Synchrony analysis of paroxysmal gamma waves in Bhramari Pranayama meditation EEG

Abstract

Meditation refers to a range of practices that contains techniques used to promote

relaxation, generate natural energy or vital force and cultivate compassion. It is an

interesting topic which however has received poor attention in the neural signal procession.

Electroencephalograms (EEG) is a scientific technique applied to record electrical

activity of the brain. Recently, it has been claimed paroxysmal gamma waves (PGWs)

have been found in Bhramari Pranayama (BhPr) meditation EEG.

In this dissertation, an analysis of the synchrony on PGWs is performed to have a better

knowledge of functional connectivity patterns in the brain during BhPr meditation. In

order to quantitatively assess the synchrony between pairs of PGW sequences, the

method "Stochastic Event Synchrony" (SES) is introduced into the picture. There are

seven subjects with three levels of expertise in practicing BhPr provided for the

synchrony analysis. Stable connectivity patterns are observed with moderate strength

during exhalation periods of BhPr meditation. In addition, the connection strength

distribution is most concentrated for the subject with the level of expertise in practicing

BhPr meditation.