Research and Transcendental Meditation practice Fred Travis, PhD Director, Center for Brain, Consciousness and Cognition Maharishi University of Management Fairfield, Iowa

Gamma Beta Alpha Theta Delta Problem solving, concentration Busy, active mind Reflective, restful Drowsiness Sleep, dreaming

Typical EEG Tracings A typical EEG tracing is a rapidly changing composite or combination of different frequencies—waves moving up and down at different rates—some slow, some fast. During ordinary waking consciousness, EEG patterns are complex, scattered and disorderly.

EEG coherence during the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique: brainwaves rise up and down together— maintaining a stable phase relationship—indicating that the whole brain is highly correlated. This integrated state of brain function corresponds to the subjective experience of heightened wakefulness or restful alertness. Research shows that the TM technique cultures the brain to behave more coherently and efficiently overtime, as seen in a person’s improved response to stimuli—with better performance on spatial and memory tasks, creativity scores, and reaction time tests. Such findings are not reported from other meditation practices. References: International Journal of Psychophysiology, 116, (2006); Biological Psychology, 61, (2002) Increased EEG Coherence

Eyes-Closed vs TM practice Raw EEG Tracing

Task: 5 sec – 0 sec Alpha BetaGamma

TM: 30 sec – 35 sec Alpha BetaGamma

Broad Band Coherence Cortical Preparatory Response Alpha/ gamma ratio Brain Integration Scale

During TM Practice Eight Years Four Months Travis, 1991

Eyes Open Eight Years Four Months Travis, 1991

Travis et al, (2009) International Journal of Psychophysiology, 71, American University College Students (random assignment to groups) p <.001 Brain Integration during tasks (3-mon TM)

Travis et al, (2009) International Journal of Psychophysiology, 71, American University College Students (random assignment to groups) p <.001 Brain Integration during tasks (3-mon TM)

Travis et al, (2009) International Journal of Psychophysiology, 71, American University College Students (random assignment to groups) p <.001 Brain Integration during tasks (3-mon TM)

Seven Different Measures of Intelligence So Kam Tim, Orme-Johnson DW. Intelligence (5):

Increased Physiological Relaxation Meta-analysis of 32 studies Effect Size Dillbeck, & Orme-Johnson, (1987) American Psychologist, 42,

Nidich et al, in prep Nidich et al, (in press) American Journal of Hypertension

Increased Self-Actualization Meta-analysis of 42 studies Alexander et al, (1991) Journal of Social Behavior and Perception, 6: Effect Size M TM – M ctl M TM – M ctl——————— Pooled σ

Israel Study Orme-Johnson et al, Journal of Conflict Resolution, 32(4):

Meta-Analysis-Collective Consciousness Davies, J.L., et al. Journal of Social Behavior & Personality, (1):

Brain waves are coherent during TM. 8 sec FrontFront MiddleMiddle BackBack

Four Months TM Practice Eyes Open TM Travis, 1991

Eight Years TM Practice Eyes Open TM Travis, 1991