EEG paroxysmal gamma waves during Bhramari Pranayama: a yoga breathing technique.
François Vialatte, Hovagim Bakardjian, Rajkishore Prasad, Andrzej Cichocki
Consciousness and Cognition December 2009 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2008.01.004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational EEG study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Eight subjects practicing Bhramari Pranayama |
| Intervention | Bhramari Pranayama |
| Measures | EEG, time-frequency representations (TFR), independent component analysis (ICA), LORETA |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Key findings | Paroxysmal gamma waves (PGW) were observed for the first time in eight subjects practicing Bhramari Pranayama, consisting of high-frequency biphasic ripples. The authors conclude this EEG activity is most probably non-epileptic and propose that applying the same methodology to other meditation recordings could improve understanding of the neurocorrelates of meditation. |
Abstract
Here we report that a specific form of yoga can generate controlled high-frequency gamma waves. For the first time, paroxysmal gamma waves (PGW) were observed in eight subjects practicing a yoga technique of breathing control called Bhramari Pranayama (BhPr). To obtain new insights into the nature of the EEG during BhPr, we analyzed EEG signals using time-frequency representations (TFR), independent component analysis (ICA), and EEG tomography (LORETA). We found that the PGW consists of high-frequency biphasic ripples. This unusual activity is discussed in relation to previous reports on yoga and meditation. It is concluded this EEG activity is most probably non-epileptic, and that applying the same methodology to other meditation recordings might yield an improved understanding of the neurocorrelates of meditation.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on breathwork, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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- EEG Derived Neuronal Dynamics during Meditation: Progress and Challenges Advances in Preventive Medicine 2015
- Can enlightenment be traced to specific neural correlates, cognition, or behavior? No, and (a qualified) Yes Frontiers in Psychology 2013
- Pranayamas and their neurophysiological effects International Journal of Yoga 2020
- Enhancement of inter-hemispheric brain waves synchronisation after Pranayama practice International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology 2011
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Cites 12
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- Religious and Mystical Experiences as Artifacts of Temporal Lobe Function: A General Hypothesis Perceptual and Motor Skills December 1, 1983
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