Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
2 papers in the library · 5 citations · publishing 2025
Exposure to human body odors (BOs) from happiness or fear, compared to clean air, reduced self-reported anxiety during mindfulness practice over two days in women with social anxiety symptoms. However, fear BO exposure also decreased heart rate variability, indicating a less physiologically relaxed state. No differences in skin conductance were found. The findings suggest that emotional BOs create a sense of social presence, potentially enhancing the ecological validity of psychological treatments, and may eventually be used to augment existing therapies.
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.