Analytical meditation improves physiological well-being in expert practitioners: a study on central and peripheral neurophysiological correlates
Alejandro Luis Callara, Mohammad Hadi Azarabad, Laura Sebastiani, Ngawang Sherab, Jampa Khechok, Jampa Tsering, Jampa Thakchoe, Jampa Soepa, Nicola Vanello, Enzo Pasquale Scilingo, Alberto Greco, Bruno Neri
bioRxiv Preprint Server December 8, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.64898/2025.12.08.692357 via bioRxiv
Summary
Advanced meditation in experienced Tibetan monks produces a unique psychophysiological state of relaxed-vigilance, characterized by enhanced parasympathetic tone, decreased respiratory rate, and gradually increasing electrodermal activity—indicating simultaneous calm and alertness. EEG recordings showed elevated gamma-band power during analytical meditations. These findings suggest that advanced meditative practices foster an adaptive integration of autonomic and cortical responses, supporting well-being and cognitive flexibility.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 35 |
| Population | Experienced Tibetan monk practitioners |
| Key finding | Advanced meditative states foster an adaptive integration of autonomic and cortical responses, supporting the emergence of relaxed-vigilance. |
Abstract
Meditation has been long associated with improvements in mental well-being, emotional regulation, and attentional control. Yet, the diversity of meditative techniques and participant expertise has hindered the systematic identification of their neurophysiological correlates supporting these benefits. To address this challenge, we investigated the neurophysiological signatures of concentrative and analytical meditation in 35 experienced Tibetan monk practitioners. EEG, ECG, EDA, and respiration were simultaneously recorded during Concentrative, Loving-Kindness and Emptiness meditations. Linear-mixed-models revealed significant modulations in autonomic and cortical activity across meditations. Peripheral indices indicated enhanced parasympathetic tone, decreases respiratory rate, and gradual increase in EDA – reflecting a state of relaxed-alertness with concurrent vagal engagement and sustained sympathetic arousal. EEG analyses supported this state showing elevated gamma-band power during analytical meditations. These findings suggest that advanced meditative states foster an adaptive integration of autonomic and cortical responses, supporting the emergence of relaxed-vigilance – a psychophysiological condition associated with well-being and cognitive flexibility.