Temporal Correlation of Meditation EEG Signals

Abstract

Meditation is an ancient technique that has been in practice for thousands of years which develops  a sense of wellbeing. Meditation is a purely mental practice that has been shown to induce neuroplasticity, or changes in the body. Because of its beneficial impacts on modern human existence, meditation has recently become the subject of scientific studies. To investigate the effectiveness of these complementary and alternative medicine approaches, it is necessary to understand the underlying neuronal dynamics using Electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis/imaging techniques.  In order to extract the long‐range temporal correlation of EEG signals the DFA (Detrended Fluctuation Analysis) exponent, alpha (α),of alpha band of EEG signal, pre and post mindfulness (Vipassana) meditation retreat is computed. Previously, the DFA exponent alpha has been used widely for diagnostic purposes in clinical settings. It has been observed that,  as a measure of complexity, the detrended fluctuation analysis exponent alpha (α) of EEG signals decreases in 10 (67%) of 15 subjects during meditation. The increase in the complexity of neural rhythms is shown by the decrease in the DFA exponent. Increased neural oscillation is a sign of appropriate homeostasis regulation, which enhances the equilibrium between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity.  The occipital and frontal regions show an overall rise in EEG alpha and beta band power. Calm, relaxation, and pleasant affect are linked to an increase in alpha band power. An alert mental state is indicated by a higher beta power.