Topographic EEG mapping of the relaxation response

Authors
Gregg D. Jacobs, Herbert Benson, Richard Friedman
Publication
Biofeedback and Self-regulation
Volume 21, pp. 121-129
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the central nervous system effects of the relaxation response (RR) in novice subjects using a controlled, within- subjects design and topographic EEG mapping as the dependent measure. Twenty subjects listened to a RR and control audiotape presented in a counterbalanced order while EEG was recorded from 14 scalp locations. The RR condition produced greater (p < .0164) reductions in frontal EEG beta activity relative to the control condition. No significant differences were observed for any other frequency band or scalp region. These findings suggest that elicitation of the RR produces significant reductions in cortical activation in anterior brain regions in novice subjects.

Related Listings
The Usefulness of he Relaxation Response in the...
Authors
Herbert Benson, M.D., Helen P Klemchuck, A.B., John R Grapham, M.D.
Journal
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
·
PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES consistent with the decreased sympathetic nervous system activity are present during the practice of a relaxation technique, Transcendental Meditation. The changes consist of decreased oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide elimination, respiratory rate and minute ventilation. Arterial blood lactate decreases markedly. Arterial blood pH and base excess decrease slightly. There are no changes in arterial blood pressure, in respiratory quotient, nor in rectal temperature […]
Meditation and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: A...
Authors
Glenn N. Levine, Richard A. Lange, C. Noel Bairey-Merz
Journal
Journal of the American Heart Association
Provides 37 pages of summaries from decades of research concerning how meditation affects heart related functioning (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) Abstract Despite numerous advances in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Novel and inexpensive interventions that can contribute to the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease are of interest. Numerous studies have reported on the […]
A one year follow-up of relaxation response med...
Authors
L Keefer, E B Blanchard
Journal
Behaviour Research Therapy
·
Ten of thirteen original participants with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) participated in a one year follow-up study to determine whether the effects of Relaxation Response Meditation (RRM) on IBS symptom reduction were maintained over the long-term. From pre-treatment to one-year follow-up, significant reductions were noted for the symptoms of abdominal pain (p=0.017), diarrhea (p=0.045), flatulence (p=0.030), and bloating (p=0.018). When we examined changes from the original three m […]