396

IndianBharshankar,
J Physiol Pharmacol
Mandape, Phatak,
2015; 59(4)
Bharshankar
: 396–401 Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 59(4)

Original Article

Autonomic Functions In Raja-yoga Meditators

Jyotsana. R. Bharshankar 1*, Archana D. Mandape 1,

Mrunal S. Phatak 1, Rajay N. Bharshankar 2
1
Department of Physiology,
Indira Gandhi Government Medical College,
Nagpur
2
Department of Physiology,
AIIMS, Bhopal

Abstract
Stress, an inevitable and constant feature throughout the lifetime, induces autonomic dysfunctions, for which
meditation is considered to be an antidote. So the case control study was planned including 50 Raja-yoga
meditators practicing meditation for 5 years and 50 age matched non-meditators. Autonomic function tests
were performed and results were compared using the Student- t test. Mean values of resting HR, SBP and
DBP were less in meditators. Galvanic Skin Response in meditators was significantly more (p<0.001). Mean
increase BP response to Hand Grip Test and Cold Pressor Test was significantly less in meditators than
non-meditators (p<0.001). Standing: Lying ratio, Valsalva ratio, Inspiration: Expiration ratio and 30:15 ratios
were significantly increased in meditators than non-meditators. From the results, there was shifting of the
autonomic balance to parasympathetic side in Raja-yoga meditators, which suggests its utility to combat
the ill effects of stress.

Introduction temporary relief. Yoga and meditation are one of the

non pharmacological approaches to relieve stress
and strain on long term basis (1, 2).
With the advent of modernization and mechanization
today’s human being is subjected to far greater
Meditation is considered as an antidote to the minds
stress, strain and depression than before. As a result
vulnerability to toxic emotions. Research on
of which, it has taken toll on us by giving rise to
meditation has mostly focussed on changes that
various psychosomatic disorders. The remedial
occur during the period of meditation compared with
medicines used for these disorders are giving
a resting condition (3, 4). All types of meditation
claim to change everyday behaviour and the benefits
of it are not restricted to the period of meditation
*Corresponding author :
practice (1).
Dr. Jyotsana. R. Bharshankar, Associate Professor,
Department of Physiology, Indira Gandhi Government
Medical College, Nagpur – 440018 (Maharashtra) India; Most of the studies on meditation have dealt with
Email : [email protected]
transcendental meditation, zen meditation and tantric
(Received on Nov. 15, 2014)
yoga (4, 5). Raja yoga meditation is practiced widely
Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 59(4) Autonomic Functions and Raja-Yoga 397

in India and has centres all over the world. It defines Anthropometric parameters like height and weight
meditation as the highest state of consciousness in were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was
which the mind is fully relaxed even when the physical calculated by the formula weight in Kg/height in meter
body is engaged in day to day work (6). This squared. For assessment of autonomic functions all
technique requires considerable commitment and the participants were given appointment at 10 am in
involves concentrated thinking (3). The present study the physiology department. The investigations were
was designed to observe the effect of long term Raja carried out under similar conditions and by the same
Yoga meditation, on the autonomic functions. person. Resting blood pressure (BP) was recorded
with the help of sphygmomanometer in the left arm
in sitting (relaxed) position by auscultatory method.
Methods
Three readings were taken at the time interval of 15
minutes and average was taken as the final reading.
The protocol for the case control study was approved
Resting heart rate was obtained from ECG recorded
by the Institutional Ethics committee. Hundred
with the help of 16 channel computerised polygraph
volunteers of either sex, between the age 25 to 45
(PHYSIOPAC pp-4, Medicaid system, Chandigarh,
years were selected. They were divided into 2 groups,
India).
meditators and non-meditators. The meditators were
50 in number, practising Raja yoga meditation every
Autonomic assessment was done with the battery of
morning (7:30 am - 8:30 am) for more than 5 years,
tests for sympathetic functions and for parasympathetic
at the local Bramhakumari centre situated in Mahal,
functions (8).
Nagpur. It was their daily practice and was under
the guidance and supervision of the senior meditators.
Sympathetic function tests
The Raja yoga Meditation was practiced in comfortable
sitting posture with eyes open and gaze fixed on a
1. Galvanic skin resistance (GSR): It was recorded
meaningful symbol (light). At the same time they
using two silver chloride disc electrodes filled
were actively thinking positive thoughts about a
with electrode jelly placed at 4 cm apart on
universal force pervading all over as light and peace
palmer surface of right hand. GSR values were
(7).
sampled continuously at 20 sec interval (3). The
value after one minute was noted which was
The non-meditators were selected randomly from the calculated automatically by the computerised
non teaching staff of the Indira Gandhi Government polygraph.
Medical College, Nagpur who had never done any
kind of meditation. All the volunteers were having 2. Handgrip test (HG): The participant was asked
similar dietary habits and working conditions. to hold the handgrip dynamometer (Medicaid
system, Chandigarh) in the dominant hand and
After detail history and clinical examination those press it with maximum effort. The tension
who were smokers, alcoholics, or suffering from any developed was measured. The procedure was
respiratory disease, hypertension, congenital or repeated three times and the average was taken
ischemic heart disease, chronic renal failure, which was the maximum isometric tension
diabetes, liver disease or taking medicine likely to (Tmax).Then the subject was asked to maintain
alter the autonomic functions were excluded from 30% of the Tmax for 3-5 minutes. BP was
the study. The objectives of the study were recorded from the non exercising arm every 30
explained to the participants and their written sec before the release of handgrip. Maximum
informed consent was obtained. Equal numbers increase in BP before the release of handgrip
of men and women participants were included in was noted (9).
each group. Menstrual history was taken for all
women and they were investigated in their proliferative 3. Cold pressor test (CP): It was done as one of
phase. the last test because of its unpleasantness. The
398 Bharshankar, Mandape, Phatak, Bharshankar Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 59(4)

participant was asked to immerse his hand for 1 Continuous ECG was recorded during this period
minute in cold water maintained at 4-6 oC and BP and the ratio was calculated as (9).
was measured from the other arm at the end of
1 minute (10, 11, 12).
longest R − R interval during expiration
Expiration : Inspiration ratio =
shortest R − R interval during inspiration
Parasympathetic function tests:

Statistical methods:
1. Standing: lying ratio (S/L ratio): The participant
was asked to stand quietly and then lie down
The data was analysed to obtain the arithmetic mean
without any support. Continuous electrocardiogram
for age, height, weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic
(ECG) was recorded in lead II from 20 beats
BP, heart rate, GSR, S/L ratio, 30:15 ratio, valsalva
before and 60 beats after lying down with the
ratio and E/I ratio. Difference in the mean values
help of computerised polygraph. A mark was
was subjected to students-t test. Sample size was
made to indicate the point at which the subject
calculated using the formula for difference of means.
started to lie down. The individual RR intervals
Power of the study was 80% and significance level
were measured from the ECG and the results
was set as p<0.05.
expressed as (9).

Results
longest R − R interval during 5 beats before lying down
Standing : lying ratio =
shortest R − R interval during 10 beats after lying down
Meditators and non-meditators did not show
2. 30:15 Ratio: The participant was asked to lie statistically significant difference in the mean values
supine for 15 min. Then he was asked to stand of physical characteristics such as age, height,
up and remain motionless for 1 to 3 minutes. weight and BMI as shown in Table I.
Continuous ECG was recorded in lead II. The
ratio was calculated as (9). The mean values of resting cardiovascular parameters
like heart rate (p<0.01), systolic blood pressure
(p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05) were
longest R − R interval 30 beats after standing significantly less in meditators than in non meditators
30 : 15 ratio =
shortest R − R interval 15 beats after standing as shown in Table II.

3. Valsalva ratio (VR): The participant was informed Sympathetic system assessment showed significant
to sit comfortably. Then he was asked to blow increase in GSR in meditators than non-meditators
out in the rubber tube of mercury manometer (40 (p<0.001). The blood pressure response to handgrip
mm test) and maintain the pressure of 40 mmHg test showed less rise in systolic BP in meditators
for 15 seconds. A continuous ECG was recorded than in non-meditators with p<0.001. Diastolic blood
one min before the strain, during the strain and
45 seconds following the strain release. Valsalva
TABLE I : Physical characteristics of meditators and non-meditators.
ratio was calculated as (9).

Non-meditators) Meditators Z P
Parameters (n=50 (n=50 value value
longest R − R interval after the strain
Valsalva ratio = (Mean±SD) (Mean±SD)
shortest R − R interval during during the strain
Age (years) 35.82±5.21 37.42±5.58 1.48 > 0.05
Ht (meters) 1.57 ±0.06 1.55±0.06 0.67 > 0.05
4. Expiration: Inspiration ratio (E/I ratio): In the Wt (kg) 56.34±9.12 55.44±8.64 0.10 > 0.05
BMI (kg/m²) 22.98±3.66 22.07±2.36 0.38 > 0.05
sitting position, the participant was asked to
breathe deeply at the rate of 6 breaths/min p>0.05 non significant, Ht: Height, Wt: Weight, BMI: Body
allowing 5 sec each for inspiration and expiration. mass index.
Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 59(4) Autonomic Functions and Raja-Yoga 399

TABLE II : Mean values of resting cardiovascular parameters TABLE IV : Mean values of parasympathetic parameters in
in meditators and non-meditators. meditators and non-meditators.

Non-meditators) Meditators Z P Non-meditators) Meditators Z P

Parameters (n=50 (n=50 value value Parameters (n=50 (n=50 value value
(Mean±SD) (Mean±SD) (Mean±SD) (Mean±SD)

Resting HR 81.28±7.19 77.55±6.58 2.71 < 0.01 S/L ratio 1.07 ±0.11 1.19 ±0.15 4.56 < 0.001
(bpm) 30:15 ratio 1.12 ±0.11 1.18 ±0.08 3.12 < 0.01
Systolic BP 111.36 ±13.28 105.64±8.27 2.59 < 0.01 valsalva ratio 1.14 ±0.14 1.33 ±0.24 4.84 < 0.001
E/I ratio 1.27 ±0.17 1.41 ±0.18 4.00 < 0.001
(mmHg)
Diastolic BP 73.96±8.09 70.36±6.92 2.39 < 0.05
(mmHg) p<0.05: significant, p<0.01: highly significant, p<0.001:
very highly significant, S/L: standing/lying, E/I: expiration/
inspiration.
p<0.05: significant, p<0.01: highly significant, p<0.001:
very highly significant.

Discussion
pressure response to handgrip was also statistically
significant with less rise in BP in meditators Resting cardiovascular parameters
(p<0.001). Blood pressure response to cold presser
test was also significantly less in meditators than The values for resting HR, SBP and DBP were
non-meditators for SBP (p<0.05) and for DBP significantly lower in Raja-yoga meditators. This could
(p<0.001) Table III. be because dominance of parasympathetic over
sympathetic system in meditators. The findings of
Assessment of parasympathetic system showed that our study are similar to those by other researchers
S/L ratio, valsalva ratio & E/I ratio were significantly (2, 3, 13-15).
higher in meditators than non-meditators (P<0.001).
The 30:15 ratio also showed significant increase in Meditation by reducing the anxiety levels minimizes
meditators than non–meditators (p<0.01) as shown the sympathetic hyperactivity induced by stress.
in Table IV. Decreased sympathetic activity causes decrease in
the catecholamine secretion which leads to peripheral
vasodilatation and improvement in peripheral
TABLE III : M e a n v a l u e s o f s y m p a t h e t i c p a r a m e t e r s i n
circulation (15) resulting in decrease in DBP. Regular
meditators & non meditators. yogic practices also reduces basal metabolic rate
and resting oxygen consumption (16). All these
Non-meditators) Meditators Z P factors decrease work load on the heart leading to
Parameters (n=50 (n=50 value value
(Mean±SD) (Mean±SD) decrease in heart rate leading to decreased cardiac
output and hence the systolic blood pressure.
GSR (kΩ) 314.62 ±161.75 881.88±370.98 9.91 < 0.001
Rise in SBP 23.48±11.87 17.08±5.19 3.49 < 0.001
during HGT Sympathetic Functions
(mmHg)
Rise in DBP 21.56±6.99 16.2±4.80 4.47 < 0.001 The GSR was significantly increased in meditators
during HGT
than in non-meditators (P<0.001). Other studies also
(mmHg)
showed similar results (3, 4, 19, 18). Decrease in
Rise in SBP 16.84±7.45 13.88±5 2.33 < 0.05
during CPT skin resistance is a sign of increased sympathetic
(mmHg) tone (9). Thus the significant increase in GSR in
Rise in DBP 13.04±4.35 10.32±2.59 3.80 < 0.001 meditators observed in present study as compared
during CPT
(mmHg) to non-meditators support the explanation that the
sympathetic activation in meditators in response to
p<0.05: significant, p<0.01: highly significant, p<0.001: stress was lesser due to changes attributed to head
very highly significant, GSR: galvanic skin resistance,
SBP: systolic blood pressure, DBP: diastolic blood ganglion of autonomic nervous system by regular
pressure, HGT-handgrip test, CPT-cold pressor test. practice of meditation.
400 Bharshankar, Mandape, Phatak, Bharshankar Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 59(4)

The results of Handgrip test are in accordance with findings of our study are matching with other studies
the studies (21, 20, 16). Results of cold presser test (2, 14, 20, 25). Increased parasympathetic activity
can be compared with the findings of other (20) and Increased baroreceptor sensitivity (26)
researchers (2, 22). Under conditions of stress of were attributed as possible mechanisms for the
either physical or psychological origin, there is improvement of parasympathetic parameters in
activation of sympathetic nervous system. The cold meditators by these researchers.
presser response which consists of placing hand in
ice cold water acts as a painful stimulus (23). Thus from our study we can conclude that there is
Handgrip exercise is also characterised by increase a better balance between the sympathetic and
in blood pressure and heart rate. (24) Meditation parasympathetic components of the autonomic
causes decreased sympathetic activity and increased nervous system in persons practising Raja yoga
vagal tone, these may be possible reasons for less meditation daily for at least one hour for minimum 5
increase in BP in meditators with HG and CP test. years. These changes might help an individual to
combat stress in household and working environment
Parasympathetic parameters and thereby reducing the related morbidity due to
psychosomatic disorders. The simple and easy to
The increase in S/L, 30:15, VR and E/I ratio in practice method of meditation should be looked as
meditators indicates increase parasympathetic an effective intervention and not merely a spiritual
activity in meditators than non-meditators. The gesture or a relaxation technique.

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