During meditation, profound effects are observed on different systems-endocrine, digestive,respiratory, circulatory, nervous,etc. of a person’s body and mind.Science has witnessed following changes during meditation with the help of various blood investigations and other tests like ECG, EEG, MRI, rCBF, SPECT, etc. done by using modern technology.
( 1 ) The levels of hormones like Vasopressin, Gaba, Serotonin and Dopamine increase and hormones like Steroid, Adrenaline and Noradrenaline decrease.
( 2 ) Process of metabolism slows down significantly. So requirement of oxygen and food by the body decreases.
( 3 ) Breathing and pulse slows down. Heart and lungs have to work less.
( 4 ) Alpha and Beta waves, suggestive of a tranquil and awake state are created in the mind.
( 5 ) Flow of blood increases in the anterior portion of the brain which is responsible for noble thoughts, concentration and tranquillity ( purity ) while, the flow of blood decreases on both lower sides of brain, which are responsible for worldly practices (covetous-mingled with anger ).
( 6 ) A control is gained over autonomous nervous system too, which is normally not under our control.
The sympathetic nervous system which creates stress is made inactive and parasympathetic nervous system which helps to pacify a person and make him stable gets highly activated.