John Hagelin speaks on the variety of meditation techniques, how they compare, and their efficacy for experiencing the unified field
Showing posts with label brain wave coherence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brain wave coherence. Show all posts
Myth #4: There’s no solid scientific evidence showing meditation works
Hundreds of these research studies have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including the journals of the American Medical Association and American Heart Association, along with The International Journal of Neuroscience, American Journal of Physiology, Science and many others.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has granted $26 million over the past 20 years for scientists to study the impact of the Transcendental Meditation program for the prevention and treatment of heart disease, hypertension and stroke. Competition for government research grants is considerable, and only the more promising fields of research continue to receive substantial funding year after year, over decades. It is precisely because there is a precedence of high-quality scientific research behind the Transcendental Meditation technique, conducted by reputable scientists around the world, that government research funding continues.
American Heart Association: A research study from the American Heart Association confirms that the Transcendental Meditation technique lowers blood pressure, and recommends the TM technique for the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Report from the AHA's journal Hypertension: "All other meditation techniques (including mindfulness) received a 'no benefit level of evidence.’ Thus, other meditation techniques are not recommended.”
Randomized controlled trials: There have been 50 randomized controlled (or clinical) trials on the Transcendental Meditation technique — showing significant positive effects on intelligence, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and other areas.
Meta-analyses: Numerous meta-analyses, which examined 597 separate studies on a variety of meditation, relaxation and wellness practices, have found the Transcendental Meditation technique to be the most effective mind-body practice for producing deep physiological relaxation, reducing trait anxiety, lowering high blood pressure, decreasing cigarette, alcohol and drug use, improving psychological health, and increasing self-actualization. Meta-analysis is a qualitative procedure used by scientists to draw definitive conclusions from large bodies of research studies.
Support of medical doctors: The American Medical Association, which represents 140,000 medical doctors, has published and promoted research showing that the TM technique improves high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
"Transcendental Meditation is Good Science"—Pamela Peeke, M.D., National Institutes of Health; Doctor for the Discovery Channel:
Scientific research on the Transcendental Meditation program—National Institutes of Health Senior Researcher Norman Rosenthal, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School:
Brainwave Coherence During the Transcendental Meditation technique
Brain researchers have found that during practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, the brain becomes more coherent and integrated, and that this heightened efficiency of brain functioning grows over time through twice-daily practice — even outside of meditation — improving mental performance and overall health.
What is Brain Wave Coherence?
Everyone’s brain emits faint electrical impulses, which can be measured and recorded by EEG (electroencephalographic) monitoring devices. In an EEG measurement, sensors (electrodes) are placed on the scalp to detect and record the patterns of electrical activity. The data measured by the EEG can be used for clinical and research purposes. |
| Typical EEG Tracings from non-meditating subject. Each line represents output from an electrode sensor placed on the scalp. |
An EEG measurement identifies wavelengths—or frequencies—of brainwaves. During ordinary waking consciousness, EEG patterns are generally scattered, disorderly, and rapidly changing.
By contrast, as the mind settles into the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, brainwaves tend to become rhythmic and orderly—they fall into “phase”—and move synchronously over large areas in the frontal regions of the brain (as shown below), extending eventually toward the posterior regions as well. This is called EEG coherence.*
 |
| EEG tracings recorded during practice of the TM technique. The lines are moving up and down together — brain waves are no longer scattered but "in phase," indicating that neurons are firing in harmony within the same frequency of alpha1. |
Higher coherence is associated with more integrated and effective thinking and behavior, including greater intelligence, creativity, learning ability, emotional stability, ethical and moral reasoning, self-confidence, and reduced anxiety.
Researchers have long known that most experiences, whether sensory or cognitive, engage specific, localized areas of the brain. Studies on brain patterns during TM practice indicate that the technique enlivens coherence over a wide area—creating more efficient coordination of brain activity and stimulating the growth of what scientists propose to be “total brain functioning."
EEG studies showing brainwave coherence during practice of the TM technique along with synchronized alpha power in the frontal cortex have established the EEG signature for “restful alertness” or "pure consciousness," the inner experience commonly reported by people practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique.
Scientific References: Cognitive Processing 11:1 (2010); Consciousness and Cognition, 8, 302-318, 1999; International Journal of Neuroscience 14: 147–151, 1981; Science 167 (1970); Scientific American 226 (1972); American Journal of Physiology 221 (1971); Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology 35 (1973).Have other meditation techniques been found to produce these same levels of coherent brain functioning? No...>>
Read more on The Huffington Post: "Keeping Your Prefrontal Cortex Online: Neuroplasticity, Stress and Meditation"
*TECHNICAL: EEG coherence is a measure of correlation or synchrony of the EEG waves recorded at two points on the scalp. Mathematically, it is the absolute value of the cross-correlation function in the frequency domain of two electrical signals. Coherence reflects the number and strength of connections between two brain areas. Higher coherence indicates that these two points of the brain are working more closely together.
Normally applied to scalp EEG sensors that detect cortical neuron activity in the area below the sensor, the electrical waves are computer analyzed in a very precise manner to determine how similar the two waves are to each other over time. Specifically, the brainwave pattern from two points of the scalp are analyzed first for a given frequency band, say, alpha—between 8 and 12 cycles per second. These two converted signals are then examined over about a 1-2 second period to get an average value of the similarity in the upward and downward movement of each of the two waves. Thus, the researcher obtains an accurate measure of the constancy of the phase relationship of the two wave patterns over a given time period. This constancy is closely correlated with fundamental modes of brain information transfer.
ADHD: Medicate or Meditate?
by Jeanne Ball
TM: An effective alternative to medication?
Parents and educators are searching for alternatives to the use of drugs for treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The mind-body practice widely known as the Transcendental Meditation technique is becoming more recognized an effective adjunct or alternative to ADHD medication.
Peer-reviewed scientific research studies show that the Transcendental Meditation technique improves focus, attentiveness, memory and decreases hyperactivity, anxiety and depression. It is easy to practice and results come immediately.
There is growing concern about negative side effects and long-term health outcomes associated with ADHD medications. Groundbreaking research is showing the effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation technique as a non-drug approach to treating ADHD.
ADHD, the brain, and medication
Neuroscientists and researchers tell us that an imbalance in brain functioning can cause ADHD symptoms. The brain is made up of millions of cells that continually talk to each other, sending signals across the gaps between brain cells. The messenger molecules that carry these signals are called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin regulate thinking, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness, memory, emotions, and depression.
The active ingredients in the most commonly used ADHD medications are amphetamines. As powerful stimulants, these amphetamines artificially increase the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, speeding up brain activity. This is of great concern to medical researchers, doctors and parents. According to researchers, when the drugs flood the brain with these artificially produced neurotransmitters, the brain's ability to produce these neurotransmitters by itself is diminished. This can potentially cause the brain to suppress the natural growth and development of the brain cells that create the neural networks. The young brain isn’t given the chance to develop on its own and mature in its own functioning.[1]
How meditation works
Unlike drugs, the Transcendental Meditation technique doesn’t just treat the symptoms, it influences the cause of the disorder. This means that the technique doesn’t create just a temporary effect, but can improve the condition permanently by reducing stress and creating more efficient and orderly brain functioning.
Scientific research studies published in such prestigious journals as the International Journal of Neuroscience[2], Psychophysiology and others [3] have shown that the TM technique creates widespread "EEG coherence " throughout all areas of the brain. Everything good about the brain depends on its efficient, orderly functioning. Scientists have found that this improved brain functioning through daily TM practice improves IQ, creativity, comprehension, memory and academic performance. People practicing the TM technique commonly report immediate relief from anxiety and hyperactivity, and greater ability to concentrate and focus in their daily life.
Under supervision of their doctors, patients with ADHD who learn the TM technique are often able to reduce or eliminate their medications within 3-6 months.
How the TM technique is different
The TM technique is unique—distinguished by its effortlessness, naturalness, and profound effectiveness. The technique is practiced for 15-20 minutes twice a day, while sitting comfortably with eyes closed. It doesn't take years to master and can be easily learned by anyone, even children, in just a few days. The technique is non-religious and requires no change in lifestyle or belief—one doesn't even have to believe in it for it to work. Because the practice is effortless, you don't have to be able to concentrate or even sit still.
The TM technique allows awareness to naturally settle inward, transcending the busy activity of the mind, to a state of restful alertness. During the practice, the body gains deep relaxation—much deeper than ordinary relaxation.
Over 350 peer-reviewed scientific research studies have shown the TM technique to be the most effective mind-body practice for decreasing anxiety and depression and promoting self-actualization.
Many people with ADHD and other learning disorders have tried counseling and other forms of meditation, without desired results. With regular practice of TM, many are able to end their dependence on medications while thriving in school or work for the first time in their lives.
To view ABC, BBC and PBS video news clips on the use of the TM technique for treating students with ADHD, click here.
References:
1. http://www.adhd-tm.org/questions.html
2. Dillbeck M. C. and Bronson E. C. Short-term longitudinal effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique on EEG power and coherence. International Journal of Neuroscience 14: 147–151, 1981.
3. Travis F. Eyes open and TM EEG patterns after one and after eight years of TM practice. Psychophysiology 28 (3a): S58, 1991.
4. Travis F. and Miskov S. P300 latency and amplitude during eyes-closed rest and Transcendental Meditation practice.Psychophysiology 31: S67 (Abstract), 1994.
5. Travis F. Patterns of EEG coherence, power, and contingent negative variation characterize the integration of transcendental and waking states. Biological Psychology 61: 293-319, 2002.
6. Wallace R.K., et al. Modification of the paired H reflex through the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program. Experimental Neurology 79: 77-86, 1983.
7. Wallace R. K., et al. Modification of the paired H reflex through the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program. Experimental Neurology 79: 77–86, 1983.
8. Yamamoto S., et al. Medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulated cortex in the generation of alpha activity induced by Transcendental Meditation: A magnetoencephalographic study. Acta Medica Okayama, 60(1): 51-58, 2006.
9. Alexander C.N., et al. Effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on stress reduction, health, and employee development: A prospective study in two occupational settings. Anxiety, Stress and Coping: An International Journal 6: 245-262, 1993.
10. Candelent T., et al. Teaching Transcendental Meditation in a psychiatric setting. Hospital & Community Psychiatry 26: 156-159, 1975.
11. Dillbeck M.C. The effect of the Transcendental Meditation technique on anxiety level. Journal of Clinical Psychology 33: 1076-1078, 1977.
12. Eppley K.R. et al. Differential effects of relaxation techniques on trait anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology 45: 957-974, 1989.
13. http://www.doctorsontm.com/anxiety-adult
TM: An effective alternative to medication?
Parents and educators are searching for alternatives to the use of drugs for treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The mind-body practice widely known as the Transcendental Meditation technique is becoming more recognized an effective adjunct or alternative to ADHD medication.
Peer-reviewed scientific research studies show that the Transcendental Meditation technique improves focus, attentiveness, memory and decreases hyperactivity, anxiety and depression. It is easy to practice and results come immediately.
There is growing concern about negative side effects and long-term health outcomes associated with ADHD medications. Groundbreaking research is showing the effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation technique as a non-drug approach to treating ADHD.
ADHD, the brain, and medication
Neuroscientists and researchers tell us that an imbalance in brain functioning can cause ADHD symptoms. The brain is made up of millions of cells that continually talk to each other, sending signals across the gaps between brain cells. The messenger molecules that carry these signals are called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin regulate thinking, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness, memory, emotions, and depression.
The active ingredients in the most commonly used ADHD medications are amphetamines. As powerful stimulants, these amphetamines artificially increase the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, speeding up brain activity. This is of great concern to medical researchers, doctors and parents. According to researchers, when the drugs flood the brain with these artificially produced neurotransmitters, the brain's ability to produce these neurotransmitters by itself is diminished. This can potentially cause the brain to suppress the natural growth and development of the brain cells that create the neural networks. The young brain isn’t given the chance to develop on its own and mature in its own functioning.[1]
How meditation works
Unlike drugs, the Transcendental Meditation technique doesn’t just treat the symptoms, it influences the cause of the disorder. This means that the technique doesn’t create just a temporary effect, but can improve the condition permanently by reducing stress and creating more efficient and orderly brain functioning.
Scientific research studies published in such prestigious journals as the International Journal of Neuroscience[2], Psychophysiology and others [3] have shown that the TM technique creates widespread "EEG coherence " throughout all areas of the brain. Everything good about the brain depends on its efficient, orderly functioning. Scientists have found that this improved brain functioning through daily TM practice improves IQ, creativity, comprehension, memory and academic performance. People practicing the TM technique commonly report immediate relief from anxiety and hyperactivity, and greater ability to concentrate and focus in their daily life.
Under supervision of their doctors, patients with ADHD who learn the TM technique are often able to reduce or eliminate their medications within 3-6 months.
How the TM technique is different
The TM technique is unique—distinguished by its effortlessness, naturalness, and profound effectiveness. The technique is practiced for 15-20 minutes twice a day, while sitting comfortably with eyes closed. It doesn't take years to master and can be easily learned by anyone, even children, in just a few days. The technique is non-religious and requires no change in lifestyle or belief—one doesn't even have to believe in it for it to work. Because the practice is effortless, you don't have to be able to concentrate or even sit still.
The TM technique allows awareness to naturally settle inward, transcending the busy activity of the mind, to a state of restful alertness. During the practice, the body gains deep relaxation—much deeper than ordinary relaxation.
Over 350 peer-reviewed scientific research studies have shown the TM technique to be the most effective mind-body practice for decreasing anxiety and depression and promoting self-actualization.
Many people with ADHD and other learning disorders have tried counseling and other forms of meditation, without desired results. With regular practice of TM, many are able to end their dependence on medications while thriving in school or work for the first time in their lives.
To view ABC, BBC and PBS video news clips on the use of the TM technique for treating students with ADHD, click here.
References:
1. http://www.adhd-tm.org/questions.html
2. Dillbeck M. C. and Bronson E. C. Short-term longitudinal effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique on EEG power and coherence. International Journal of Neuroscience 14: 147–151, 1981.
3. Travis F. Eyes open and TM EEG patterns after one and after eight years of TM practice. Psychophysiology 28 (3a): S58, 1991.
4. Travis F. and Miskov S. P300 latency and amplitude during eyes-closed rest and Transcendental Meditation practice.Psychophysiology 31: S67 (Abstract), 1994.
5. Travis F. Patterns of EEG coherence, power, and contingent negative variation characterize the integration of transcendental and waking states. Biological Psychology 61: 293-319, 2002.
6. Wallace R.K., et al. Modification of the paired H reflex through the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program. Experimental Neurology 79: 77-86, 1983.
7. Wallace R. K., et al. Modification of the paired H reflex through the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program. Experimental Neurology 79: 77–86, 1983.
8. Yamamoto S., et al. Medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulated cortex in the generation of alpha activity induced by Transcendental Meditation: A magnetoencephalographic study. Acta Medica Okayama, 60(1): 51-58, 2006.
9. Alexander C.N., et al. Effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on stress reduction, health, and employee development: A prospective study in two occupational settings. Anxiety, Stress and Coping: An International Journal 6: 245-262, 1993.
10. Candelent T., et al. Teaching Transcendental Meditation in a psychiatric setting. Hospital & Community Psychiatry 26: 156-159, 1975.
11. Dillbeck M.C. The effect of the Transcendental Meditation technique on anxiety level. Journal of Clinical Psychology 33: 1076-1078, 1977.
12. Eppley K.R. et al. Differential effects of relaxation techniques on trait anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology 45: 957-974, 1989.
13. http://www.doctorsontm.com/anxiety-adult
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Most Popular
-
Mindfulness meditation, often associated with Vipassana (a Buddhist practice), is generally considered to be a form of " open monitori... -
The Transcendental Meditation technique is not just watching your breath, contemplating , concentrating, or trying to be mindful. I t'... -
by Tom Ball The New York Times article, "The Man Who Saved the Beatles," written in response to the passing of Maharishi M... -
Mantra meditation practices are generally forms of controlled focus , employing degrees of concentration or sustained attention. The... -
Brain researchers have found that during practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, the brain becomes more coherent and integrated... -
Editor's note: With thousands of Buddhist monks in Asia practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique , it may be interesting to c... -
Transcendental Consciousness David Orme-Johnson, Ph.D. Many scholars have noted that experiences of Transcendental Consciousness are univers...