training influences different states of brain and autonomic activity.
While the study’s small sample size limits the generalizability of its results, it underscores the potential of Taoist meditation to impact resting brain states and autonomic function.
Future research is needed to explore the effects of various meditation practices and the role of biofeedback devices in enhancing meditative states.
References
- Short-term meditation training alters brain activity and sympathetic responses at rest, but not during meditation
- Taoist meditation alters resting brain activity, study finds
