Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self
Dietrich Lehmann, Pascal L Faber, Peter Achermann, Daniel Jeanmonod, Lorena R R Gianotti, Diego A. Pizzagalli
Psychiatry Research Neuroimaging November 1, 2001 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4927(01)00116-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Advanced meditator |
| Intervention | meditation |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Meditation |
| Citations | 212 |
| Key findings | Different subjective meditation states are associated with distinct patterns of brain neuronal activity, as measured by EEG gamma-band source localization. |
Abstract
Multichannel EEG of an advanced meditator was recorded during four different, repeated meditations. Locations of intracerebral source gravity centers as well as Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) functional images of the EEG 'gamma' (35-44 Hz) frequency band activity differed significantly between meditations. Thus, during volitionally self-initiated, altered states of consciousness that were associated with different subjective meditation states, different brain neuronal populations were active. The brain areas predominantly involved during the self-induced meditation states aiming at visualization (right posterior) and verbalization (left central) agreed with known brain functional neuroanatomy. The brain areas involved in the self-induced, meditational dissolution and reconstitution of the experience of the self (right fronto-temporal) are discussed in the context of neural substrates implicated in normal self-representation and reality testing, as well as in depersonalization disorders and detachment from self after brain lesions.