Chanting, an ancient practice involving rhythmic vocalization, activates brain regions linked to attention and emotional regulation, including the prefrontal cortex, insula, and cingulate gyrus, while deactivating default mode network areas such as the posterior cingulate cortex and hippocampus, indicating reduced self-referential thought. Electroencephalography studies show increased theta activity, suggesting enhanced relaxation. This systematic review of 24 studies, drawn from 899 initial articles, identifies consistent neural patterns across diverse chanting styles, laying a foundation for further research into the neural mechanisms of chanting.
A brief session of group chanting can boost positive mood more than guided relaxation, according to a randomized trial with 66 Australian adults, 41 of whom had dysfunctional breathing and 25 normal respiratory function. Both chanting and relaxation improved flourishing, social connection, and reduced negative mood, with greater and more consistent benefits for those with breathing difficulties. Non-attachment, autonomy, and breathing function improved similarly across both groups. The authors suggest chanting and relaxation offer psychosocial and breathing-related benefits, particularly for people with dysfunctional breathing, though reduced statistical power to detect group differences means the findings warrant replication.