EEG dynamics of experienced Zen meditation practitioners probed by complexity index and spectral measure

During 40 minutes of Zen meditation, experienced practitioners (n=23) showed increased frontal alpha-1 and occipital beta brainwave power compared to matched controls (n=23) who rested. Meditators also exhibited higher brain complexity, which correlated with more beta activity, while controls showed no significant change in complexity. These differences became more pronounced in the final five minutes of meditation, suggesting that long-term Zen meditation training alters electrocortical brain activity.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics in experienced Zen meditation practitioners (n = 23) during 40 minutes of meditation were compared with those in the matched controls (n = 23) taking a rest for 40 minutes. Averaged complexity index ([image omitted] ) evaluation and spectral analysis were measured in three intervals: the first, middle and the last 5-min segments of Zen meditation or relaxing rest. Significant increase in frontal alpha-1 (8-10 Hz) and occipital beta power was found during meditation as compared with the EEG under the rest, whereas an average increase of theta power was observed in the controls. In meditation, brain dynamics exhibited high [image omitted] , which correlated with more beta activity. Control subjects showed no significant change in [image omitted] level. This distinction became more significant during the last 5 minutes of meditation over most electrodes. Deeper meditation state has been reported as having implications of increased beta power that can be more prominent by the approach of [image omitted] estimation. Our results substantiate the idea that long-term training with Zen-Buddhist meditation induces changes in the electro-cortical activity of the brain.