After Dr. William Selvamurthy's experiment with Nepali soldiers and observation of the increase of alpha and theta brainwaves [add hyperlink to Agnihotra’s Impact in Harsh Environments article], he continued his research to record parameters when subjects perform Agnihotra themselves.
Dr. Selvamurthy recorded electrical signals of the brain with an electroencephalogram (EEG) and cardiovascular parameters of the subjects performing Agnihotra.
He observed that when subjects recited the Agnihotra mantra, needles of the EEG machines, measuring DC voltage in microvolts, began to go haywire swinging back and forth, indicating a voltage charge that was well beyond the microvolt scale. The needles stabilized after a handful of seconds.
He noted the voltage spike may indicate that reciting the mantra and making the offering causes a charge, perhaps entering through the head of the subjects.
(image credit: from Agnihotra- Technology for Global Transformation)
Next, he noted physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure began to stabilize. Notably, galvanic skin resistance increased, which he interpreted to mean an increase in the parasympathetic nervous activity.
What does this indicate? The autonomic nervous system provides the connection to the brain and various internal organs. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for bringing the body into a restful state that promotes, e.g., recovery, rest, and digestion (as opposed to a fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system).
Putting it together, Dr. Selvamurthy noted in subjects that performed Agnihotra, he observed a voltage charge in the brain recorded by the EEG, which was followed by cardiovascular measurements that indicated an increase in the parasympathetic nervous activity. This was followed by an increase in alpha and theta waves, indicative of a state of mental tranquility.
(image credit: from Agnihotra- Technology for Global Transformation)
Did the charge measured by the EEG when reciting the Agnihotra mantra cause an increase parasympathetic nervous activity, which in turn lead to the brainwaves associated with mental tranquility?
What is responsible for the charge measured by the EEG machine? Did making the actual Agnihotra offering cause this charge? Is there some form of energy created when performing Agnihotra, that enters the body and causes a healthy neurophysiological response?