Different central and autonomic nervous system coupling in the experienced meditators and novices during the Taoist meditation

Meditation is a special state of consciousness associated with distinct physiological and brain correlates. Multiple investigations of these correlates reported controversial results and do not lead to full understanding of the underlying processes. However., most studies have proven beneficial effects of regular meditation. Here we investigated the dynamics of multiple neurophysiological parameters: respiration., photoplethysmography., electroencephalography (EEG)., during a controlled staged meditation session. We measured the physiological and brain changes at rest and during guided Taoist meditation in both experienced meditators (N=13) and subjects without any meditation experience (N=15). All subjects followed the same set of audio instructions. We assessed brain activity and autonomic functions at different meditation stages. Indicators of autonomic nervous system activity that differed significantly between the experienced meditators and the novices were considered as indices of interest. A representational similarity analysis was employed to analyze the coupling of these autonomic-function markers with the EEG features. Consistent with previous studies., the experienced meditators demonstrated higher levels of autonomic and central nervous system interaction in the meditative state compared with novice subjects.