Spirituality Studies 11-1 Spring 2025 19 Nadnapang Phophichit et al. Effects of Four Foundations of Mindfulness-Based Intervention (FFMBI) on Salivary Cortisol Levels, Body Composition, Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate, and Brain Waves of Practitioners Received January 21, 2025 Revised February 9, 2025 Accepted February 10, 2025 This study examines the effects of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness-Based Intervention (FFMBI) on physiological and psychological markers, including salivary cortisol, body composition, blood pressure, pulse rate, and brain waves. A mixed-methods approach involved interviews with 12 Vipassanā meditation masters and Buddhist scholars to develop the FFMBI program, followed by a 7-day retreat with 30 volunteers. Results showed significant reductions in self-reported stress (SPST-20 scores from 32.07 to 23.00) and improvements in brainwave alpha/beta ratios (highest scores from 54.84 to 79.82; average scores from 6.16 to 9.80), indicating enhanced mental relaxation. Body weight, BMI, and obesity levels improved, though heart rate and blood pressure changes were not significant. Unexpectedly, salivary cortisol levels increased, suggesting the need for further investigation. Overall, the findings highlight the positive impacts of FFMBI on both physical and mental well-being. Nadnapang Phophichit, PhD. is the Director of the Certificate in Mindfulness Master Program (International Program) at the International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand. She lectures on Buddhist Studies, Buddhist Psychology, Innovative Mindfulness, and Peace Studies. Her research integrates the Four Foundations of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (FFMBI), Buddhist teachings, Vipassana meditation, well-being, and stress resilience. Dr. Nadnapang has led several significant research projects in these fields and collaborated internationally, delivering lectures combined with meditation sessions. She has been invited to speak on mindfulness and its effects on mental and physical health at universities and Rotary Clubs. Her research aims to integrate the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings with contemporary science, promoting mindfulness and Vipassana meditation as tools for inner and outer peace in individuals and communities worldwide. She can be reached at nadnapang@ibsc.mcu.ac.th. Nadnapang Phophichit et al. Phramaha Phuen Kittisobhano Phramaha Anon Anando Phramaha Duangthip Pariyattidhari Sakchai Sakabucha Wilasinee Jeungprasopsuk Tararat Khaokhiew Keywords Vipassana meditation, MindfulnessBased Intervention, body composition, stress reduction, brainwave ←← Photography by Martin Dojčár, 2025.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUwMDU5Ng==