A middle-aged person practiced a short-duration meditation method called mind-body relaxation and rejuvenation technique (MBRRT), inspired by ancient mālā japa, for two and a half years. Over 60 practice sessions, the participant slept well in 32 sessions (more than 50%), slept only for some time in 19 sessions (more than 30%), felt the sensation of sleep in 4 sessions, and did not experience sleep in 5 sessions. Calmness, relaxation, and rejuvenation were reported after every session. A single-trial EEG showed increased delta, theta, and alpha brain waves and decreased beta and gamma waves across all brain regions during MBRRT, supporting the observed sleep and relaxation.
A five-minute technique coordinating breathing with thumb movement on finger divisions, performed with eyes closed, calmed participants and induced sleep in a group of 28 people in a classroom setting. EEG results from one participant showed increased low-frequency delta waves and decreased higher-frequency waves during the practice, with the strongest effect in the prefrontal lobe. The technique appears effective for quick rejuvenation and relaxation, and may help those with restlessness and anxiety.
Nonlinear analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) signals reveals characteristic changes during meditation that indicate enhanced parasympathetic activity and reduced stress levels. The study examined HRV signals from publicly available databases containing recordings before and after Chi meditation and Kundalini Yoga practice. Features analyzed included detrended fluctuation analysis, Hurst exponent, approximation entropy, degree of distribution, and multiscale permutation entropy. These changes underscore the potential of HRV analysis to quantify the physiological benefits of meditative practices and their impact on mental health and well-being.