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Travis & Wallace, 1997

Travis, F.; and Wallace, R. K. Autonomic patterns during respiratory suspensions: possible markers of Transcendental Consciousness. Psychophysiology 34: 39–46, 1997.

The first experiment reported in this paper evaluated changes in the functioning of the autonomic ­nervous system associated with the experience of Transcendental Consciousness by subjects practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique. Experiences of Transcendental Consciousness were associated with respiratory suspension or marked reduction in breath volume (indicating physiological rest or quiescence), together with skin conductance changes and heart rate deceleration at the onset of respiratory changes (indicating increased alertness). A second experiment found that this pattern of autonomic changes does not occur during periods of intentional holding of the breath.

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Year
1997
Journal
Psychophysiology
Publication type
Journal
Paper type
Empirical
Collected Papers
Vol. 7, pp. 4562–4571
Section
Metabolic, Biochemical, and Cardiovascular Changes

Findings (3)

During the Practice—Respiratory/Metabolic

  • Experiences of Transcendental Consciousness Associated with Respiratory Suspension or Marked Reduction in Breath Volume (This Pattern Not Found During Periods of Forced Breath Holding)

    Transcendental Meditation · State changes with control condition · During TM

During the Practice—Electrophysiological

  • Experiences of Transcendental Consciousness Associated with Reduced Skin Conductance Responses (This Pattern Not Found During Periods of Forced Breath Holding)

    Transcendental Meditation · State changes with control condition · During TM

During the Practice—Cardiovascular

  • Experiences of Transcendental Consciousness Associated with Heart Rate Deceleration (This Pattern Not Found During Periods of Forced Breath Holding)

    Transcendental Meditation · State changes with control condition · During TM

Authors