EEG patterns in long-term Brahmakumari meditators and their possible significance
Nidhi Gupta, Jyoti Arora, Ritvija Dixit, Sumit Garg, J L Agarwal
National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology April 2, 2026 DOI: 10.5455/njppp.2023.13.08422202315102023 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn long-term Brahmakumari meditators, EEG recordings showed high voltage alpha waves before meditation and theta waves during meditation, indicating a deep state of calmness and relaxation. Some participants also exhibited delta waves during meditation, similar to those seen in deep sleep. The study suggests regular meditation serves as an important de-stressor that may help counter stress and mental unrest, which contribute to many non-communicable diseases.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Brahmakumari meditators aged 30-50 years with >10 years of regular meditation and no history of neurological disorders |
| Intervention | Brahmakumari meditation |
| Duration | 20-minute intervals for pre-meditative, meditative, and post-meditative states |
| Keywords | Brahmakumari meditation |
| Key finding | High voltage alpha rhythms appeared before meditation, theta waves appeared during meditation, and delta waves appeared in some subjects during meditation, indicating progressively deeper relaxation. |
Abstract
Background: Yoga and meditation are associated with improvement in both physical and mental health. Brahmakumari meditation is concerned with awareness of the metaphysical self with reorientating thought patterns and feelings so one can live with positive thinking, greater harmony, and contentment. EEG gives meaningful insight about the state of mind of an individual. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to review the effects of meditation on the state of mind based on changing EEG brainwave patterns in long-term Brahmakumari meditators. Materials and Methods: Fifteen Brahmakumari meditators aged between 30 and 50 years who were involved in regular meditation for >10 years and with no history of any neurological disorders were enrolled. Twenty-one channels EEG with EKG and EMG were recorded in all subjects during pre-meditative, meditative, and post-meditative state at an interval of 20 min. Qualitative EEG was analyzed for the appearance of wave patterns based on different voltages and frequencies. Results: High voltage alpha rhythm was observed in the majority of subjects during pre-meditation and theta waves in most subjects during meditation. During meditation, their minds progress further to a deep state of calmness and relaxation as indicated by the appearance of theta waves. Even delta waves were observed during meditation in some of the subjects indicating a phase similar to a deep sleep. Conclusion: Stress and mental unrest are major problem in the present era which is responsible for many non-communicable diseases. Regular meditation is a very important de-stressor and should be regularly practiced to lead a happy and peaceful life. [Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol 2024; 14(5.000): 890-893]