None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Background: Many observations claimed that Zen meditation was beneficial to human health. However, objective and evidence-based studies were limited. Oriented from ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), meridian system is composed of 12 main meridians which closely associated with the acupuncture points and the electrophysiological conductivity of the human body. The meridian theory explained the cause-effect relationships of many of the diseases. In contrast, little is known to the effects of Zen meditation on the meridian system, heart rate variability (HRV) and emotional status. Objective: This study aims to empirically examine the effects of Zen meditation on the meridian system, HRV and emotional status by undertaking an intensive Zen meditation program. Methods: This study is a single-arm pretest-posttest design. Participants will be collected about their data on the meridian system, HRV and emotional status before and after undertaking an intensive Zen meditation program. Meridian system status and HRV data will be collected using commercialized devises and anxiety status will be examined by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Expected outcomes: It is expected to understand more about the effects of Zen meditation on the meridian system, HRV and emotional status by undertaking an intensive Zen meditation program. The results may suggest Zen meditation as one of the health promotion programs.
Interventions
an intensive 3-day Zen meditation program:
During meditation sessions in this study, participants were instructed to sit in an upright position, avoid movements, focus on awareness and count breaths. The eyes are closed during the meditation practice. The skills of Zen meditation were instructed by the senior monk who had received training in Taiwan with decades of experience of Zen meditation for more than 20 years. Each seated meditation session was 40 minutes. After every seated session medit
an intensive 3-day Zen meditation program: During meditation sessions in this study, participants were instructed to sit in an upright position, avoid movements, focus on awareness and count breaths. The eyes are closed during the meditation practice. The skills of Zen meditation were instructed by the senior monk who had received training in Taiwan with decades of experience of Zen meditation for more than 20 years. Each seated meditation session was 40 minutes. After every seated session meditation, slow walking meditation for 30 minutes was alternated with awareness of the here and now also. Participants were instructed to avoid using mobile phone, keep awareness and silent during all retreat time, even during meals and any other activity. The activities included in the meditation program composed of 6 cycles of 40 min seated meditation followed by 30 min of slow walking meditation plus 3 silent meals over a 12-hour day.
Sponsors
Show Chwan Memorial Hospital
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
20 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
20-70 years old with experience of meditation less than 6 months
Exclusion criteria
pregnant women or people with mental disability
Outcome results
None listed