International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England)
June 1, 2016
Alex Hankey, Rashmi Shetkar
24 citations
A recently proposed theory defines health as optimal regulation, which in biological systems corresponds to 'criticality'—a state in complexity biology that maximizes information processing and sensitivity to external stimuli. Criticality appears universal in biology and may optimize regulation, linking health to a scientific concept. In brain cortices and mental health, criticality is the condition that makes self-awareness possible and is strengthened by meditation practices leading to pure consciousness, a content-free state of mind. From this, healthy function of the brain cortex, its sensitivity, and consistency of response to external challenges should improve through techniques that transcend the original focus introduced during practice. Evidence for this is reviewed.
International Journal of Yoga
January 1, 2019
Reshma Madhukar Shetkar, Alex Hankey, H R Nagendra et al.
Cyclic meditation (CM) enhanced creative cognition, specifically divergent thinking, in a randomized trial with 24 university students. After seven days of 35-minute sessions, the CM group showed improved performance on the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults compared to a supine rest control group. Electroencephalography revealed that CM training shifted brain activity toward predominant gamma waves during creativity tasks, while controls showed delta activity. The CM group also exhibited greater activation in frontal and parietal regions (F3, F4, P3, P4), areas of the executive network involved in creative cognition. The findings suggest CM strengthens connectivity between the default mode and executive attention networks, facilitating creativity stages like preparation, incubation, and illumination.
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
March 1, 2007
Alex Hankey
The Transcendental Meditation program, a form of complementary and alternative medicine, offers a method for eliminating deep-rooted stress. Its efficacy has been demonstrated in several studies, including an application to Vietnam War Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder where improvements were observed on all variables, and several participants were able to return to work after years of unemployment. The intervention has been studied for its impact on brain and autonomic nervous system function and has been found highly effective against other stress-related conditions such as hypertension, also improving brain coherence. It should be considered a possible new and improved mode of treatment for PTSD, warranting further study.
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
December 1, 2006
Alex Hankey
A comparison of studies on advanced Tibetan Buddhist meditators in the Himalayas and long-term Transcendental Meditation practitioners reveals parallel improvements in sensory acuity, perceptual style, and cognitive function, indicating stabilization of attentional awareness. These changes, along with increased EEG coherence and brain function, are consistent with growth toward total brain functioning and full mental potential, often accompanied by improved health parameters. A second article will discuss how these findings relate to enlightenment.