[Anterior prefrontal cortex and serotonergic system activation during Zen meditation practice induces negative mood improvement and increased alpha band in EEG].
Rinsho shinkeigaku = Clinical neurology January 1, 2012 Hideho Arita
In 15 healthy volunteers, a 20-minute session of abdominal (Tanden) breathing increased oxygenated hemoglobin in the anterior prefrontal cortex, reduced negative mood, and altered brainwave activity: alpha band activity increased while theta band activity decreased. These EEG changes correlated with a rise in whole blood serotonin (5-HT) levels. The findings suggest that activation of the anterior prefrontal cortex and the serotonin system may underlie the mood improvements and EEG changes observed during Tanden breathing.