• Consultant Neurologist - Ahmedabad, INDIA

• Director of Neurosciences – Sterling Hospital• Head, Department of Neurology – VSGH, AHD• Hon. Professor of Neurology – K.M.School

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE OF MEDITATIONOF MEDITATION

July, 2007July, 2007Jaina, New JerseyJaina, New Jersey

MEDITATION, ITS TECHNIQUES AND ITS MEDITATION, ITS TECHNIQUES AND ITS SCIENCESCIENCE

Why Meditation ?Why Meditation ?

• We exist in two forms : body and mind. We exist in two forms : body and mind.

• At some stage you realize that peace At some stage you realize that peace and happiness is not outside. and happiness is not outside.

• The quest for the god. The quest for the god.

• All great people have done meditation. All great people have done meditation.

What is meditation

• Exercise of mind to keep it healthy and clean, as we do for body.

• A state of altered consciousness.

• Fourth stage of consciousness.

• Spiritual ecstasy with neurological manifestation.

• Not really a Hallucination

MeditationMeditation

RitualsRitualsMoralityMorality

CharacterCharacterCharityCharity

RELIGIONRELIGION

KarmayogaKarmayogaDevotionDevotion

PhilosophyPhilosophyMeditation

SpiritualitSpiritualityy

What is meditation? Definitions

• Stability of mind

• Wavering of mind is stopped

• Concentration on one target

• Unified thought process

• Thoughtlessness

• Introspection

• Lack of activity

• To leave, to give away

• Mental aerobics

• Intentional self regulation

• Dedication •Patanjali

•Buddha

•Narad

Meditation : advantages

• Physical, mental and emotional health.

• Cure / control of psychosomatic disorders including

high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, DM,

asthma, rheumatism etc.

• Stress relief.

• Spiritual health.

• Better concentration and sharpness.

• Produces relaxation and reduces reactivity.

• Job performance.

• Interpersonal relations.

• Control of anger and conquering fear.

• Brings change of attitude

• Inner peace, patience and happiness.

• Cultivates and promotes positive emotions and

removes negative thoughts.

• Control over thought process.

• Improved quality of life.

• Intuitive knowledge, healing power, magnetic

personality and occult powers.

Meditation : advantages

Meditation is an antidote to stress

• The neuro chemistry and neuro physiology

of meditation is just the reverse of

stress. Stress : Over

activity of Sympathetic system.

• Meditation: Over activity of

Parasympathetic system.

Caution

• However, it is not a push button system, you need

patience. Hence there is a 90 to 95% -drop out rate.

You need to have right guide, right method, correct

understanding, appropriate place, constant practice,

extreme faith and full conviction.

• Please do not sleep.

• Meditation industry is at height, because of

commercialization, so one should be careful.

• Meditation is hard work. It

demands the highest form of

discipline which comes through

constant awareness, not only of

the things about you outwardly,

but also inwardly.

- J.

Krishnamurti

The Real Purpose Of Meditation

• Elimination of Ego

• Elimination of Mind

MEDITATION : PHILOSOPHICAL PURPOSE

• Philosophical self realization

• God realization

• Total bliss (total relief of pain)

• Total liberation

Meditation techniques• Focus on Breathing

• Focus on an object

• Focus on a sound

• Focus on a thought

• Focus on sensual object

• Focus on sensory perception

• Imagery

• Soul meditation

Meditation Practice• Choosing a place and atmosphere

• Sitting Posture

• Time of meditation

• Importance of Consistent Practice

• Mental attitude –

“bare attention,” or neutral witness

• Pure moment-to-moment awareness, or mindfulness

Non-judgmental inner listening, equanimity

-WARMING UP-

• Prayer

• Pranayama……… internet connection……... Broadband

Meditation : methods

Jain Dhyana Preksha Dhyana Vipashyana Patanjal Dhyana Anapan Sati Smriti Upasthan Spand Dhyana Mantra Dhyana Nabhi Dhyana Swapna Dhyana Nidra Dhyana Yoga nidra Nyas Mrutyu Dhyana T.S Meditation

Kayotsarga Tratak Suryasamyam Adarshdhyana

(mirror) Swaminarayan

Dhyana Arup Dhyana Purnayoga Dhyana Atit Dhyana (past) Bhavidhyana (future) Sarpalanchan Dhyana Samarpana Dhyana Tathata Hoo-Dhyana (Dynamic

Meditation) Sahaj Dhyana Your own system

MeditationJaindhyana MeditationJaindhyana

• Jain religion is Bhavadharma, so Jain religion is Bhavadharma, so meditation is of utmost meditation is of utmost importance.importance.

• Dharmadhyana & shukladhyana…Dharmadhyana & shukladhyana…

excellent remedy for all types of excellent remedy for all types of health.health.

• Several types of meditations.Several types of meditations.

• Samayik & kayotsarga are super Samayik & kayotsarga are super

meditations.meditations.

• Preksha, vipashyana, Preksha, vipashyana,

granthibhedagranthibheda

• Atmadhyana.Atmadhyana.

• Jain religion is Bhavadharma, so Jain religion is Bhavadharma, so meditation is of utmost meditation is of utmost importance.importance.

• Dharmadhyana & shukladhyana…Dharmadhyana & shukladhyana…

excellent remedy for all types of excellent remedy for all types of health.health.

• Several types of meditations.Several types of meditations.

• Samayik & kayotsarga are super Samayik & kayotsarga are super

meditations.meditations.

• Preksha, vipashyana, Preksha, vipashyana,

granthibhedagranthibheda

• Atmadhyana.Atmadhyana.

• Samayik :- Samatvabhava - karmanirjara - way to liberationSamayik :- Samatvabhava - karmanirjara - way to liberation

Samata towards living beings : No raga – Samata towards living beings : No raga – dweshadwesha

Samata towards objects : No moha – Samata towards objects : No moha – shoka shoka

• Pratikraman Pratikraman

•• Samatva followed by meditation & KayotsagraSamatva followed by meditation & Kayotsagra

with six requisites (Shad Avashyak)with six requisites (Shad Avashyak)

•• Creates blissful state.Creates blissful state.

•• Presence of Gurudeva – so you are Presence of Gurudeva – so you are

stress free, guilt free, disease free. stress free, guilt free, disease free.

This is followed by prayaschita and sadhana This is followed by prayaschita and sadhana

•• Prayaschitta takes care of past tense Prayaschitta takes care of past tense

•• Vishuddhi takes care of present tenseVishuddhi takes care of present tense

•• Vishalya takes care of future tense Vishalya takes care of future tense

• Samayik :- Samatvabhava - karmanirjara - way to liberationSamayik :- Samatvabhava - karmanirjara - way to liberation

Samata towards living beings : No raga – Samata towards living beings : No raga – dweshadwesha

Samata towards objects : No moha – Samata towards objects : No moha – shoka shoka

• Pratikraman Pratikraman

•• Samatva followed by meditation & KayotsagraSamatva followed by meditation & Kayotsagra

with six requisites (Shad Avashyak)with six requisites (Shad Avashyak)

•• Creates blissful state.Creates blissful state.

•• Presence of Gurudeva – so you are Presence of Gurudeva – so you are

stress free, guilt free, disease free. stress free, guilt free, disease free.

This is followed by prayaschita and sadhana This is followed by prayaschita and sadhana

•• Prayaschitta takes care of past tense Prayaschitta takes care of past tense

•• Vishuddhi takes care of present tenseVishuddhi takes care of present tense

•• Vishalya takes care of future tense Vishalya takes care of future tense

Atmadhyana Atmadhyana

• Meditating on the soul is one of the best Meditating on the soul is one of the best meditations. meditations.

• To remain constantly aware of the soul and its To remain constantly aware of the soul and its

characteristics and its functions. To dissociate characteristics and its functions. To dissociate

soul from the body at every moment and the soul from the body at every moment and the

sentinence – the application of knowledge is the sentinence – the application of knowledge is the

ultimate meditation. ultimate meditation.

• Samayam api ma pamayae GOYAMA !Samayam api ma pamayae GOYAMA !

Thought

• SPECT studies :

Mana, vachana, kaya, Pudgala.

Meditation-Techniques

• Prekshadhyana : To see –To observe ( Jain Method-Lord Mahavir) Acharya Tulsiji – Acharya Mahapragyaji

- Breathing (Shwas-Preksha) - Thoughts (Vichar-Preksha) - Body (Sharir-Preksha) - Mind (Anupreksha) - Leshyadhyana etc.

Prerequisites : Mitahaar, Mitbhashan, Maitri, Pratikriya - Shunyakriya, Bhavkriya

Truth, Non-violence, non-stealing, celibacy and non-collectiveness

Meditation-Techniques

• Vipashyana : To see –To observe ( Buddha)

Goenkaji through mahasi sayado Breathing –

control of emotions & perversions

Thoughts

Body and perception of sensationscontrol of Raga and Dwesha

Vipashyana

• Calm and quiet mind

• Awake and attentive mind

• Equanimous mind

PATANJAL RAJ YOGA

• Yama : Nonviolence, truth, non-stealing

celibacy and aparigriha (Non-collectiveness)

• Niyama : Purity, Penance (Austerity) Satisfaction

Spiritual learning Worship & dedication

• Asana :

• Pranayama :

• Pratyaahar :

• Dharna :

• Dhyana :

• Samadhi :

Meditation over anMeditation over an

object, place or thoughtobject, place or thought

Basic Instructions for Meditation

• To bring the attention to the breath, but not to control the breathing. It is not pranayama.

• Give full attention to the feeling of the breath as it goes in and out.

• Dwell in the present, moment by moment, breath by breath.

• Observe your mind with moment-to-moment awareness.

Anapan SatiAnapan Sati

• When attention wanders, note it and then gently bring awareness back to the breath.

• Why breathing ? Truth, vital, secular, present tense, carrier of mind – Emotions, thoughts, and perversions

• Continue to watch the breath, accepting each moment as it is for 1 hour. Not to loose single breath

- The power of ‘NOW’ - The concept of VOID

• When breathing takes consciousness into each cell, there is a vital dance

Basic Instructions for Meditation

Meditation-Techniques• Anapan Sati : Concentration on breathing

• Smriti Upasthan : Observation & awareness of thoughts

Budhha, Krishnamurti

Avoid conflict with mind.

The route cause of miseries is thought

Study beginning, end, structure &

content of thoughts.

Study movement of mind and feel separated

This will lead to detachment with thoughts.

Observer will realize that himself is being

observed.

• Purnayoga : Maharishi Aurobindo’s

method of combination Yoga

• Sudarshan kriya

• Art of living course has changed thousands of lives

Sri Sri Ravishankarji Sri Sri Ravishankarji

SILENCE / CONTEMPLATIONSILENCE / CONTEMPLATION

In the silence of the heart God speaks

Let God fill us, then only we speak.

Do small things with great love.

The fruit of silence…..is PrayerThe fruit of Prayer….. is FaithThe fruit of Faith……..is loveThe fruit of Love …….is Service

- Mother Teresa

The Sound of Om in a Drop of Oil CHANTING MEDITATION

                                                            

"Since all things are made by the power of sound, of vibration, so can we create this world by the same power. The knowledge of sound is supreme, for it is beyond all form. By the knowledge of sound we obtain the knowledge of creation, And the mastery of that knowledge helps us to rise to the formless. This knowledge acts as our wings, helping us to rise from the earth to heaven and penetrate through life seen and unseen."

-- Pir Hazrat Inayat Khan To do chanting on mantra, its meaning and vibration

A Yantra is a graphic representation of the sound of Mantra

Mr. Emoto decided to see how thoughts and words affected the formation of untreated, distilled water crystals by typing words onto paper and then taping them on glass bottles overnight.

                                                                                                

These are effects of the words “Love and Appreciation”

These are the effects of “You make me sick. I will kill you!”

Effect of sound chanting

Mr. Emoto decided to see what effects music had upon Mr. Emoto decided to see what effects music had upon the structure of water. He placed distilled water the structure of water. He placed distilled water between two speakers for several hours while playing between two speakers for several hours while playing music and then photographed the crystals that formed music and then photographed the crystals that formed after the water was frozen. The results of the effects of after the water was frozen. The results of the effects of these two very different types of music speak for these two very different types of music speak for themselves. themselves.

                                                                                    

                                                                                            

  

This is the effect of This is the effect of Bach’s “Air for the G Bach’s “Air for the G String”String”

This is the effects of This is the effects of Heavy Metal MusicHeavy Metal Music

                                                

""The seed of the spiritual is The seed of the spiritual is found in the physical. In the found in the physical. In the heart of the cells, in the spiral heart of the cells, in the spiral of the DNA, is written the of the DNA, is written the divine story. divine story. When scientific When scientific research, spiritual practice and research, spiritual practice and artistic expression work artistic expression work together, heaven and earth are together, heaven and earth are in resonance.in resonance. This is the This is the vibratory promise which is the vibratory promise which is the gift of our musical universe."gift of our musical universe."- Fabien Maman- Fabien Maman

This is a picture showing a healthy hemoglobin cell exposed to a voice singing of the note G '392'. The cell clearly is pulsing with vibrancy and life as it entrains to the frequency of the sound, becoming clearly more alive and healthy. It appears to actually soak up the sound, until it eventually pulses and emits the sound.

Mindfulness Practice

• Observing the body and mind intentionallyLetting experiences unfold from moment to moment and accepting them as they are.

• Observing thoughts without getting caught up in them.

No effort to control anything except the focus and direction of

the attention. Not a passive process, yet does not involve

trying to get anywhere.

• Eating meditation, sitting meditation, working meditation and

meditation during each act is the goal of mindfulness practice.

DHYANA YOGA

• Perfect relaxation

• Observer ship

• Non Decisiveness

Dynamic Meditation

Transcendental Transcendental Meditation (TM)Meditation (TM)

• Movement Movement founded by founded by Maharshi Mahesh Maharshi Mahesh Yogi of India. Yogi of India.

T.S.MEDITATION

Meditation : methods

Jain Dhyana Patanjal Dhyana Anapan Sati Smriti Upasthan Vipashyana Preksha Dhyana Spand Dhyana Mantra Dhyana Nabhi Dhyana Swapna Dhyana Nidra Dhyana Yoga nidra Nyas Mrutyu Dhyana T.S Meditation

Kayotsarga Tratak Suryasamyam Adarshdhyana

(mirror) Swaminarayan

Dhyana Arup Dhyana Purnayoga Dhyana Atit Dhyana (past) Bhavidhyana (future) Sarpalanchan Dhyana Samarpana Dhyana Tathata Hoo-Dhyana (Dynamic

Meditation) Sahaj Dhyana Your own system

First Practice Silence of body, speech and learn to get isolated

Our Experience Anatomical &Conceptual Design

Related Science

DiagnosticMethods

Related MedicalHealing Rx

• Bliss• Oneness With God

• Spirit• Soul• Higher Consciousness

• Religion• Spirituality

• Knowing• Awareness

• Self Healing• Prayer• Spiritual Counseling• Religious Affirmation

• Dreams • Trance• Meditative State

Question

What isYour Goal?

How areyou reactingTo currentSituation?

• Unconsciousness• No Mind• Family• Consciousness

• Quantum Physics

5th SOUL• Dream Interpret• Dowsing

• Hypnotherapy• Labyrinth Garden• Radioing /Magnets• Regression Therapy• Systemic Family Therapy4th Intuitive Body

How do you React to your Feelings?

• Beliefs• Attitudes• Thoughts

• Mind: Consciousness & Unconsciousness (logical)

• Psychology• Mind-Body Medicine

•Psychological Testing

• Psychotherapy• Music Therapy• Bio-feedback• Deep Meditation• Guided Imagery

3rd Mental Body

What do you Feel?

• Feeling• Emotions

• Nervous System• Meridians• Chakras

•Physiology•Functional Medicine

• Kinesiology• Thermogram• EEG/EKG/EMG

• Laughter Therapy• Aroma Therapy• Massage• Reiki• Light Meditation• Acupuncture2nd Electrical Regulation Body

How is illnessAffecting yourPhysical Body?

• 5 senses• Movement

•Structure•Bones, cells•Biochemistry

• Mechanics• Chemistry• Pathologic/ Allopathic Medicine

•Physical Exam•Laboratory Test•Imaging: X-Ray•CT Scan MRI

• Drugs• Surgery• Herbs/Vitamins• Physical Medicine• Supplements• Organ Support1st Physical Body

INTEGRATIVE MODEL TO HEALTH AND HEALING

Researching the Benefits of  on Meditation :Researching the Benefits of  on Meditation :

• With 7 weeks of meditation, cancer patients decreased their degree of depression, anxiety, anger, confusion, and chest and stomach symptoms by 50% - and felt more vigor.

• With 10 weeks of meditation, 2/3’s of chronic pain patients had a 30% reduction in pain, and half had more than a 50% reduction.

• With 10 weeks of meditation, chronic pain patients had less pain, less mood disturbances, used less pain medication, and could be more active.  The benefits were still present one year later.

• Three years after an 8-week meditation instruction, patients with anxiety and panic disorders still showed a benefit.

• All patients with fibromyalgia who meditated for 10 weeks improved, and over half showed moderate to marked improvement in pain, fatigue and quality of sleep.

Medical benefits of meditation

• Meditation has been found to be quite useful in most of the psychosomatic disorders including asthma, rheumatism, gut problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc.

• With 6 weeks of meditation irritable bowel syndrome patients had less flatulance, belching, bloating and diarrhea.

• Even though daily fluctuations in cortisol are unchanged, people who meditate don’t have the daily fluctuations in the cortisol-stimulating hormone (ACTH), or beta-endorphins, suggesting a change in feedback sensitivity.

• People trained in and performing an imagery-based relaxation prior to injection, had less inflammatory reaction to chili pepper “extract” (capsaicin) injected under the skin.  

• With 6 months of meditation, athletes had less increase in the CD8+ suppressor T cell response to strenuous physical stress, improving the immune system’s helper to suppressor cell ratio.  It also reduces post-traumatic stress.   

Medical benefits of meditation

• Patients who meditated during ultraviolet light treatment Patients who meditated during ultraviolet light treatment for for psoriasispsoriasis had quicker clearing of their skin disease.     had quicker clearing of their skin disease.    

• With 6 months of meditating for 20 minutes twice a day, With 6 months of meditating for 20 minutes twice a day, hypertensive African Americans had a decrease in the hypertensive African Americans had a decrease in the carotid artery wall thickness.carotid artery wall thickness.

• With 4 years of daily meditation, With 4 years of daily meditation, coronary artery coronary artery narrowingnarrowing showed showed regressionregression rather than progression. rather than progression.

• Over a 5 year period, people who meditated had over Over a 5 year period, people who meditated had over 50% less doctor’s office visits, and an average of  50% less doctor’s office visits, and an average of  50% 50% less hospital admissionsless hospital admissions (including a reduction all 17 (including a reduction all 17 major treatment categories such as benign and major treatment categories such as benign and malignant malignant tumors, heart disease, infectious disease, and tumors, heart disease, infectious disease, and nervous system disordersnervous system disorders).  Only childbirth rates were ).  Only childbirth rates were the unchangedthe unchanged. .

Medical benefits of meditation

STATISTICSSTATISTICS

• Physicians, Psychotherapists, and other Physicians, Psychotherapists, and other Professionals are increasingly adding Professionals are increasingly adding Meditative Techniques to their practice.Meditative Techniques to their practice.

• Over six thousand Physicians have begun Over six thousand Physicians have begun the practice of Transcendental Meditation the practice of Transcendental Meditation and regularly recommend the TM and regularly recommend the TM technique to their patients. technique to their patients.

• Many Physicians consider Meditation a key Many Physicians consider Meditation a key element of an Integrated Health Program.element of an Integrated Health Program.

Health Conditions in which Health Conditions in which Yoga may help heal or treatYoga may help heal or treat

• ArthritisArthritis• AllergiesAllergies• AsthmaAsthma• HypertensionHypertension• Coronary Artery Coronary Artery

DiseaseDisease• Irritable Bowel Irritable Bowel

Syndrome Syndrome • Heartburn (GERD)Heartburn (GERD)• ConstipationConstipation• Tension Headaches Tension Headaches

and Migrainesand Migraines

• PMS and Menstrual PMS and Menstrual DiscomfortDiscomfort

• MenopauseMenopause• Pain of the Back, Hips, Pain of the Back, Hips,

KneesKnees• Depression & AnxietyDepression & Anxiety• Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse• Skin DisordersSkin Disorders• Chronic Fatigue Chronic Fatigue

SyndromeSyndrome• OverweightOverweight• Sleep ProblemsSleep Problems

Physiology of Meditation

• Meditation produces a specific physiological response pattern that involves various biological systems.

• Mechanisms producing meditative effects include metabolic, autonomic, endocrine, neurological, and psychological manifestation.

• Physiological response to meditation occurs on a multidimensional, interactive basis.

Effect of meditation

BETA: Alert/Working14-20 waves per second

ALPHA: Relaxed/Reflecting 8-13 waves per second

THETA: Drowsy/Meditating 4-7 waves per second

DELTA: Sleep/Dreaming3-4 waves per second

DELTA: Deep & Dreamless Sleep .5-2 waves per sec

BETA brainwaves are the fastest frequencies ranging

from 14 cycles per second up to 38 cycles per second.

Beta is your normal thinking state, your active external

awareness and thought process. Without beta you would

not be able to function in the outside world.

ALPHA brainwaves are the brainwaves of relaxed

detached awareness, visualization, sensory imagery

and light reverie. Ranging between about 8 cycles per

second and 13 cycles per second, alpha is the gateway

to meditation and provides a bridge between the

conscious and the subconscious mind.

Important features of EEG Important features of EEG changes changes

related to meditation are : related to meditation are : Establishing alpha activity in spite of open eyes Establishing alpha activity in spite of open eyes

• Increased amplitude of alpha activity Increased amplitude of alpha activity

• Slower frequency of alpha rhythmSlower frequency of alpha rhythm

• Rhythmical theta waves Rhythmical theta waves

• Increased synchronization (Increased synchronization (hypersynchronization)hypersynchronization)

• Dissociation of perception from the external sense Dissociation of perception from the external sense

organs organs

• Transcendent signal Transcendent signal

• Occasional fast wave activityOccasional fast wave activity

THETA brainwaves are the subconscious mind. Ranging

from about 4 cycles per second up to 8 cycles per

second, theta is present in dreaming sleep and

provides the experience of deep meditation when you

meditate. Theta also contains the storehouse of

creative inspiration and is where you often have your

spiritual connection. Theta provides the peak in the

peak experience

DELTA brainwaves are your unconscious mind, the

sleep state, ranging from about 4 cycles per second

down to 0.5 cycles per second. But when present in

combination with other waves in a waking state, Delta

acts as a form of radar – seeking out information –

reaching out to understand on the deepest

unconscious level things that we can't understand

through thought process. Delta provides intuition,

empathetic attunement, and instinctual insight.

The MEDITATION brainwave pattern is a

combination of alpha and theta where theta

provides the depth and profundity of the

meditation experience – the subconscious inner

space from which creativity, insight, and healing

spring – and alpha provides the bridge, or the link,

to the conscious thinking mind so that you can

actually remember the contents of your

meditation.

AWAKENED MIND brainwave pattern

It is a brainwave pattern shared by people in higher

states of consciousness regardless of their

philosophy, theology or meditation technique. This

brainwave pattern can be found during “peak

experience” and in all forms of creativity and high

performance

Neuroelectrical Effects

Mediation was shown to - increase Alpha (8-13 Hz or cycles per second) production

- increase Theta (4-7 Hz) production - increase high Beta (20 - 40 Hz) activity ( with experienced

meditators).

Alpha patterns are associated with calm and focused attention.

Theta patterns are associated with reverie, imagery, and creativity.

High Beta activity is associated with highly focused concentration

Neurophysiology of Meditation

Imaging, such as rCBF (regional Cerebral Blood Flow), real time MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), MEG (magnetoencephalography), and improved EEG (electoencephalography) allow detailed studies in understanding the effects of meditation on neural behavior.

SPECT study shows- Parietal area of the brain is responsible for giving us a sense of our orientation in space and time. By blocking all sensory and cognitive input into this area, meditation results in the sense of no space and no time.

temporal resolution

sp

ati

al re

solu

tion

neurons

cms

ms minutes

meg -eeg

seeg

petfmri

DYNAMIC BRAIN MAPPING

SPECT Images at Baseline and During Meditation

Baseline Meditation

Prefrontal Cortex Prefrontal Cortex

SuperiorParietal Lobe

SuperiorParietal Lobe

Baseline Meditation

SPECT Images at Baseline and During Meditation

Baseline Scan

LIMBIC

Comparison of Baseline to Prayer : Limbic

inhibition

LIMBIC

Prayer Scan

SuperiorParietal Lobe

SuperiorParietal Lobe

Baseline Scan Prayer Scan

Comparison of Baseline to Prayer

Part of the Brain P-value

Baseline Mean

Meditation

Mean

PercentChange

SD

Anterior Cingulate

0.0074 1.25 1.34 7.2 0.08

Cingulate Body 0.0001 0.91 1.14 25.3 0.13

DLPFC 0.0001 1.31 1.45 10.7 0.08

Inferior Frontal 0.0025 1.25 1.36 8.8 0.09

Midbrain 0.0166 1.16 1.29 11.2 0.14

Orbital Frontal Cortex

0.0075 0.97 1.22 25.8 0.24

Posterior Cingulate

0.0114 1.19 1.29 8.4 0.09

Sensorimotor 0.0017 1.19 1.26 5.9 0.06

Thalamus 0.0114 1.40 1.60 14.3 0.21

Results from Meditation SPECT Study

Increase rCBF in frontal lobe and shut down of rCBF in OAA in parietal lobe is the key finding.

This is not hallucination.

All Meditators have same findings.

Summary of SPECT findings

fMRI changes during Meditation

ResultsResults

• Significant signal increases were observed in the Significant signal increases were observed in the dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal cortices, dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal cortices, hippocampus/parahippocampus, temporal lobe, hippocampus/parahippocampus, temporal lobe, pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, and pre- and post-central gyri during meditation. and pre- and post-central gyri during meditation.

• This indicates that the practice of meditation This indicates that the practice of meditation activates neural structures involved in attention activates neural structures involved in attention and control of the autonomic nervous system.and control of the autonomic nervous system.

– Neuroreport. 2000 May 15;11(7):1581-5. Functional Neuroreport. 2000 May 15;11(7):1581-5. Functional brain mapping of the relaxation response and brain mapping of the relaxation response and meditation. Lazar SW,…, Benson H. meditation. Lazar SW,…, Benson H.

Neurochemical Effects

Meditation has been shown to increase

serotonin production. Serotonin is an

important neurotransmitter and

neuropeptide that influences mood and

behavior in many ways.

Meditation has also been associated with

increased melatonin availability

 

 

Neurochemical Changes During Meditation

Neurochemical Observed Change

CNS Structure

Arginine Vasopressin IncreasedSupraoptic

Nucleus

GABA Increased Thalamus, other inhibitory structures

Melatonin Increased Pineal Gland

Serotonin Increased Dorsal Raphe

Dopamine Increased Basal Gangia

Cortisol Decreased Paraventricular Nucleus

Norepinephrine Decreased Locus Ceruleus

β-Endorphin Rhythm changed; levels unaltered

Arcuate Nucleus

Meditation and the Autonomic Nervous System

• An increase in the skin resistance.

• Galvanic skin responses, showed that meditators recovered from stress more quickly than non-meditators.

• Decreased limbic arousal in the brain-reduces stress and increases autonomic stability to stress.

• Reduction in limbic arousal may explain how meditation strengthens and enhances the ability to cope with stress.

Meditation and the Central Nervous System

The practice of meditation decreases muscle reflex time.

Accelerates neural conduction or augments the release of neurotransmitters, thereby decreasing synaptic time, resulting in a change in muscle firing threshold and pattern.

By inhibiting the left cortical hemisphere, the sense of time and logic no longer dominate consciousness during meditation.Suppression of Ego faculty and later on Mind.

The Plausible Hypothesis

• When meditation acts as a constant repetitive stimulus, certain permanent qualitative and quantitative changes develop in nervous system.

• Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators may stimulate growth of dormant neurons to develop a centre higher than neocortex- God module.

• This higher centre will exert inhibitory control over present neocortex and thereby over mind as a whole- thereby suppressing consciousness and all mental activities.

• Spiritual ascent is from the least evolved state of consciousness to near perfect state with which the mind itself will cease to be and there will remain only non-dual experience.

Meditation and the Endocrine System

• Reduced blood levels of lactate, cortisol, and epinephrine.

• Reduces sympathetic adrenergic receptor sensitivity,

producing a decreased response to stressful situations .

• Increased levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), melatonin and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

• Meditation produces its anxiolytic effects by promoting GABA action in specific areas of the brain.

• Similar effects can be achieved by Reiki, Acupuncture.

Meditation and Metabolism

• A wakeful state accompanied by decreased metabolism.

• Decreased breathing pattern, decreased heart rate, and decreased blood pressure.

• Blood flow to the kidneys and liver declined in the practitioners, with an increase in cardiac output.

• Decrease in the level of oxygen utilization and carbon dioxide elimination by muscles.

• The metabolic changes arise from a natural reduction in metabolic activity at the cellular level, not from a forced reduction of breathing.

• Longevity and delayed aging !

Meditation and Psychology

• Practice of meditation improves cognitive task

performance, increases mental concentration,

and reduces susceptibility to stress.

• Both subjective and objective examinations

reveal that meditation enhances perceptual

sensitivity.

• It improves the attitude and personality of a

person.

Attitude

• “ The Longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude

on life. Attitude to me, is more important than facts. It is

more important than the past, than education, successes,

than what other people think or say or do. It is more

important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or

break a company…….. a church…. a home. The remarkable

thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we

will embrace for that day. We can not change our past..... we

cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.

We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is

to play on the only string we have, and that is our

attitude……. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to

me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you….. We are

in charge of our Attitudes ”.

- Charles Swindoll

Four way Truth

• That there is a problem

• That there is a cause

• That there is a way

• If you follow the path, you will get the

solution

WAIT AND MEDITATE,

TILL I CALL YOU BACK

- Swami Vivekananda

REFERENCES

• Jain Agam

• Dhyana Dipika, Dhyana Shatak

• Patanjal Yoga Sutra

• Holy Vedas, Puranas and Upanishadas

• Tripitak

• Dhyana Yoga - Swami Vivekananda

• Meditation - Osho

• Dhyana Kumbh - Suresh Vakil

• Meditations - J.Krishnamurti

• ‘Why God will not go away’ – Andrew Newberg

• Medical References from several journals

Decrease in Beta-wave activity after meditation

MeditationMeditationAlex Grey (Harvard anatomist and artist)Alex Grey (Harvard anatomist and artist)

HappinessHappiness

• ““Spirituality is difficult to define or Spirituality is difficult to define or measure…[but is essentially] a journey measure…[but is essentially] a journey toward, or experience of, connection toward, or experience of, connection with the source of ultimate meaning. with the source of ultimate meaning. Spirituality includes connection with Spirituality includes connection with one’s self, with others, with nature, and one’s self, with others, with nature, and with a higher power. This connection is with a higher power. This connection is often with a greater story that makes often with a greater story that makes sense of one’s life. Spirituality may or sense of one’s life. Spirituality may or may not involve formalmay not involve formal religion religion.”.”

——Gregory Plotnikoff MD, Director, Univ of Minnesota Center for Gregory Plotnikoff MD, Director, Univ of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing, from Rakel,Textbook of Spirituality and Healing, from Rakel,Textbook of Integrative Integrative Medicine Medicine

Functional Mapping of MeditationFunctional Mapping of Meditation

• Meditation is a conscious mental process Meditation is a conscious mental process that induces a set of integrated that induces a set of integrated physiologic changes termed the physiologic changes termed the “relaxation response” by Herbert Benson.“relaxation response” by Herbert Benson.

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to identify and (fMRI) was used to identify and characterize the brain regions that are characterize the brain regions that are active during a simple form of meditation. active during a simple form of meditation.