EEG Correlates of Meditation and Mental Activity: Insights from a Single-Case Study

This exploratory case study examined EEG patterns during different meditation techniques and cognitive tasks using a consumer-grade device, the Muse 2 headband. A single experienced meditator with more than 2,500 hours of practice completed eight conditions: baseline, arithmetic and logical reasoning, active imagination, progressive grounding meditation, Dantian gong with reverse breathing, void meditation, mental projection, and energy circulation through the microcosmic orbit. EEG activity was recorded at the frontal and temporal sites and power was analyzed across standard frequency bands, along with center-of-gravity measures to assess hemispheric differences. Clear distinctions emerged between cognitive and meditative states. Cognitive tasks showed strong activation of beta and gamma in the right prefrontal region, consistent with executive involvement. Active imagination increased bilateral theta and alpha power, highlighting prefrontal involvement in creative visualization. Meditative practices produced more varied patterns, including elevated gamma activity during focused attention, symmetrical activity in relaxation-based states, and enhanced alpha/theta coherence during energy circulation. These results suggest that even low-cost EEG devices can capture meaningful neural signatures of meditation, supporting their potential for personal practice, self-exploration, and single-case research.