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In Hirai”s study (1960), and Kasamatsu and Hirai”s study (1969 ) (1984 ), a series of level of deepening into meditation phenomena such as appearance of alpha waves (Stage I), increase in its amplitude (stage II), slowing down in its frequency (Stage III), appearance of rythmical theta train (StageIV) were seen in monks with over twenty years of practice, although their eyes rernain opened. Results of their study also show phenomena like dehabituation of alpha blocking, some increase in rate of heartbeats and activation of spontaneous GSR. Usually, alpha waves appear when people have their eyes closed. However, as for monks, although they have their eyes opened. their alpha waves appear and increase in their amplitude, and slow down in their frequency. This indicates that their levels of arousal are getting lower, But at the same time, the rate of their heartbeats increases a little and spontaneous GSR activates, which shows that the autonomic nervous system is rather active. In other words. it is a very peculiar state of sympathetic nerves effective while parasympathetic nerves are dominant. This, according to Hirai (1960), is a state in which the level of excitation of the cerebral cortex lowers and, at the same time, functions of brain stems are rising as release phenomenon. Also, another characteristic of brain waves during Zazen is "dehabituation " of alpha-blocking. The alpha-blocking is the turning of alpha waves into beta waves with the repression from sound stimulus while alpha waves appear. However, if the stimuli are presented repeatedly. it becomes habituated and the alpha blocking will not occur. This phenomenon of habituation could be seen to laymen during Zazen practice but it would not occur to well-trained monks. They could hear every click clearly. This is referred to as "dehabituation".
Kasamatsu and Hirai (1984) stated "in Zen meditation, the: slowing of the EEG pattern is confirmed on one hand and the dehabituation of the alpha-blocking on the other. These indicate the specific change of consciousness". These are not just a state of body and mind in relaxation. I think, it is rather a well balanced state of body and mind accompanied by tension within relaxation and fulfilment.
These are brought about by, as mentioned before, open eyes, suitable tension of muscle to keep the posture, long expiration. and concentration on respiration and their effects on each other, to keep the postures.
I think, various psychotherapeutic effects could be produced in this state of body and mind. For example. Ikemi (1995) observed that "essential role of autogenic self-control method like Zazen, Yoga. AT and TM is to invigorate inborn homeostasis and the function of self-control by leading specific psycho-physiological state". and Shapiro ( 1980) also observed that "the person is in a relaxed, comfortable. and physically stable posture, he is able to self-observe with equanimity everything that comes into awareness: fears, thoughts, fantasies, guilts, decisions and other covert events (global desensitisation)".
Recently. studies of Yamaoka (1988) or Hagino et al. (1987) (1989) (Table 2) indicated negative outlooks toward Hirai”s statement ; the slowing down to the beta train (stageIV) in frequency of brain wave. Moreover, Taniguchi (1992) stated that "questions concerning the early studies. such as intra-subject variations and long-termed alterations were raised not only in Japan but in other countries".
These are the problems to be solved hereafter.
Zen and Heal…
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