SACRED MANTRA FOR INSTANT RELAXATION

The Om mantra is a sacred sound that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Om chanting is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years in many Eastern religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Chanting Om can also help with anxiety and depression. It calms the nerves, reduces the release of stress hormones and promotes relaxation. 

Om chanting has also been found to have a positive effect on anxiety. A study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that chanting Om on regular basis, for just five minutes, can significantly reduce anxiety levels. The vibrations created by chanting Om have a calming effect on the nervous system.The vibrations of Om resonate not only in the vocal cords but also within the body.

SIGNIFICANCE OF OM IN HINDUISM

Om is often referred to as the prime symbol of Hinduism and is said to be the primordial sound from which the universe was created. The three syllables A-U-M are said to represent the trinity of the three major gods: Brahma (the creator) Vishnu (the preserver) Mahesh(the Lord Shiva).

According to Vedas, and the Big Bang theory - the whole universe was created by the sound Om (aum). As Krishna states in Bhagavad-gita: "Amongst vibrations, I am the syllable om." (Bg. 9.17) This means that omkara is nondifferent from Krishna. 

BENIFITS OF OM CHANTING

• For Better Sleep: The sacred energy and vibrations that OM emits not just purifies the mind and soul but also removes any mental clutter that would have been accumulated through the day. Once the excess worries are gone and the sound OM calms the monkey mind down, it helps have a better and relaxed sleep hence it improves sleep quality and heart rate variability. 
• Reduces Cortisol: Research from the International Journal of Yoga reports that Om meditation can help deactivate the right amygdala - the part of the brain linked to negative emotions, stress, anxiety and elevated cortisol levels. Chanting Om can reduce the amount of cortisol, a hormone that can negatively impact mental and physical health.
• Third Eye Chakra: The third eye chakra is located in the center of your forehead. It is directly related to your intuition power, awareness, and guidance. Chanting the mantra, 'AUM' or 'OM' opens the chakra. 

• Calms the mind: The sound of Om can have a calming effect on the mind 
• Improves mood: Chanting Om can help improve mood and reduce feelings of depression 
• Increases blood supply: Chanting Om can increase blood supply to brain structures involved in cognitive functions 
• Improves memory: Chanting Om can improve spatial and verbal memory
• Improves parasympathetic nervous system activity: Chanting Om can increase activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, which can promote relaxation and calmness. 
• Changes brain wave activity: Chanting Om can increase alpha and theta waves, which are associated with relaxation and deep relaxation, respectively. 
• Regulates emotional responses: Chanting Om can help regulate emotional responses to negative stimuli. 
• Improves psychological well-being: Chanting Om can improve psychological well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. 

Scientific studies on Om suggest that the mental repetition of Om results in physiological alertness, increased sensitivity as well as synchronicity of certain biorhythms, and an increased sensitivity to sensory transmission. 

In another experiment, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans (f-MRI scans) were used to analyse the brain and measure the response of the nervous system during and after the Aum mantra chanting. It's findings showed that the regular chanting of Aum can be effective in the treatment of depression & epilepsy.  

WHEN TO CHANT OM

You can chant Om at any time of the day whenever you want to and this can be done by anybody. “Om is a universal symbol and sound that belongs to everybody just like air and water. As long as you carry faith and believe in your heart then you will be able to gain the benefits of chanting Om,”says Grand Master Akshar, a spiritual yogic master, author, and entrepreneur who is known for his work in yoga and spirituality.

Whereas chanting aloud is usually a long and premeditated practice, chanting mentally is typically short. For instance, you may chant Om for just two minutes while sitting inside your car in a parking space. 

Chanting Om is often done at the beginning and end of meditation or yoga practices. Some recommend chanting Om for 10 minutes a day. It is considered that one who attains Om, merges with the Absolute. 

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