Alterations in Functional Connectivity Measured by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Relationship With Heart Rate Variability in Subjects After Performing Orgasmic Meditation: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: We measured changes in resting brain functional connectivity, with blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), associated with a creative meditation practice that is augmented by clitoral stimulation and is designed to not only achieve a spiritual experience but to help individuals manage their most intimate personal relationships. Briefly, the meditative state is attained by both the male and female participants while the male stimulates the woman’s clitoris. The goal of this practice, called orgasmic meditation (OM), according to the practitioners is not sexual, but to use the focus on clitoral stimulation to facilitate a meditative state of connectedness and calm alertness between the two participants.Methods: fMRI was acquired on 20 pairs of subjects shortly following one of two states that were randomized in their order – during the OM practice or during a neutral condition. The practice is performed while the female is lying down on pillows with the clitoris exposed. During the practice, the male performs digital stimulation of the clitoris for 15 min. Resting BOLD image acquisition was performed at completion of the practice to assess changes in functional connectivity associated with the performance of the practice.Results: The results demonstrated significant changes (p < 0.05) in functional connectivity associated with the OM compared to the neutral condition. For the entire group there was altered connectivity following the OM practice involving the left superior temporal lobe, the frontal lobe, anterior cingulate, and insula. In female subjects, there was altered connectivity involving the cerebellum, thalamus, inferior frontal lobe posterior parietal lobe, angular gyrus, amygdala and middle temporal gyrus, and prefrontal cortex. In males, functional connectivity changes involved the supramarginal gyrus, cerebellum, and orbitofrontal gyrus, cerebellum, parahippocampus, inferior temporal gyrus, and anterior cingulate.Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest a complex pattern of functional connectivity changes occurring in both members of the couple pair that result from this unique meditation practice. The changes represent a hybrid of functional connectivity findings with some similarities to meditation based practices and some with sexual stimulation and orgasm. This study has broader implications for understanding the dynamic relationship between sexuality and spirituality.

Alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism measured by FDG PET in subjects performing a meditation practice based on clitoral stimulation

“…This was the same group for which we presented fMRI data in a previous report. 7 We asked subjects to provide a description of how they would characterize the subjective experience of the OM practice. Several common statements included from the women: "I feel connected to my partner, connected to myself, and a feeling of joy and love in the world".…”

“…Subjects were recruited by the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and data from the concomitantly acquired fMRI scans from these same subjects were previously published including information on their demographics. 7 Written informed consent, approved along with the protocol (IRB#11D.412; approved on 12 September 2019) by the Institutional Review Board of Thomas Jefferson University, was obtained from all subjects by the principal investigator prior to undergoing study procedures (typically on the day of the initial scanning). All procedures performed involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.…”

Alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism measured by FDG PET in subjects performing a meditation practice based on clitoral stimulation

“…This was the same group for which we presented fMRI data in a previous report. 9 We asked subjects to provide a description of how they would characterize the subjective experience of the OM practice. Several common statements included from the women: "I feel connected to my partner, connected to myself, and a feeling of joy and love in the world".…”

“…Subjects were recruited by the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and data from the concomitantly acquired fMRI scans from these same subjects were previously published including information on their demographics. 9 Written informed consent, approved along with the protocol (IRB#11D.412; approved on 12 September 2019) by the Institutional Review Board of Thomas Jefferson University, was obtained from all subjects by the principal investigator prior to undergoing study procedures (typically on the day of the initial scanning). All procedures performed involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.…”

“…We should note that we previously published initial fMRI imaging data on the same participants as in this PET study. 9 Both the PET and MRI scans were performed on the same day, but as mentioned above, the MRI data were acquired immediately following the practice whereas the PET data acquisition was designed to help assess changes specifically during the practice. However, we found a number of significant changes in the brain regions of both the male and female participants (see below) and hence we hoped to compare those results to the changes in cerebral glucose metabolism observed during the OM practice.…”