Coming from Hinduism and Yoga, the OM mantra is considered to have high spiritual and creative power. But despite this, it has physical benefits too.
OM is a mantra, or vibration, that is considered as the vibration of The Universe and Nature. It is vibrating at the frequency of 432 Hz and that is the same vibrational frequency found throughout everything in Nature.
By chanting it we are tuning to the sound of The Universe and acknowledging the connection we have with every living thing.
How to pronounce?
When it is pronounced correctly it’s actually AUM and it consists of 4 syllables: A, U, M and the silent one.
A is pronounced as a prolonged ‘awe’ – you’ll feel the sound starting at the back of your throat while the solar plexus and chest are vibrating.
U is pronounced as a prolonged ‘oo’ – you’ll feel the sound gradually going forward to your upper palate while your throat vibrates.
M is pronounced as a prolonged ‘mmmm’ – you’ll feel the top of your vibrate while your front teeth are gently touching.
The silent and final syllable is the deep silence of the infinite – you have to merge your chant from the ‘M’ to the deep silence. This symbolizes the intelligence rising from the deep silence.
Symbolically the three letters embody the divine energy (Shakti) and it’s 3 main characteristics: (1) creation, (2) preservation and (3) liberation.
What are the health benefits of chanting OM?
Every vibration has a physical effect on the body.
Here is what the OM vibration does to your body when you chant:
Reduces stress – medical studies have found that chanting OM with concentration enables you to reduce the adrenaline levels that in turn helps in reducing the stress levels.
Strengthens the spinal cord – researches found that this vibration significantly impacts the spinal cord. If a person regularly chants OM, then there are increased chances that the efficiency of the spinal cord will improve.
Strengthens the control you have over your feelings – You will become empathetic towards others and your thought process will improve. The ability to analyze situations in a better manner and react accordingly will increase.
Improves concentration – it calms the chatter in your mind and gives you clarity.
Improves your mood – It is said that this vibration improves your endorphins and balances the hormonal secretions, that play a major role in causing mood swings.
Helps your body detoxify – chanting OM while meditating further helps in detoxifying the body. It helps the blood circulation and provides more oxygen to the body. The constant deep breathing process along with the vibrations helps in getting rid of toxins. Due to this fact, people believe chanting OM restores youthfulness internally and externally.
Nurtures the thyroid glands and the throat – as the sound ‘oo’ is created by the vocal chords it gently massages the throat and the thyroid glands. The vibration of the sound ‘mmmm’ opens up your sinuses and helps you breathe.
Helps you get enough sleep – people who meditate and chant OM before sleeping can enjoy sleep with a peaceful mind. Your sleep patterns and quality will improve because it relaxes your brain and lowers your brainwaves to an alpha state.
Filters out negativity – chanting OM puts you in a meditative state that harmonizes your energy and gets you rid of negativity and accumulated negative emotions.
Sources:
– Mind Body Green;
– Most Inside;
– Ideal Mantra;
