EEG signatures of mindfulness-based artistic–contemplative sound interventions: a pilot study on aesthetic states of consciousness

A pilot proof-of-concept study examined the neurophysiological effects of mindfulness-based artistic–contemplative sound pills—structured auditory interventions combining poetic narratives, soundscapes, and mindfulness instructions—in 12 adults using EEG. Exploratory analyses indicated a statistically significant reduction in high-frequency beta activity (20–30 Hz) during the intervention compared to pre-intervention baseline, with a return toward baseline afterward. No significant global changes appeared in other frequency bands (alpha, theta, delta, mu, low-frequency beta, or combined theta+alpha). Subgroup analyses by artistic modality (visual arts, dance, music, theater) suggested descriptive, modality-specific patterns, but these are hypothesis-generating only due to very small subgroup sizes (n=2–4) and no control condition. The authors conclude the results provide preliminary evidence that such interventions can modulate neural oscillatory dynamics, particularly in high-frequency beta, and require confirmation in larger controlled studies.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BackgroundMindfulness-based artistic–contemplative interventions, including auditory “sound pills,” have increasingly been investigated using neurophysiological measures such as electroencephalography (EEG) to promote psychological well-being and attentional regulation. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying these interventions remain poorly understood.MethodsThis pilot, exploratory, within-subject proof-of-concept study investigated the neurophysiological effects of mindfulness-based artistic–contemplative sound pills in adults using EEG. Twelve participants were exposed to structured auditory interventions integrating poetic narratives, soundscapes, and mindfulness instructions. EEG activity was recorded before, during, and after the intervention, and spectral power across frequency bands was analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Subgroup analyses by artistic modality (visual arts, dance, music, and theater) were also performed.ResultsAt the group level, exploratory analyses indicated a statistically significant modulation of high-frequency beta activity (20–30 Hz), characterized by a reduction during the intervention compared to the pre-intervention baseline, followed by a return toward baseline levels in the post-intervention phase. No statistically significant global changes were observed in the other frequency bands examined, including alpha (8–12 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), delta (0.5–4 Hz), mu, low-frequency beta (12–20 Hz), and the combined theta + alpha band. Subgroup analyses by artistic modality suggested descriptive, modality-specific oscillatory patterns; however, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating only, given the very small sample sizes per modality (n = 2–4) and the absence of a control condition.ConclusionOverall, the results provide preliminary evidence that artistic–contemplative auditory interventions can modulate neural oscillatory dynamics, particularly within the high-frequency beta range. Given the small sample size, within-subject design, and lack of a control condition, these findings should be interpreted with caution and require confirmation in larger controlled studies.