Jan 01 2002 - Physiology Web Site

Balancing Mind and Body : Putative Role of Melatonin in Hypometabolism During Transcendental Meditation

J. Anim. Morphol. Physiol., Vol. 49, Nos. 1 & 2, pp 1 to 11, 2002

By J.C. George
Department of Zoology , University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
Fax: (519) 767-1656; email: jgeorge@uoguelph.ca

ABSTRACT

During transcendental meditation, oxygenconsumption , heart rate , respiratory rate and core body temperature are significantly reduced while skin resistance and “slow” alpha waves in the electroencephalograh readings are incresed. These changes are indicative of the body being in a state of hypometabolism. In nature hypometabolism occurs in certain seasonal mammalian hibernators during hibernation. In hypometabolism, core body temperature drops as periphereral blod flow is increased causing increased heat dissipation from the extremities. Study on yogis has shown that during meditation , the temperatures of fingers and toes are markedly increased while the core body temperature declines. Studies with melatonin implanted pigeons have shown increase in foot temperature with concurrent drop in core body temperature. These and other studies support the putative role of melatonin in bringing about the hypometabolic state reached in yogis during meditation. Melatonin may also have an analgesic effect on the body. It is postulated that meditation could enhance melatonin production in the body and thereby rid the body of stress and also promote the well- being of mind and body.

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