ItemArticle

Bridging Science and Spirituality: Investigating the Effects of OM Chanting on Brain Waves

Title
Bridging Science and Spirituality: Investigating the Effects of OM Chanting on Brain Waves
Creator
Kanwade, Archana; Thune, Neeta; Srimaharaj, Wanus; Chaising, Supansa; Upreti, Kamal; Jain, Rituraj
Description
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. 2025, Sakarya University. All rights reserved.
Source
Sakarya University Journal of Computer and Information Sciences;Volume;8;Issue;4;pp.651-663
Date
01-01-2025
Publisher
Sakarya University
Subject
Brainwave patterns; Cognitive enhancement; EEG; Fourier transform; Neurophysiology; Stress reduction
Coverage
Kanwade A., Marathwada Mitra Mandal's College of Engineering, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Pune, India; Thune N., Marathwada Mitra Mandal's College of Engineering, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Pune, India; Srimaharaj W., The International College, Payap University, Department of Information Technology, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Chaising S., Mae Fah Luang University, School of Management, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Research Center, Chiang Rai, Thailand; Upreti K., Christ University, Department of Computer Science, Delhi NCR Campus, Ghaziabad, India; Jain R., Marwadi University, Department of Information Technology, Gujarat, Rajkot, India
Rights
All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
Relation
ISSN: 26368129;
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Kanwade, Archana; Thune, Neeta; Srimaharaj, Wanus; Chaising, Supansa; Upreti, Kamal; Jain, Rituraj, “Bridging Science and Spirituality: Investigating the Effects of OM Chanting on Brain Waves,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 18, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/23552.

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