Bioelectromagnetism: Principles and Applications of Bioelectric and Biomagnetic Fields

Authors: Jaakko Malmivuo & Robert Plonsey

Summary: A foundational academic textbook explaining the electrical and magnetic fields produced by the human body, especially the brain and heart.

Citation: Malmivuo, J., & Plonsey, R. (1995). *Bioelectromagnetism: Principles and Applications of Bioelectric and Biomagnetic Fields*. Oxford University Press.

 

Cardiac Coherence and Autonomic Function

Authors: Rollin McCraty & Mike Atkinson

Summary: Research from HeartMath on the relationship between emotions, heart rhythm coherence, and nervous system balance.

Citation: McCraty, R., & Atkinson, M. (2012). Cardiac coherence and autonomic function. *Frontiers in Psychology*, 3, 439. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00439

 

Consciousness in the Universe: A Review of the Orch OR Theory

Authors: Roger Penrose & Stuart Hameroff

Summary: Explores a quantum theory of consciousness involving microtubules in neurons as sites of quantum computation.

Citation: Hameroff, S., & Penrose, R. (2014). Consciousness in the universe: A review of the 'Orch OR' theory. *Physics of Life Reviews*, 11(1), 39-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plrev.2013.08.002

 

Effects of Yoga on GABA, the Autonomic Nervous System, and Allostasis

Authors: Chris C. Streeter et al.

Summary: Connects yoga practice to increased GABA levels and improved regulation of stress and mood.

Citation: Streeter, C. C., Gerbarg, P. L., Saper, R. B., Ciraulo, D. A., & Brown, R. P. (2012). Effects of yoga on the autonomic nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric-acid, and allostasis. *Medical Hypotheses*, 78(5), 571-579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2012.01.021

 

Yoga and Heart Rate Variability: A Comprehensive Review

Authors: Mary Lou Galantino et al.

Summary: Reviews existing literature on yoga’s effects on heart rate variability—a marker of autonomic health.

Citation: Galantino, M. L., et al. (2021). Yoga and heart rate variability: A comprehensive review. *International Journal of Yoga*, 14(3), 219-226. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_91_19

 

Raichle, M. E., MacLeod, A. M., Snyder, A. Z., Powers, W. J., Gusnard, D. A., & Shulman, G. L. (2001).

A default mode of brain function. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(2), 676–682.

https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.98.2.676

Lichtman, J. W., DeFelipe, J., Jones, E. G., & Cajal, S. R. y. (2017).

The Beautiful Brain: The Drawings of Santiago Ramón y Cajal.

Abrams Books in association with the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota.

 Holistic Therapy and Spiritual Psychology

Transpersonal Psychology: Integral, Esoteric, and Spiritual Perspectives

Authors: Dan Merkur

Summary: This book and series of papers from Dan Merkur explore transpersonal psychology as a blend of psychoanalytic depth psychology with mystical, spiritual, and esoteric traditions. It proposes a model of therapy where spiritual development is integrated into clinical healing.

Citation: Merkur, D. (2001). *Transpersonal Psychology: Integral, Esoteric, and Spiritual Perspectives*. SUNY Press.

 

The Role of Spirituality in Mental Health: A Review of the Literature

Authors: Harold G. Koenig

Summary: This review summarizes empirical findings from over 100 studies exploring how spirituality and religious practices contribute to improved mental health outcomes, particularly in depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma recovery.

Citation: Koenig, H. G. (2009). The role of spirituality in mental health: A review of the literature. *International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine*, 39(3), 273–282. https://doi.org/10.2190/PM.39.3.c

 

A Mindfulness-Based Approach to the Treatment of Insomnia

Authors: Jason C. Ong et al.

Summary: This clinical study evaluates the use of mindfulness meditation in treating chronic insomnia. It presents an integrative method that combines behavioral therapy with spiritual practices aimed at enhancing present-moment awareness.

Citation: Ong, J. C., Shapiro, S. L., & Manber, R. (2008). Mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: A naturalistic 12-month follow-up. *Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing*, 4(1), 30–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2007.10.004

 

Integral Psychology: Consciousness, Spirit, Psychology, Therapy

Authors: Ken Wilber

Summary: Wilber outlines a comprehensive model integrating developmental psychology, spiritual traditions, neuroscience, and systems theory. The book suggests a four-quadrant approach to therapy and self-understanding—personal, cultural, behavioral, and systemic.

Citation: Wilber, K. (2000). *Integral Psychology: Consciousness, Spirit, Psychology, Therapy*. Shambhala Publications.

 

Yoga-Based Psychotherapy: The Integration of Yoga and Western Psychotherapy

Authors: Marian Caplan

Summary: This paper discusses how classical yoga principles are used in tandem with psychodynamic therapy. Focuses on the role of breath, somatic awareness, and the chakra system as therapeutic tools.

Citation: Caplan, M. (2001). Yoga-based psychotherapy: The integration of yoga and western psychotherapy. *Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy*, 31(2), 115–126. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010230102451

 

My Big TOE: Awakening, Discovery, Inner Workings

Author: Thomas W. Campbell

Published: 2003

Summary: Campbell presents a comprehensive theory uniting quantum mechanics, relativity, metaphysics, and consciousness into a single logical framework. He proposes that consciousness is the fundamental substance of reality, and the physical world emerges from it as a virtual reality.