Page 237 - Demo

235During the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique, the brain works as a unifi ed whole in a state of deep relaxation, as indicated by increased brainwave coherence among all cortical areas, shown in the electroencephalogram (EEG).The EEG measures electrical activity of the brain (%u201cbrainwaves%u201d) using electrodes placed on the scalp, as indicated in the illustration above by the dots on the head. Alpha1 EEG seen during TM is a specifi c frequency of brainwaves (8%u201310 Hz) which is indicative of restful alertness, when the person is at rest but not drowsy or asleep, and is not engaged in focused activity. Restful alertness is a balanced state of relaxation, yet without focused thinking or problem solving.During TM, alpha1 EEG increases in power and becomes more coherent, meaning that the brainwaves from different cortical areas begin to function more in phase, as shown by the lines connecting the dots in the illustration. This more harmonious relationship among different parts of the brain that are now working together is called %u201ccoherence.%u201dIt can be seen in the illustration that although closing the eyes increases coherence (more connecting lines) among just a few areas, TM practice increases coherence much more globally, as indicated by all the dots being connected. (Reference 1)Higher EEG coherence is associated with decreased anxiety and neuroticism and with increased emotional stability, creativity, intelligence, self-awareness, and moral reasoning. (Reference 2)Eyes Open Eyes Closed TM PracticeIncreased Alpha EEG Coherence During TMThe Basis for Greater Creativity and Learning Abilitytm-053GREATER LEARNING ABILITY & CREATIVITYReference 1: Psychological Bulletin, 2006; 132(2), 180%u2013211. Biological Psychology, 2002; 38, 37%u201351. Consciousness and Cognition, 1999; 8(3), 302%u2013318.Reference 2: International Journal of Neuroscience, 1981; 14, 147%u2013151. International Journal of Neuroscience, 2006; 116(12), 1519%u20131538.