Possible Roles of Cyclic Meditation in Regulation of the Gut-Brain Axis

Cyclic meditation (CM) is a moving meditation technique that combines physical postures with relaxation procedures, derived from an ancient Indian Upanishad. Scientific studies report that practicing CM produces various physiological and mental health benefits, including effects on psychophysiological states. The practice involves a sequence of postures such as isometric muscle contraction, supine rest, standing at ease, bending movements, and backward bending, with emphasis on relaxation and awareness throughout.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice which originated from India. In recent decades, there has been increasing interest in yoga, mainly because of its applications in health andwellness. Among various techniques of yoga, the practice of meditation has been found to cause several psychophysiological effects. Most meditation techniques are practiced in a stable and comfortable posture but there are also meditation techniques that involve movement. Cyclic meditation (CM)—a technique derived from one of the Upanishads—is a moving meditation technique practiced by combining physical postures (asanas) with relaxation procedures. The practice of CM starts with a prayer followed by isometric muscle contraction, supine rest, standing at ease, centering by balancing the body weight on the different parts of the feet, bending to the right and then left sides (ardhakaticakrasana), forward bending (padahastasana), backward bending (ardhacakrasana), and supine rest. During the practice, emphasis is given on relaxation and awareness (Nagendra and Nagarathna, 1997). Scientific studies on the effects of practicing CM have reported myriad physiological and mental health benefits (Subramanya and Telles, 2009b).