Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
2 papers in the library · 750 citations · publishing 1970-1984
Science March 27, 1970 Robert K. Wallace 659 citations
During the practice of transcendental meditation, oxygen consumption and heart rate decreased, skin resistance increased, and electroencephalogram patterns showed specific frequency changes. These physiological shifts distinguish the meditative state from ordinary waking consciousness and suggest potential practical applications.
Psychosomatic Medicine May 1, 1984 Kheireddine Badawi, Robert K. Wallace, David W. Orme‐johnson et al. 91 citations
During the Transcendental Meditation program, 18 practitioners showed 52 periods of spontaneous respiratory suspension (RS) that sometimes corresponded to experiences of pure consciousness. In 19 artifact-free RS periods from 11 subjects, mean total EEG coherence across all frequencies and nine electrode derivations increased significantly compared to before and after the RS periods. A control group of 30 subjects voluntarily holding their breath showed no significant change in EEG coherence. Heart rate decreased significantly during RS in both groups, while EEG alpha power did not change significantly in either group. These results help characterize the physiological correlates of pure consciousness during the Transcendental Meditation program.