Tongue piercing by a Yogi: QEEG observations.
Erik Peper, Vietta E Wilson, Jay Gunkelman, Mitsumasa Kawakami, Misa Sata, William Barton, James Johnston
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback December 2006 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-006-9025-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A single yogi practicing meditation during tongue piercing |
| Interventions | Meditation tongue piercing |
| Measures | QEEG (Lexicor 1620, 19 sites), QEEG mapping, single and multiple hertz bins, coherence analysis, statistical comparisons with a normative database |
| Key findings | The authors report that during meditation the yogi's QEEG maps suggested lowered brain activity approaching a resting state, and that delta slow-wave potentials predominated during tongue piercing, which they suggest may resemble states found under analgesia. They propose the yogi achieved voluntary pain control through self-induced meditative regulation, and recommend further research to identify mechanisms and whether the skills can be taught to others for pain management. |
Abstract
: This study reports on the QEEG observations recorded from a yogi during tongue piercing in which he demonstrated voluntary pain control. The QEEG was recorded with a Lexicor 1620 from 19 sites with appropriate controls for impedence and artifacts. A neurologist read the data for abnormalities and the QEEG was analyzed by mapping, single and multiple hertz bins, coherence, and statistical comparisons with a normative database. The session included a meditation baseline and tongue piercing. During the meditative baseline period the yogi's QEEG maps suggesting that he was able to lower his brain activity to a resting state. This state showed a predominance of slow wave potentials (delta) during piercing and suggested that the yogi induced a state that may be similar to those found when individuals are under analgesia. Further research should be conducted with a group of individuals who demonstrate exceptional self-regulation to determine the underlying mechanisms, and whether the skills can be used to teach others how to manage pain.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 3
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Intracerebral pain processing in a Yoga Master who claims not to feel pain during meditation. European Journal of Pain October 2005
- Autonomic and EEG patterns distinguish transcending from other experiences during Transcendental Meditation practice. International Journal of Psychophysiology August 2001