Unexpected Extemporaneous Anomalous Reactions (UNEARs) and their Relationship with Meditation

Abstract

The beneficial effects of meditation have attracted increasing scientific interest, particularly regarding the mechanisms through which this ancient practice may contribute to health recovery and maintenance. Nevertheless, despite the broad range of benefits attributed to meditative practices, the literature also reports numerous unusual experiences related to meditation. This study describes reports from three novice practitioners of meditation who experienced unexpected reactions, including headache, sudden sialorrhea, sudden heat in the body, drowsiness, feeling indisposed, an increase in anxiety and aggressiveness, jealousy, crying episodes, a desire to discontinue meditation practices, feeling faint, anguish, and fear of consciousness leaving the body, among others. These reactions are referred to here as “unexpected extemporaneous anomalous reactions” (UNEARs) — a phenomenon linked to the multidimensionality of the Being that may, in some cases, result from the confrontation between the practitioner and the Self shaped by an individual’s life experiences over time. With basis on qualitative data collected from semi-structured meditation diaries containing three open-ended questions that allowed practitioners to describe in detail any experienced reactions, and considering empirical observations of several dozen novice practitioners in previous meditation courses, the current study aims to propose an etiological hypothesis comprising three inducing factors that may act as “triggers” of UNEARs: (I) failures in the execution of the exercises, (II) the adaptation of the Being’s multidimensional body to meditation, and (III) the “unearthing effect” of meditation. These factors may contribute to the development of further rigorous investigations into the possible existence of a subtle human anatomy composed of chakra systems and nadis, as well as its relationship with anomalous experiences associated with certain holistic and alternative practices.