A Study of the Therapeutic benefits and Physiological Effects of Cyclic Meditation
Surbhi Agrawal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) November 2, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23897168 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Qualitative |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Cyclic Meditation |
| Measures | heart rate variability (HRV), polysomnography, Electro-photonic imaging (EPI) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors argue that Cyclic Meditation, which alternates physical postures with relaxation, calms sympathetic overactivity and strengthens parasympathetic activity, improving heart rate variability and sympatho-vagal balance. They report a roughly 19.3% decline in oxygen consumption during Chakra meditation versus normal Shavasana, reduced stress and situational anxiety, more slow-wave sleep with fewer interruptions, and gains in creativity, concentration, immediate memory, and mindfulness. They note that current evidence comes from limited cohorts and short-term studies, and long-term clinical trials are needed. |
Abstract
The present research study presents a comprehensive qualitative and descriptive analysis of the therapeutic and physiological effects of Cyclic Meditation based on the principles of Mandukya Upanishad. As a solution to stress, insomnia and psychosomatic disorders caused by modern lifestyle, this technique works on a cyclical sequence of physical postures (stimulation) and relaxation (calming) done while lying on the back. A synthesis of various peer-reviewed scientific studies shows that circular meditation calms sympathetic overactivity in the autonomic nervous system and strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system. Its practice leads to improvement in heart rate variability (HRV), reduction in heart rate and establishment of sympatho-vagal balance. At the physiological level, this meditation technique creates a state of energy conservation and deep physical relaxation. A sharp decline in oxygen consumption (about 19.3%) and energy expenditure has been observed during Chakra meditation compared to normal Shavasana. Electro-photonic imaging (EPI) studies have shown that it improves general health indicators by reducing disorder and entropy in the body's energy system. Additionally, by stimulating the vagus nerve, it also plays a role in balancing the gut-brain axis. In medical and mental health contexts, this method effectively reduces stress and situational anxiety. According to the results of polysomnography, it increases the percentage of slow-wave sleep (deep sleep) at night and improves the quality of sleep structure by reducing the problem of frequent sleep interruptions. Additionally, by improving neural connectivity between the frontal and parietal lobes, it increases divergent thinking, creativity, concentration, immediate memory, and mindfulness levels. Although current research is based on limited cohorts and short-term studies, and long-term clinical trials remain needed, circular meditation appears to be an evidence-based, safe, and cost-effective yogic intervention for modern lifestyle management, prevention of psychosomatic disorders, and overall health promotion.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |