Short-term autonomic nervous system and experiential responses during a labyrinth walk
Date
2018-07-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cogent OA
Abstract
The labyrinth is a simple geometric form with one path leading to the centre and out. It is often used in religious and health-related institutions for quiet walking and meditation. It is considered a convenient tool for decreasing psychological and physical stress. This study sought to better understand and characterize the short-term physiological responses of the autonomic nervous system associated with walking a projected light labyrinth by measuring respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) in 25 young adults and youth. Our objective was to examine the physiology of labyrinth walking as a potential clinical tool for use by individuals who are experiencing psychological stress. Three hypotheses
were put forward: 1) walking the labyrinth would result in physiological arousal as indicated by a decrease in RSA and an increase in sAA; 2) physiological relaxation would be indicated by an increase in RSA after the labyrinth walk; and 3) participants would self-report calmness and relaxation following the labyrinth. Consistent with hypotheses, participants experienced immediate physiological arousal while walking the labyrinth, and heightened physiological and self-reported relaxation during and after the labyrinth walk.
Description
Keywords
walking meditation, spiritual health, therapeutic praxis, well being, heart rate variability
Citation
Behman, P. J., Rash, J. A., Bagshawe, M., & Giesbrecht, G. F. (2018). Short-term autonomic nervous system and experiential responses during a labyrinth walk. Cogent Psychology, 5(1), 1495036. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2018.1495036