An easy and time-effective meditative approach for relaxation and rejuvenation of the body and mind
Anurag Jayswal, Kabita Devi, Ajanta Deka, Siddhartha Sankar Satapathy, Deepeshwar Singh, Bhabesh Deka, Ramesh Chandra Deka, Suvendra Kumar Ray
Research Square August 16, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3254610/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 28 |
| Population | Participants in a natural classroom setting |
| Duration | Five minutes |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Duration music Relaxation psychology Electroencephalography Alpha wave Creativity Breathing Brain waves Audiology Cognitive psychology Acoustics Theology |
| Key findings | The coordination technique increased delta waves and decreased higher-frequency brain waves, with maximum effect in the prefrontal lobe, indicating effectiveness for quick relaxation. |
Abstract
Abstract In this study, we are implementing an easy technique of coordination between breathing and thumb movement on finger divisions, which is performed with closed eyes for a short duration of five minutes. This technique has been practiced by a small group of 28 participants in a natural classroom setting and its immediate impact on calming down and inducing sleep was observed distinctly (p < 0.05). The electroencephalogram (EEG) results distinctly demonstrated a change in brain waves by the technique practiced by a single participant. The low-frequency delta wave increased, and all other higher-frequency waves decreased during meditation. The maximum effect was observed in the prefrontal lobe, which is the center for decision-making, creativity, and reasoning. This indicated that the proposed technique is effective to rejuvenate a person within a short duration. Owing to its easy as well as time-effective approach, the method can be followed by people who need to relax within time constraints. The method might be used in the future for the prognosis of people suffering from restlessness and anxiety.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation | 1978 | Retrospective study | n = 77 |
| Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans | 2020 | Observational study | |
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal Cell Reports Medicine 2023
- Review of the Neural Oscillations Underlying Meditation Frontiers in Neuroscience March 26, 2018
- Brain Plasticity and Neurophysiological Correlates of Meditation in Long-Term Meditators: A 18Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Study Based on an Innovative Methodology The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine December 1, 2019
- A single case design to examine short-term intracranial EEG patterns during focused meditation. Neuroscience Letters August 17, 2019
- Impact of short- and long-term mindfulness meditation training on amygdala reactivity to emotional stimuli. Neuroimage July 7, 2018