Research and Transcendental

Meditation practice

Research and Transcendental

Meditation practice Fred Travis, PhDFred Travis, PhD

Director, Center for Brain, Director, Center for Brain, Consciousness and CognitionConsciousness and Cognition

Maharishi University of ManagementMaharishi University of Management

Fairfield, IowaFairfield, Iowa

Gamma

Beta

Alpha

Theta

Delta

Problem solving,concentration

Busy, active mind

Reflective, restful

Drowsiness

Sleep, dreaming

Typical EEG Tracings

A typical EEG tracing is a rapidly changing composite or combination of different frequencies—waves moving up and down at different rates—some slow, some fast. During ordinary waking consciousness, EEG patterns are complex, scattered and disorderly.

EEG coherence during the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique: brainwaves rise up and down together—maintaining a stable phase relationship—indicating that the whole brain is highly correlated. This integrated state of brain function corresponds to the subjective experience of heightened wakefulness or restful alertness. Research shows that the TM technique cultures the brain to behave more coherently and efficiently overtime, as seen in a person’s improved response to stimuli—with better performance on spatial and memory tasks, creativity scores, and reaction time tests. Such findings are not reported from other meditation practices. References: International Journal of Psychophysiology, 116, 1519-38 (2006); Biological Psychology, 61, 293-319 (2002)

Increased EEG Coherence

Eyes-Closed vs TM practiceEyes-Closed vs TM practice Raw EEG TracingRaw EEG Tracing

Eyes-Closed vs TM practiceEyes-Closed vs TM practice Raw EEG TracingRaw EEG Tracing

Task: 5 sec – 0 secTask: 5 sec – 0 secTask: 5 sec – 0 secTask: 5 sec – 0 sec

AlphaAlpha Beta Beta GammaGamma

TM: 30 sec – 35 secTM: 30 sec – 35 secTM: 30 sec – 35 secTM: 30 sec – 35 sec

AlphaAlpha Beta Beta GammaGamma

Broad Band Broad Band CoherenceCoherenceBroad Band Broad Band CoherenceCoherence

Cortical Cortical Preparatory Preparatory ResponseResponse

Cortical Cortical Preparatory Preparatory ResponseResponse

Alpha/ Alpha/ gamma ratiogamma ratioAlpha/ Alpha/ gamma ratiogamma ratio

Brain Integration ScaleBrain Integration ScaleBrain Integration ScaleBrain Integration Scale

During TM PracticeDuring TM Practice

Eight YearsFour MonthsTravis, 1991

Eyes OpenEyes Open

Eight YearsFour MonthsTravis, 1991

Travis et al, (2009) International Journal of Psychophysiology, 71, 170-176.Travis et al, (2009) International Journal of Psychophysiology, 71, 170-176.

American University College Students American University College Students (random assignment to groups)(random assignment to groups)American University College Students American University College Students (random assignment to groups)(random assignment to groups)

p < .001

Brain Integration during tasks (3-mon TM)

Travis et al, (2009) International Journal of Psychophysiology, 71, 170-176.Travis et al, (2009) International Journal of Psychophysiology, 71, 170-176.

American University College Students American University College Students (random assignment to groups)(random assignment to groups)American University College Students American University College Students (random assignment to groups)(random assignment to groups)

p < .001

Brain Integration during tasks (3-mon TM)

Travis et al, (2009) International Journal of Psychophysiology, 71, 170-176.Travis et al, (2009) International Journal of Psychophysiology, 71, 170-176.

American University College Students American University College Students (random assignment to groups)(random assignment to groups)American University College Students American University College Students (random assignment to groups)(random assignment to groups)

p < .001

Brain Integration during tasks (3-mon TM)

Seven Different Measures of IntelligenceSeven Different Measures of Intelligence

So Kam Tim, Orme-Johnson DW. So Kam Tim, Orme-Johnson DW. IntelligenceIntelligence 2001 29(5):419-440 2001 29(5):419-440

Increased Physiological RelaxationIncreased Physiological Relaxation Meta-analysis of 32 studiesMeta-analysis of 32 studies

Increased Physiological RelaxationIncreased Physiological Relaxation Meta-analysis of 32 studiesMeta-analysis of 32 studies

Eff

ect

Eff

ect

Siz

eS

ize

Dillbeck, & Orme-Johnson, (1987) American Dillbeck, & Orme-Johnson, (1987) American Psychologist, 42, 89-91.Psychologist, 42, 89-91.

Nidich et al, in prepNidich et al, (in press) Nidich et al, (in press) American Journal of American Journal of Hypertension Hypertension

Increased Self-Actualization Increased Self-Actualization Meta-analysis of 42 studiesMeta-analysis of 42 studies

Increased Self-Actualization Increased Self-Actualization Meta-analysis of 42 studiesMeta-analysis of 42 studies

Alexander et al, (1991) Journal of Social Behavior and Alexander et al, (1991) Journal of Social Behavior and Perception, 6:189-247Perception, 6:189-247

Effect Effect SizeSize

MMTMTM – M – M ctl ctl

——————————————

Pooled Pooled σσ

Israel StudyIsrael StudyIsrael StudyIsrael Study

Orme-Johnson et al, Orme-Johnson et al, Journal of Conflict ResolutionJournal of Conflict Resolution, 32(4):776-812, 32(4):776-812 1988 1988

Meta-Analysis-Collective ConsciousnessMeta-Analysis-Collective Consciousness Meta-Analysis-Collective ConsciousnessMeta-Analysis-Collective Consciousness

Davies, J.L., et al. Journal of Social Behavior & Personality, 2005 17(1):285-338