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Electroencephalographic (EEG) Measurements of Mindfulness-based Triarchic Body-pathway Relaxation Technique: A Pilot Study

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Abstract

Objective

The “Triarchic body-pathway relaxation technique” (TBRT) is a form of ancient Chinese mindfulness-based meditation professed to give rise to positive emotions and a specific state of consciousness in which deep relaxation and internalized attention coexist. The purpose of this study was to examine the EEG pattern generated during the practice of this mindfulness exercise, and compare it to music listening which has been shown to induce positive emotions.

Methods

Nineteen college students (aged 19–22 years) participated in the study. Each participant listened to both the TBRT and music audiotapes while EEG was recorded. The order of presentation was counterbalanced to avoid order effect. Two EEG indicators were used: (1) alpha asymmetry index, an indicator for left-sided anterior activation, as measure of positive emotions, and (2) frontal midline theta activity, as a measure for internalized attention.

Results

Increased left-sided activation, a pattern associated with positive emotions, was found during both TBRT exercise and music conditions. However, only TBRT exercise was shown to exhibit greater frontal midline theta power, a pattern associated with internalized attention.

Conclusions

These results provided evidence to support that the TBRT gives rise to positive emotional experience, accompanied by focused internalized attention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR

    Agnes S. Chan & Yvonne M. Y. Han

  2. Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Mei-chun Cheung

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  1. Agnes S. Chan
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  2. Yvonne M. Y. Han
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  3. Mei-chun Cheung
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Correspondence to Agnes S. Chan.

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Chan, A.S., Han, Y.M.Y. & Cheung, Mc. Electroencephalographic (EEG) Measurements of Mindfulness-based Triarchic Body-pathway Relaxation Technique: A Pilot Study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 33, 39–47 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-008-9050-5

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