Presentation 31/03
Published on Mar 14, 2017
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Meditation
- Used imprecisely for broadly similar practices
- associated with higher spiritual states
- Altered state of consciousness
There are many different practice with the same name, yet there are two things they have in common:
Meditation is traditionally presented as an altered state of consciousness and is usually associated with the attainment of higher spiritual states.
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Meditation refers to a family of self-regulation practices that focus on training attention and awareness in order to bring mental processes under greater voluntary control and thereby foster general mental well-being and development and/or specific capacities such as calm, clarity, and concentration.
Example of definition of meditation that have been used by influential modern reviews of research on meditation across multiple tradition.
(I have included several of them in my thesis)
The problem is:
there is no succinct yet thorough definition of meditation and this may contribute to misconceptions in both the lay and scientific communities.
(I have included several of them in my thesis)
The problem is:
there is no succinct yet thorough definition of meditation and this may contribute to misconceptions in both the lay and scientific communities.
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Meditatio & dhyana
The English meditation is derived from the Latin meditatio
/me.diˈtaː.ti.oː/
and the most common designation for meditation is the Sanskrit word “dhyana”
/diːˈɑːnə/
both meaning "to think, contemplate, devise, ponder” with the meditative state of consciousness and the meditative techniques by which it is induced
History &Development
- 1500 B.C.E---Written records in ancient Inida
- 600 B.C.E---Taoist in China and the Buddhist in India
- 1100 C.E ---Zazen become popular throughout Japan
There has been written records of Dhyana discussing the meditative traditions of ancient Inida around 1500 B.C.E.
Around 500 to 600 B.C.E., other forms of meditation such as the Taoist in China and the Buddhist in India developed.
Later the Zen form of meditation which is called Zazen, become popular throughout Japan
Around 500 to 600 B.C.E., other forms of meditation such as the Taoist in China and the Buddhist in India developed.
Later the Zen form of meditation which is called Zazen, become popular throughout Japan
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Meditation Postures
A steady and comfortable posture for a prolonged period of time is essential for mind engagement and intense concentration
Postures in all kinds of meditation cultures and techniques include sitting, supine and standing postures.
Postures in all kinds of meditation cultures and techniques include sitting, supine and standing postures.
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Half Lotus
Meditative Posture:
Either Foot rests on the opposite thigh
The posture chosen for this study, half lotus post, is an intermediate cross legged seated posture between full lotus post and simple cross legged post.
includes sitting with the legs crossed, hip and knee opened, either foot upturned on the thigh
This position is recommended for novice meditators as it provides physical stability for long periods, keeps the spine straight and at the same time it's not too difficult for them.
includes sitting with the legs crossed, hip and knee opened, either foot upturned on the thigh
This position is recommended for novice meditators as it provides physical stability for long periods, keeps the spine straight and at the same time it's not too difficult for them.
Photo by stephanski
Studies on Meditation
For thousands of years those that practice meditation have believed in the beneficial effects on the mind and body.
meditation has been increasingly attractive to the interest of clinicians, researchers, and the general public.
meditation has been increasingly attractive to the interest of clinicians, researchers, and the general public.
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Blood Circulation
- Majority: Increase in upper limb/body temperature
- increases in forearm blood flow
- No significant difference
For blood circulation:
A majority of studies show increase in upper limb or body temperature sampled mainly in finger or axillary.
While some other show no significant different in change of temperature during meditation.
A majority of studies show increase in upper limb or body temperature sampled mainly in finger or axillary.
While some other show no significant different in change of temperature during meditation.
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Heart Rate
- Majority: Decreases in HR during meditation and over time
- Increased post-meditative HR in experienced meditators
- Increase HR in frequent training over time
studies on the effects of meditation show an increase in parasympathetic activity as assessed by decreases in HR.
decrease in heart rate during meditation compared to pre-meditative and post-meditative period in only the more experienced meditators.
gaining expertise in mental demanding meditation induced an increase in sympathetic arousal over frequent meditation training.
Another study shows that gaining expertise in mental demanding meditation could induce an increase in sympathetic arousal (HR )over frequent meditation training.
decrease in heart rate during meditation compared to pre-meditative and post-meditative period in only the more experienced meditators.
gaining expertise in mental demanding meditation induced an increase in sympathetic arousal over frequent meditation training.
Another study shows that gaining expertise in mental demanding meditation could induce an increase in sympathetic arousal (HR )over frequent meditation training.
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Challenges of Meditation Studies
Publication Bias & Methodological Limitations
Publication Bias
Meta-analyses have shown a relatively strong bias towards the publication of positive or significant results for meditation studies
Methodological Limitations include absence of double blinding, meditation states measurement, lack of longitudinal studies, the use of subjective experience etc.
Many commentators have cautioned about the hazards of using imaging measures as a proxy for state of consciousness.
Meta-analyses have shown a relatively strong bias towards the publication of positive or significant results for meditation studies
Methodological Limitations include absence of double blinding, meditation states measurement, lack of longitudinal studies, the use of subjective experience etc.
Many commentators have cautioned about the hazards of using imaging measures as a proxy for state of consciousness.
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Aims and Objectives
- To find out if Da Zuo Meditative Posture would affect lower limb blood circulation as measured by thermo imaging.
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Hypothesis
- Da Zuo Meditative Posture has immediate and long term effect on lower limb blood circulation.
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Long Term Effect
- Rate of change in lower limb temperature
- No significant effect on HR over time
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It can be concluded that Da Zuo meditative posture may affect lower limb circulation, and heart rate.
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Results
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