EEG Spectral Analysis on OM Mantra Meditation: A Pilot Study.

After 30 minutes of loud OM chanting, naive meditators showed a significant increase in theta brainwave power across all brain regions when measured by EEG with eyes closed. The analysis did not identify any specific frequency band uniquely involved in OM mantra meditation, but the rise in theta power indicates reduced cortical arousal consistent with a relaxed state. The authors argue that loud OM chanting may offer relaxation benefits, providing a new perspective for beginners and potentially demystifying meditation as a beneficial practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mantra meditation is easy to practice. "OM" Mantra is the highest sacred symbol in Hinduism. The present study investigated the temporal dynamics of oscillatory changes after OM mantra meditation. Twenty-three naive meditators were asked to perform loud OM chanting for 30 min and the EEG were subsequently recorded with closed eyes before and after it. To obtain new insights into the nature of the EEG after OM chanting, EEG signals were analyzed using spectral domain analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures of analysis of variance. It did not reveal any specific band involvement into OM mantra meditation. But significantly increase in theta power was found after meditation when averaged across all brain regions. This is the main effect of OM mantra meditation. However, the theta power showed higher theta amplitude after condition at all regions in comparison to the before condition of meditation. Finding was similar to other studies documenting reduction in cortical arousal during a state of relaxation. The study argues for the potential role of loud 'OM' chanting in offering relaxation. It provides a new perspective of meditation to the naive meditators. This information may help to demystify meditation and encourage those considering this as beneficial practice.