The average person breaths 14 times a minute. Mediatators breathe at a lower rate.
Here is the research:
WALLACE, R. K., et al. A wakeful hypometabolic physiologic state.American Journal of Physiology 221: 795-799, 1971.
COREY, P. W. Airway conductance and oxygen consumption changes associated with practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique. University ofColorado Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., 1973.
FARROW, J. T. Physiological changes associated with transcendental consciousness, the state of least excitation of consciousness. PsychophysiologyLaboratory, Centre for the Study of Higher States of Consciousness, Maharishi European Research University, Switzerland, 1975.
8. HEBERT, J. R. Periodic suspension of respiration during the Transcendental Meditation technique. Psychophysiology Laboratory, Centre for the Studyof Higher States of Consciousness, Maharishi European Research University,Switzerland, 1976.
10. BAKKER, R. Decreased respiratory rate during the Transcendental Meditationtechnique: A replication. Department of Biology, California State Collegeat Sonoma, Sonoma, California, U.S.A., 1974.
DHANARAJ, V. H., and SINGH, M. Reduction in metabolic rate duringthe practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique. Doctoral thesisof first author (summary), Department of Physical Education, Universityof Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Paper presented at the first Canadian Congress for Multidisciplinary Study of Sport and Physical Activity, Quebec,Canada, October 1973.
ROUTT, T. J. Low normal heart and respiration rates in individuals practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique. Department of Psychology, Huxley College of Environmental Studies, Western Washington State College,Bellingham, Washington, U.S.A., 1973.
STEHLE, R. Ventilation, heart rate, and respiratory partial pressures of athletes practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique. Diplomarbeit(abbr.), Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Cologne, W. Germany, 1975.
FARROW, J. T., and, Hebert J. R. Breath suspension during the Transcendental Meditation technique. Psychosomatic Medicine 44(2):133-153, 1982.
DILLBECK, M. C., and ORME-JOHNSON, D. W. Physiological differences between Transcendental Meditation and rest. American Psychologist 42:879-881, 1987.
Sudsuang R, Chentanez V, Veluvan K. Physiol Behav. 1991 Sep. Effect of Buddhist meditation on serum cortisol and total protein levels, blood pressure, pulse rate, lung volume and reaction time.
Wenger, M.A., and B.K. Bagchi. [2588] "Studies of Autonomic Functions in Practitioners of Yoga in India." Behavior Science 6 (1961): 312-323.
Beary, J.F., and H. Benson. [1101] "A Simple Physiologic Technique Which Elicits the Hypometabolic Changes of the Relaxation Response." Psychosomatic Medicine 36 (1974): 115-120.
