Slow Deep Breathing Effects on the Human Consciousness-10-Second Breathing Rhythm Synchronizes Slow Cortical Potentials.

Abstract

Understanding the linkage between slow paced breathing (SPB), slow cortical potentials (SCP) and the human consciousness could help to improve practicing strategies in the field of mental well-being. Providing 25 individuals performing two different breathing cycles (6 s-cycle and 10 s-cycle), which were accompanied by the sound of a humming gong, while measuring a 64-channel EEG, our study provides an insight into the relationship between SPB and SCPs. More importantly, it points out the greater impact of the 10 s-cycle on SCPs than the 6 s-cycle. Breathing with a frequency of 0.1 Hz led to an increased SCP-amplitude ratio as well as to a synchronization of SCPs with the breathing rhythm. Also, non-SCP frequencies were considered. Here, the 10 s-cycle showed the increased appearance of delta (ES_t = 3.52), theta (ES_t = 4.11), and alpha 1 (ES_t = 3.47) frequencies, especially in the occipital and central parietal regions. Moreover, subjectively, the SPB intervention has been rated to evoke an increased feeling of "integrity" and "balance" as well as a slightly increased feeling of "vitality". Demonstrating the relation between SPB, SCPs, and subjective mental feeling, this study contributes to emphasizing the importance of SPB in mental health.