Letter to the EditorHeart rate dynamics in different levels of Zen meditation
Introduction
In this study we investigate the heart rate variability (HRV) during Zen meditation (Zazen), in order to study the system behavior in the absence of voluntary intention. The terms “focused attention” (FA) and “mindfullness” (MM) used throughout this paper are defined as follows: FA is the attention focused on the natural breathing process and is specially used by novice Zen practitioners. MM defines a no-pointed attention state where the mind passively observes the spontaneous experience, primarily as a means to recognize the nature of emotional and cognitive patterns [1]. On this basis we consider the definition for “meditation” in [2] limited to just one aspect of a broadest term.
Section snippets
Subjects
Nineteen Soto-Zen meditation practitioners who have between 2 months and 20 years of experience (7 females and 12 males, mean age 43.78 ± 7.52 years), are represented in this study. None reported any cardiovascular disease and did not take any medication. They did not eat or take any stimulating drink in the last 2 and 24 h, respectively, before data recording. Informed written consent (in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration) was obtained from each subject.
Data collection
RR interval data were collected by
Results
The PCA separated three different groups (Fig. 1). Novice practitioners with less than 1 year of practice present a resonant peak in the VLF or LF range and were not included in the PCA (Fig. 2).
Fig. 3 shows the FFT of HRV and breathing data for subjects S6 and S8 (G1) during MM and FA. Fig. 4 shows the same data for subjects S16 and S19 (G3). Note in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 (subplots a and b) as it seems that there is a tendency towards frequencies coupling as regards the number of years the subjects
Discussion
The presence of a resonant peak in the spectrum is characteristic among novices and experienced Zen meditators. It is in accordance with [6]. Nevertheless, the novices focus on and also silently count their respirations, which probably work as a rhythmic stimulus. Other authors also found that different rhythmical stimulations elicit high-amplitude oscillations in cardiovascular functions at resonant frequencies [7], [8], [9].
With expertise the need for voluntary attention efforts to attain
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge Zen Master Dokushô Villalba, founder and director of the Luz Serena Temple, for his guidance and facilitation in this work; and also the community of Luz Serena and Dojo Zanmai San for their sincere collaboration. The authors of this manuscript have certified that they comply with the Principles of Ethical Publishing in the International Journal of Cardiology [13].
References (13)
- et al.
Attention regulation and monitoring in meditation
Trends Cogn Sci
(2008) - et al.
Changes in heart rate variability during concentration meditation
Int J Cardiol
(2008) - et al.
Exaggerated heart rate oscillations during two meditation techniques
Int J Cardiol
(1999) Cardiac vagal tone: a physiological index of stress
Neurosci Biobehav Rev
(1995)Ethical authorship and publishing
Int J Cardiol
(2009)- et al.
Power spectral analysis of heart rate variability: a noninvasive signature of cardiac autonomic function
Crit Rev Biomed Eng
(1993)
Cited by (41)
How to realize the effect of Kundalini yoga and Chinese Chi meditation on the HRV and ANS with GAN architecture? ‘HRV-GAN’: An alternative approach
2022, Biomedical Signal Processing and ControlCharacterization of heart rate variability signal for distinction of meditative and pre-meditative states
2021, Biomedical Signal Processing and ControlCommercial mindfulness aid does not aid short-term stress reduction compared to unassisted relaxation
2019, HeliyonCitation Excerpt :Instead, the MARE and URE conditions were found to be equally effective in producing decreases in HRV during the exercises, followed by beneficial short-term increases in HRV that are associated with stress reduction. Observed changes in HRV are consistent with findings in prior mindfulness practice studies (e.g., Krygier et al., 2013; Peressutti et al., 2010). Calm percentage was increased in the second relaxation exercise, regardless of the order of the MARE and URE conditions.
Enhancing Heart Rate Variability
2018, Integrative Medicine: Fourth EditionFractal scaling behavior of heart rate variability in response to meditation techniques
2017, Chaos, Solitons and Fractals