Exploring the Effects of Om Chanting on Cognitive Functions of Individuals: A Narrative Review

  • Khemard Singh Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Yoga, Alva’s College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Moodabidri, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India.
  • Archana K Professor, Department of Yoga, Alva’s College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Moodabidri, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India.
  • Swathi K V Associate Professor, Department of Yoga, Alva’s College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Moodabidri, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India.
  • Sharada Shetty PS Assistant Professor, Department of Yoga, Alva’s College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Moodabidri, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India.
  • Vinaya Kumar T Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Yoga, Alva’s College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Moodabidri, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India.
Keywords: Cognitive function, Memory, Meditation, Om chanting, Yoga, Brain activity

Abstract

Om chanting is a fundamental practice in yoga and meditation, known for its potential cognitive and physiological benefits. This review aims to explore the effects of Om chanting on cognitive functions, particularly memory, attention, and executive function, among healthy individuals. Several studies indicate that Om chanting modulates brain activity, enhances neural connectivity, and improves psychological well-being.[1,2]By examining existing literature, we highlight the mechanisms through which Om chanting influences cognitive processes, including autonomic nervous system regulation, cerebral blood flow enhancement, and neurochemical modulation.[3,4] This review provides insights into the therapeutic applications of Om chanting in cognitive health and suggests directions for future research.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Basavaraddi IV. Yoga: its origin, history and development. Ministry of External Affairs of Government of India; 2015.

Rao NP, Deshpande G, Gangadhar KB, Arasappa R, Varambally S, et al. Directional brain networks underlying OM chanting. Asian J Psychiatry. 2018;37:20-5.

Bhardwaj AK, Agrawal G. Concept and applications of psycho-immunity: importance in mental health. Online J Multidiscip Res. 2015;1(3):6-12.

Ma X, Yue ZQ, Gong ZQ, Zhang H, et al. The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on attention, negative affect and stress. Front Psychol. 2017;8:874.

Gurjar AA, Ladhake SA. Time-frequency analysis of chanting Sanskrit divine sound “OM” mantra. Int J Comput Sci Netw Secur. 2008;8(8):170-5.

Nayak NN, Shankar K. Yoga: a therapeutic approach. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2004;15(4):783-98.

Naveen A, Sayeli VK, Pokala U. Effectiveness of 12-week OM chanting on reaction time and memory. Asian J Med Sci. 2022;13(10):233-6.

Pujari V, Parvathisam S. Breathing your way to better brain function. J Pharm Negat Results. 2022;13:8214-9.

Braver TS, Krug MK, Chiew KS, Kool W, et al. Mechanisms of motivation–cognition interaction. Cogn Affect Behav Neurosci. 2014;14:443-72.

Tiwari RK. Benefits of yoga practices in high school student’s memory. Int J Yoga Allied Sci. 2015;4(2):79-81.

Thakur GS, Kulkarni DD, Pant G. Immediate effect of nostril breathing on memory performance. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2011;55(1):89-93.

Mondal D, Bandyopadhyay N. Effect of yogic practices on depression and motivation among female students. J Yoga Phys Ther. 2022;5(4):210-5.

Naidu KL, Rao PM, Sailesh KS, et al. Beneficial effects of 12-week OM chanting on memory in school children. World J Pharm Sci. 2014;2(6):1969-71.

Rangan R, Nagendra HR, Bhat GR. Effect of yogic education system and modern education system on memory. Int J Yoga. 2009;2(2):55-61.

Simons DJ, Chabris CF. What people believe about how memory works. PLoS One. 2011;6(8):e22757.

Shields GS, Sazma MA, McCullough AM, Yonelinas AP. The effects of acute stress on episodic memory. Psychol Bull. 2017;143(6):636-75.

CITATION
DOI: 10.21760/jaims.10.4.12
Published: 2025-06-02
How to Cite
1.
Khemard Singh, Archana K, Swathi K V, Sharada Shetty PS, Vinaya Kumar T. Exploring the Effects of Om Chanting on Cognitive Functions of Individuals: A Narrative Review. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci [Internet]. 2025Jun.2 [cited 2025Jun.13];10(4):87 -89. Available from: https://www.jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4168
Section
Review Article