The Benefits of the "Om" Sound
Have you ever wondered why we chant "Om" in yoga or meditation? It’s more than just a sound—it’s deeply rooted in ancient philosophy and carries both spiritual and physiological benefits.
What Does “Om” Mean?
In Hinduism, Om is considered the primordial mantra, the original vibration from which the universe is said to have been created. Chanting Om connects you with this universal vibration, aligning you with the broader consciousness. On a simpler level, chanting Om at the start and end of a yoga session creates harmony—not only with those you practise alongside but also with the generations of yogis who’ve chanted it with the same intention over the centuries.
When pronounced correctly—aa-uu-mm—Om consists of four parts. Each has profound meanings:
A: Represents the waking state, our awareness of the external world.
U (or uu): Represents the dream state, our consciousness of the inner world.
M: Symbolises deep sleep and unity with the self.
The silence: The stillness after the sound, often called the “cherry on top” of the mantra.
The Science Behind Om’s Benefits
Beyond its spiritual essence, Om also has measurable effects on the body and mind. Researchers have studied its impact, and the findings are fascinating. Here are four key benefits:
1. Calms the Emotional Brain
In a 2011 study, researchers observed significant deactivation in areas of the brain associated with the limbic system—often called the "emotional brain"—during Om chanting. These areas, including the amygdala, are typically activated during emotional responses like stress or anxiety.
In contrast, a control experiment using the sound “ssss” showed no such effects. Interestingly, this limbic deactivation mirrors the effects of vagus nerve stimulation, a treatment used for depression and epilepsy.
So, next time your emotions feel overwhelming, why not give chanting Om a try? Or, if you’re shy, even humming your favourite tune can offer a similar calming effect.
2. Activates the Relaxation Response
Chanting Om naturally slows the exhalation, which stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your body responsible for relaxation and energy conservation.
A study on Om meditation found that participants who chanted Om experienced a noticeable reduction in heart rate compared to those engaged in unrelated mental tasks. Despite the slower heart rate, participants reported increased alertness—a balance of calmness and focus.
Who wouldn’t want a peaceful body paired with a sharp mind?
3. Boosts Lung Function
Practising Om chanting for just 10 minutes a day can improve lung capacity. A study on healthy individuals found that this practice, combined with Bhramari pranayama (a yogic breathing technique involving a humming sound), enhanced respiratory function. The prolonged exhalation during chanting strengthens the respiratory muscles, enabling the lungs to work more efficiently.
It’s a simple, effective way to support your breathing.
4. Unblocks the Sinuses
Low-frequency vibrations, like those produced when chanting Om, can help clear your sinuses. The sound creates gentle vibrations in the head, promoting air movement between the sinus membranes and nasal passages. This helps open the ostia—small openings connecting the sinuses to the nasal cavities.
It’s a natural way to keep your sinuses healthy—just like humming your favourite song with your mouth closed!
Why Not Try It Yourself?
With benefits for the body, mind, and even the sinuses, chanting Om is worth exploring. But don’t just take my word for it—experiment and see how it feels for you.
One Om a day might just help keep the doctor away!
Kalyani BG, Venkatasubramanian G, Arasappa R, et al. Neurohemodynamic correlates of 'OM' chanting: A pilot functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Int J Yoga. 2011;4(1):3-6. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.78171
Telles S, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR. Autonomic changes during "OM" meditation. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1995 Oct;39(4):418-20. PMID: 8582759.
Mooventhan A, Khode V. Effect of Bhramari pranayama and OM chanting on pulmonary function in healthy individuals: A prospective randomized control trial. Int J Yoga. 2014;7(2):104-110. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.133875
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