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Meditation and the EEG

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Michael A. West
Michael A. West*
Affiliation:
Social Psychology Research Unit, University of Kent at Canterbury
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr Michael A. West, Social Psychology Research Unit, Beverley Farm, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent.
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Synopsis

Previous research on meditation and the EEG is described, and findings relating to EEG patterns during meditation are discussed. Comparisons of meditation with other altered states are reviewed and it is concluded that, on the basis of existing EEG evidence, there is some reason for differentiating between meditation and drowsing. Research on alpha-blocking and habituation of the blocking response during meditation is reviewed, and the effects of meditation on EEG patterns outside of meditation are described. In conclusion, the need for more precisely formulated research is pointed out.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 10 , Issue 2 , May 1980, pp. 369 - 375
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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