EEG coherence and power during Yogic Flying

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• The TM-Sidhi program, including Yogic Flying (YF), is a practice aimed at enhancing consciousness.
• Previous research suggests a link between TM practice and specific EEG patterns associated with pure consciousness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electroencephalographic (EEG) differences between individuals practicing Yogic Flying (YF) and a control group.
• To explore the relationship between EEG patterns during YF and the experience of pure consciousness.

Main Methods:

• EEG recordings were taken from ten YF practitioners and ten controls during a jumping task.
• Signal analysis focused on frontal, central, and parietal brain regions, removing movement artifacts.
• Comparisons were made between YF practitioners and controls, and within the YF group across different time periods.

Main Results:

• YF subjects exhibited significantly higher 30-32 Hz power and theta, alpha, and beta band coherence in the pre-lift-off period compared to controls.
• Within the YF group, the initial pre-lift-off period showed significantly greater 30-32 Hz power and coherence than subsequent periods.
• No significant within-group differences were found in the control group.

Conclusions:

• The distinct EEG patterns observed in YF practitioners, particularly elevated pre-lift-off power and coherence, suggest a unique cognitive state.
• These findings support the hypothesis that the experience of "pure consciousness" is a key component of successful TM-Sidhi performance.
• The study highlights the potential of EEG analysis to elucidate the neural correlates of advanced meditative states.