Keep Calm and Carry OM
Aug 08, 2024
Kalispera from Naxos Greece!
The AUM mantra, or "Om," holds a special place in the world of yoga and meditation. This sacred sound believed to encompass the essence of the universe. It is often chanted at the beginning, during and/or end of yoga practices. But beyond its spiritual significance, what makes the AUM mantra so powerful?
Let's explore its meaning and scientific studies that highlight its unique benefits.
Understanding AUM
Believed to represent the essence of the universe. Encompassing all the past, present, and future.The AUM mantra composes three syllables,. "A," "U," and "M." Each sound represents different states of consciousness. Creating a holistic vibration that resonates through the body and mind. Fostering a sense of unity and harmony.
- "A" (pronounced as "ah") represents the waking state.
- "U" (pronounced as "ooh") signifies the dream state.
- "M" (pronounced as "mmm") denotes the state of deep sleep or transcendence.
Together, these sounds create a vibration. That can align the mind, body, and spirit. Promoting a sense of unity and peace.
Scientific Evidence of AUM's Benefits
Recent scientific research has uncovered the tangible benefits of chanting AUM:
- Stress Relief and Relaxation: Chanting AUM stimulates the vagus nerve. Leading to relaxation and stress reduction.
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: AUM chanting improves focus and concentration by synchronising brain waves.
- Emotional Stability and Well-being: The practice increases endorphin release. Enhancing mood and emotional well-being.
- Holistic Health Benefits: AUM chanting improves respiratory function and digestion.
- Neurohemodynamic Effects: MRI studies show significant deactivation in stress-related brain regions. Thus promoting mental relaxation.
- More Powerful than Other Mantras: In a study by Kalyani et al, compared AUM chanting with other sounds. AUM proved more effective than other sounds in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Sounds like "shhhhh" or "mmmmmm". AUM chanting resulted in significant deactivation of the limbic brain regions. Associated with stress and emotional regulation. While the other mantras did not produce such significant effects (Kalyani et al., 2011).
- Heart Rate Variability:
A recent study by Inbaraj et al. (2022) explored the effects on heart rate variability (HRV). Both in experienced and inexperienced yoga practitioners. The study found that after just 5 minutes of OM chanting. Experienced yoga practitioners showed a significant increase in high-frequency (HF) power. Indicating enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activity and promoting relaxation. The improvement in HRV correlated with experience. Suggesting that more experienced practitioners achieve a state of relaxation faster.
The next time you sit down for your yoga or meditation practice, take a moment to chant AUM a few times. Or better 5 minutes! Then experience its transformative power. As you do, you'll be joining countless others who have benefited from this timeless mantra. Bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science.
References:
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Inbaraj, G., Rao, R. M., Ram, A., Bayari, S. K., Belur, S., Prathyusha, P. V., Sathyaprabha, T. N., & Udupa, K. (2022). Immediate Effects of OM Chanting on Heart Rate Variability Measures Compared Between Experienced and Inexperienced Yoga Practitioners. International Journal of Yoga, 15(1), 52–58. doi:10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_141_21
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Kalyani, B.G., Venkatasubramanian, G., Arasappa, R., Rao, N.P., Kalmady, S.V., Behere, R.V., Rao, H., Vasudev, M.K., & Gangadhar, B.N. (2011). Neurohemodynamic correlates of ‘OM’ chanting: A pilot functional magnetic resonance imaging study. International Journal of Yoga, 4(1), 3-6. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.78171
Yours in better health,
Liz
