Bridging Science and Spirituality: Investigating the Effects of OM Chanting on Brain Waves
Archana Bajirao Kanwade, Neeta N. Thune, Wanus Srimaharaj, Supansa Chaising, Kamal Upreti, Rituraj Jain
Sakarya University Journal of Computer and Information Sciences October 13, 2025 DOI: 10.35377/saucis...1692343 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pre-post intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | OM chanting |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Electroencephalography Cognition Unconscious mind Brain waves Active listening Hinduism Alpha wave Cognitive psychology Neurophysiology Psychophysiology Cognitive science Preconscious Information processing |
| Key points | OM chanting increases alpha amplitudes by 34.2% and improves the theta/beta ratio by 85.4%, with decreased beta waves, suggesting relaxation and cognitive enhancement. |
Abstract
In Hindu tradition, the syllable "OM" holds significant spiritual and cultural value in Hindu tradition and is believed to produce positive psychological and physiological effects. Despite its prominence in spiritual practices, the neurophysiological basis for these benefits remains underexplored. In this study, electroencephalography (EEG), a non-invasive method for measuring electrical activity in the cerebral cortex, was employed to investigate the physical changes in brain wave patterns that occur when listening to OM chanting. Five frequency bands, namely delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma, are associated with brainwaves recorded through EEG, which define different states of cognitive and emotional nature. With these, this research analyzes EEG signals before and after chanting to identify and quantify changes, and to discuss the therapeutic implications. Several signal processing techniques, such as time and frequency domain analysis, assess variations in amplitude, frequency, and coherence across different brain regions. These findings show an increase in alpha amplitudes (34.2%) and an 85.4% improvement in the theta/beta ratio, related to relaxation, emotional regulation, and additional focus, as well as a decrease in beta waves, linked to stress and cognitive overload. This would show stronger neural integration between the brain hemispheres. The OM chanting evoked these results as a possible neurotherapeutic tool for stress management and cognitive enhancement. In bridging ancient spiritual practices with modern neuroscience, this study provides information on how such seemingly nonsensical meditations as OM chanting can enhance brain function, which is favorable for the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the United Nations, regarding the goal of healthy life and wellbeing throughout all ages. Further research should be done into these effects in different populations and over long periods to confirm that this is a long-term therapeutic effect.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cites 12
- Exploring the Physiological and Psychological Effects of Group Chanting in Australia: Reduced Stress, Cortisol and Enhanced Social Connection. Journal of Religion and Health December 1, 2024
- Decentering Mindfulness: Toward Greater Meditative Diversity in Global Public Health Mindfulness August 23, 2023
- Om chanting modulates the processing of negative stimuli: Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence Frontiers in Psychology October 13, 2022
- Global Effect on Cortical Activity in Young Indian Males in Response to "OM" Chanting: A High-Density Quantitative Electro-Encephalography Study. Annals of Neurosciences July 1, 2024
- Spirituality as a Therapeutic Approach for Severe Mental Illness: Insights from Neural Networks Religions April 16, 2024
and 7 more in the library