Brainmapping Images Of Meditational States
We have done brainmaps of meditators from many different traditions over the years. We have collaborated with others in gathering these images as well. In this section we have posted some of the images of key interest for those attending our neuromeditation workshops or those who are also doing research. Some of the data is very technical and may be difficult for the untrained person to understand, but many can still learn a great deal from careful study of these images. Reading the section on clinical uses of EEG based meditation will help a great deal for those interested in better understanding what they are looking at on this page.
Below is an image from a type of EEG analysis known as LORETA. With LORETA we can take standard qEEG data and use it to locate actual sources of specific brainwave frequencies in the cortex. This image is from an experienced meditator of 10 years or more doing a specific kind of meditation known as concentrative meditation. This is the kind we teach at our clinic and is similar to Theravaden, Zen, and Ashtanga techniques. It has been adapted by Herbert Benson and named the relaxation response. Our goal with our clients is to help them achieve what Daniel Golman refers to as Access Concentration.
The LORETA images below show the distribution of 9hz EEG which is dominant in the braimap of the client just below the LORETA Images. To the right is a distribution drawing by Anna Wise showing the EEG distribution in the left and right hemisphere. The large middle peak is this 9hz alpha.
The image to the left shows a standard qEEG analysis of power distribution across the scalp. Each circle represents a different EEG frequency band. This map shows frequencies 1-25hz of the same individual meditating. This topographic map is similar to a weather map. Blue indicates low power and red indicates high power. As can be seen in this map, the experienced meditator has most of their power in the 8hz, 9hz, and 10hz range as the research literature predicts with this type of meditation. With more experience his power will increase and his frequency will decrease into the 8hz range. Note that most of the 9hz power is in the frontal region.
The two images below show two other dimensions of qEEG analysis that agree with other research findings. The image on the left shows symmetry, or how balanced the two hemispheres are in the meditator. This image indicates that both sides a well balanced and agrees with Anna's drawing above.
The image on the right shows coherence, or how well one area of the brain is communicating with another. The research predicts that frontal alpha coherence in a meditator should be high and phase difference should be low as the meditator produces synchronous alpha. The coherence map below shows the predicted pattern.