Non-Invasive Electrophysiological Characterization of Distinctive Meditative States in a Yogi During Samaadhi
Preprints.org April 25, 2025 D. Narayana Dutt, G.R. Ganesh Rao, C.R. Ramaswamy et al. preprint
During about 30 minutes of meditative Samaadhi, a Yogi showed a substantial reduction in breathing amplitude to less than 5% of pre-meditation levels, along with subjectively measured decreases in heartbeat and pulse amplitude. Cardiac electrical activity remained intact, but the data suggested a possible reduction in cardiac mechanical activity. Muscle contractions were consistent and substantially higher. A unique pattern of alpha and beta activity appeared in frontal EEG electrodes, and alpha with occasional beta activity in occipital electrodes. With eyes open during meditation, occipital alpha and beta activity persisted, which is unusual because occipital alpha typically vanishes with eyes open. These patterns were distinct from typical waking, dreaming, and sleeping states.