Positive Effects of ‘AUM’ Chanting on Mental Health Well-Being

¹Associate Professor, Department of PDP Graphic Era, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

²ONGC, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

*Corresponding Author: Anubha Pundir, Associate Professor, Department of PDP Graphic Era, Deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India; Email: [email protected]

Received Date: May 4, 2023

Publication Date: May 19, 2023

Citation: Pundir A, et al. (2023). Positive Effects of ‘AUM’ Chanting on Mental Health Well-Being. Traditional Medicine. 4(2):15.

Copyright: Pundir SA, et al. © (2023). 

ABSTRACT

AUM mantra is a basic core of Indian Vedic Mantra, it is called the central sound of all kind of sound. AUM sound is basically made of three basic sounds Aaa…O and UM in Indian Vedic knowledge it is said that all other sounds can be made by using these three basic sounds. Similar to the sound theory of universe; ancient Indian Vedic science also suggests the universe creation has been initiated by the big roar sound, crated multiple times. In that case importance of sound in Indian Vedic Knowledge is very prominent and its effect on overall mental health has been reiterated many times in Vedas and Upanishad of Indian. 

Resulting; Sound healing in Indian ancient time has been considered as very basic and very core kind of therapy, since ancient times lots of specific mantras, type of sounds and music has been created by using the intricacies of ‘science of sound’ for treatment of specific ailments of body and overall well-being of the human health. 

AUM (Also called Om) chanting is an ancient practice that is predominantly used for spiritual purposes in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. However, there is a growing interest in understanding its impact on not just spiritual development but also mental health. AUM chanting is a meditative practice that involves the repetition of the sound "Om" in a rhythmic manner. This practice has been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual and mental health purposes. This paper explores the effect on mental health by AUM chanting through a comprehensive review of the literature on the topic. The paper draws from various sources such as academic journals, books, and grey literature to provide an examination of the global discourse around AUM chanting and its relationship with mental health. The review found a growing body of literature supporting the use of AUM chanting as a tool for stress reduction, anxiety, depression, and improving overall mental health. Furthermore, the study concluded that AUM chanting proved to be beneficial in reducing distressing emotions and managing stress, making it an ideal tool for mental health management. Recent research has investigated the effects of Om chanting on the brain and its neural mechanisms. The purpose of this research paper is to review the current literature on the positive effects of Om chanting on the brain, including changes in brain waves, neural connectivity, and neurotransmitter levels. The paper will also discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings.

As stated AUM sound is a core of all complicated sound system has been used for wellness of mental health. Technically the components of sounds are amplitude, resonance, wave form, pitch, tone, etc., similar to this if a mantra (say AUM Chant) has been recited in controlled environment of lesser noise by using specific pitch, tone, frequency and resonance can create and invoke an energy waveform that can change the chemistry and create new neural pathways to create better mental health, peace, wisdom and equanimity. Mental health can be measured by its components like enhancement of memory, better emotional intelligence, and better intelligent quotients, better decision making and agile functioning can be established with validated psychometric tests.

Significance and purpose of such type of research would open the new avenues of applying the ancient knowledge in modern times also will open the door for young researchers to usher for new and more subtle directions and dimensions in the health sector by blending ancient Indian Vedic knowledge with the modern ways.

Keywords: AUM Mantra, Vedic knowledge, Vedic Science, Upanishad, energy waveform