A Comparative Study of The Psycho physiological Effects of Cyclic Meditation and Supine Rest (Shavasana)

Abstract

Cyclic meditation combines ‘stimulating’ and ‘calming’ practices, based on a statement in ancient yoga texts suggesting that this combination may be helpful to reach mental equilibrium. Cyclic meditation consists of cycles of yoga postures interspersed with periods of supine rest. Practicing cyclic meditation reduced psychophysiological arousal based on a decrease in oxygen consumption and changes in the heart rate variability suggestive of a shift towards vagal dominance. Cyclic meditation improved the performance in a P300 event related potential task and also improved the performance in a letter cancellation task more than relaxation in the corpse posture (shavasana). Both tasks require selective attention and concentration. The benefits were ascribed to possible stress reducing effects of cyclic meditation, as the practice reduces physiological and cortical arousal.This was ascribed to reduced anxiety, though this was not assessed. The effects of cyclic meditation on MLAEPs have not been studied.