Physiology of Meditation
Modern interest in the physiology of meditation has been growing in response to some astonishing findings. The earliest research investigated the phenomenon that certain meditators were able to control their cardiac rates through meditation (Wegner, Bagchi, & Anand, 1961). From the initial studies, research has expanded to explore numerous short term and long term effects of meditation.
Studies on the physiology of meditation have investigated the technique's effects on a number of autonomic and metabolic parameters. Orme-Johnson (1973) tested skin resistance by measuring the galvanic skin response (GSR) in regular meditators and nonmeditators. The study concluded that meditators had a faster rate of GSR habituation to a tone stimulus and lower levels of spontaneous GSR. This finding was significant because increases in skin resistance have been correlated to low levels of anxiety (Tart, 1969). Another discovery was made respecting levels of melatonin in the body. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, and its secretion is controlled by light (Sapolsky 1994). Melatonin plays a role in biological timing, but it has been theorized that it could also play a part in preventing cancer (Solberg, Halvorsen, Sundgot-Borgen, Ingjer, & Holen, 1995) and slowing the aging process (Wallace, Dillbeck, Jacobe, & Harrington, 1982). The results of a recent study by Tooley, Armstrong, Norman, and Sali (2000) have confirmed that meditation can cause a sharp increase in nighttime plasma melatonin levels. With the establishment of this relationship, scientists are beginning to speculate that meditation may help protect us from cancer and be the key to longevity.
Altenative Medicine | Meditation | What is Meditation? | Psychology of Meditation
Physiology of Meditation | Conclusion | References