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Neurohemodynamic correlates of ‘OM’ chanting: A pilot functional magnetic resonance imaging study

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Bangalore G Kalyani
Bangalore G Kalyani
Bangalore G Kalyani
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Ganesan Venkatasubramanian at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
Ganesan Venkatasubramanian
Rashmi Arasappa at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
Rashmi Arasappa
Naren P Rao at National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Science
Naren P Rao
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Abstract and Figures

A sensation of vibration is experienced during audible 'OM' chanting. This has the potential for vagus nerve stimulation through its auricular branches and the effects on the brain thereof. The neurohemodynamic correlates of 'OM' chanting are yet to be explored. Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), the neurohemodynamic correlates of audible 'OM' chanting were examined in right-handed healthy volunteers (n=12; nine men). The 'OM' chanting condition was compared with pronunciation of "ssss" as well as a rest state. fMRI analysis was done using Statistical Parametric Mapping 5 (SPM5). In this study, significant deactivation was observed bilaterally during 'OM' chanting in comparison to the resting brain state in bilateral orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate, parahippocampal gyri, thalami and hippocampi. The right amygdala too demonstrated significant deactivation. No significant activation was observed during 'OM' chanting. In contrast, neither activation nor deactivation occurred in these brain regions during the comparative task - namely the 'ssss' pronunciation condition. The neurohemodynamic correlates of 'OM' chanting indicate limbic deactivation. As similar observations have been recorded with vagus nerve stimulation treatment used in depression and epilepsy, the study findings argue for a potential role of this 'OM' chanting in clinical practice.
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Int J Yoga. 2011 Jan-Jun; 4(1): 3–6.
doi: 10.4103/0973-6131.78171
PMCID: PMC3099099
Neurohemodynamic correlates of ‘OM’ chanting: A pilot functional magnetic
resonance imaging study
Bangalore G Kalyani,Ganesan Venkatasubramanian,Rashmi Arasappa,Naren P Rao,Sunil V Kalmady,Rishikesh V
Behere,Hariprasad Rao,Mandapati K Vasudev, and Bangalore N Gangadhar
Department of Psychiatry, Advanced Center for Yoga, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore – 560 029, India
Address for correspondence: Dr. B. N. Gangadhar, Department of Psychiatry, Advan ced Center for Yoga, National Institute of Mental Health
and Neurosciences, Bangalore – 560 029, India. E-mail: kalyanybg@yahoo.com
Copyright © International Journal of Yoga
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly ci ted.
Abstract
Background:
A sensation of vibration is experienced during audible ‘OM’ chanting. This has the potential for vagus
nerve stimulation through its auricular branches and the effects on the brain thereof. The
neurohemodynamic correlates of ‘OM’ chanting are yet to be explored.
Materials and Methods:
Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), the neurohemodynamic correlates of audible
‘OM’ chanting were examined in right-handed healthy volunteers (n=12; nine men). The ‘OM’ chanting
condition was compared with pronunciation of “ssss” as well as a rest state. fMRI analysis was done using
Statistical Parametric Mapping 5 (SPM5).
Results:
In this study, significant deactivation was observed bilaterally during ‘OM’ chanting in comparison to the
resting brain state in bilateral orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate, parahippocampal gyri, thalami and
hippocampi. The right amygdala too demonstrated significant deactivation. No significant activation was
observed during ‘OM’ chanting. In contrast, neither activation nor deactivation occurred in these brain
regions during the comparative task – namely the ‘ssss’ pronunciation condition.
Conclusion:
The neurohemodynamic correlates of ‘OM’ chanting indicate limbic deactivation. As similar observations
have been recorded with vagus nerve stimulation treatment used in depression and epilepsy, the study
findings argue for a potential role of this ‘OM’ chanting in clinical practice.
Keywords: Meditation, fMRI, ‘OM’ chanting, vagus nerve stimulation
INTRODUCTION
Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as treatment in depression and epilepsy.[1,2] A positron emission
tomography (PET) study[3] has shown decreased blood flow to limbic brain regions during direct
(cervical) VNS. Another functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study[4] has shown significant
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deactivation of limbic brain regions during transcutaneous VNS. In this procedure electrical stimulus is
applied over the inner part of the left tragus and hence the auricular branch of the vagus.
The use of ‘OM’ chanting for meditation is well known.[5] Effective ‘OM’ chanting is associated with the
experience of vibration sensation around the ears. It is expected that such a sensation is also transmitted
through the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. We therefore hypothesized that like transcutaneous
VNS, ‘OM’ chanting too produces limbic deactivation. Specifically, we predicted that ‘OM’ chanting would
evoke similar neurohemodynamic correlates, deactivation of the limbic brain regions, amygdala,
hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, insula, orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices and
thalamus) as were found in the previous study.[4]
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Healthy volunteers (n=12; nine men) who were right-handed and were consenting to participate as
controls in an ongoing MRI research were approached. Two qualified psychiatrists independently
assessed these volunteers to exclude: 1) Psychiatric diagnosis, 2) family history of major psychiatric
disorder in first-degree relative, 3) pregnancy or post-partum, 4) co-morbid substance abuse or
dependence, 5) significant neurologic disorder, 6) any contraindication for MRI and, 7) left/mixed
handedness. The absence of psychiatric diagnosis was established using Mini International
Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus.[6] The age range of the subjects was 22-39 years (mean±SD=28±6
years). All were literate. Four of these had formal training in yoga including meditation and the rest were
naïve to this technique. The NIMHANS ethics committee had cleared the experimental protocol. In
addition to the consent that they had already given for the ongoing imaging study they were provided
with additional information about the present research (fMRI) and the need to be trained to chant ‘OM’
prior to the fMRI test. Written consent was obtained from all subjects for this study.
fMRI task
All the subjects were trained in ‘OM’ chanting by an experienced yoga teacher. The subjects were trained
to chant ‘OM’ without distress and interruption – the vowel (O) part of the ‘OM’ for 5 sec continuing into
the consonant (M) part of the ‘OM’ for the next 10 sec. While earlier electrophysiological studies used
mental ‘OM’ chanting, loud chanting of ‘OM’ was chosen in this study. This helped to objectively confirm
the task performance during fMRI as well as to provide the vibration sensation and stimulate vagus
nerves via the auricular branches thereof. The control condition was continuous production of ‘sssss….’
syllable for the same duration (15 sec). This was chosen to control for the expiratory act of chanting ‘OM’
but without the vibratory sensation around the ears. These practices were achieved in a supine posture.
They were familiarized with the same procedure while lying in the MRI console. Once they were
comfortable, the fMRI procedure was conducted. At the end of the task, one of the investigators
ascertained if the subjects experienced a vibration sensation while chanting ‘OM’ but not “ssss”.
The fMRI procedure had a block design. The fMRI experiment consisted of the following phases: 1) a
high-resolution structural brain scan was first performed; 2) this was followed by echoplanar imaging
(EPI) sequence in which blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) scans were performed. The EPI scans had
a repetition time (TR) of 3 sec. Two hundred EPI scans were performed over 10 min. These 10 min
consisted of 15-sec blocks of ‘OM’ and “ssss”. These blocks were interspersed with 15 sec of rest period.
Altogether there were 10 blocks of ‘OM’, 10 blocks of “ssss” and 20 blocks of rest Figure 1.
Image sequences
Imaging was done using 3 Tesla MRI scanner at NIMHANS. After the initial localization sequences, high-
resolution T -weighted, structural MR images of 1-mm slice thickness with no inter-slice gap were
obtained (TR=8.1 msec; TE=3.7 msec; matrix=256×256). This high-resolution structural image was
utilized for the purpose of localization of brain activation and also to rule out any gross brain abnormality
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in the study subjects. This was followed by a BOLD sensitive EPI sequence (TR=3000 msec; TE=35
msec; slice thickness=8 mm; number of slices=16; matrix=128×128). The total duration of EPI scans was
10 min. During the EPI scans, the subjects were cued to alternate among various states (i.e., ‘OM’, “ssss”
and “REST”) every 15 sec (as described above) through a MRI-compatible monitor display which was
synchronized with the image acquisition by e-prime software incorporated in eloquence fMRI hardware
setup.
Image analysis
fMRI analyses were carried out for all patients using Statistical Parametric Mapping 5 (SPM5)
(http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/spm). Images were realigned, corrected for slice timing variations, spatially
normalized[7–9] and smoothened with a Gaussian kernel of 8-mm full-width-at-half-maximum. The
blocks were modeled by a canonical hemodynamic response function. SPM5 combines the General Linear
Model and Gaussian random field theory to draw statistical inferences from BOLD response data
regarding deviations from the null hypothesis in three-dimensional brain space. The voxel-wise fixed
effects analysis produced a statistical parametric map in the stereotactic space of the Montreal
Neurological Institute[10]. ‘OM’ as well as “ssss”-related BOLD-activation and de-activation, were
assessed using a subtraction paradigm by respectively contrasting with the “REST” condition. The BOLD
changes were examined specifically in the à priori regions-of-interest, namely the limbic brain regions
[amygdala, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, insula, orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices
and thalamus – the last three brain regions were examined because of their intricate connections with the
limbic brain]. For these à priori regions-of-interest masks were created using the WFU Pickatlas for SPM
analyses.[11] Significance corrections for multiple comparisons for the individual region-of-interest were
performed using a Family-wise Error Correction (FWE) [P<0.001].
RESULTS
Compared to rest condition the BOLD fMRI signals did not detect any significant brain activation during
‘OM’ chanting. However, significant deactivation was seen in the amygdala, anterior cingulate gyrus,
hippocampus, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, parahippocampal gyrus and thalamus during ‘OM’ chanting [
Table 1 and Figure 2]. The “ssss” task did not produce any significant activation/deactivation in any of
these brain regions. The coordinates of significant areas of deactivation were transformed from MNI
space[10] into the stereotactic space of Talairach and Tournoux.[12]
DISCUSSION
In this study, significant deactivation was observed bilaterally during ‘OM’ chanting in comparison to the
resting brain state in orbito-frontal, anterior cingulate, parahippocampal gyri thalami and hippocampi.
In addition the right amygdala demonstrated significant deactivation. No significant activation was
observed during ‘OM’ chanting. In contrast, neither activation nor deactivation occurred in these brain
regions during the comparative task – namely the ‘ssss’ condition.
Though there is no previous report on the effect of ‘OM’ chanting on brain hemodynamic responses, an
earlier study by Kraus et al.,[4] had examined the impact of transcutaneous VNS on BOLD changes using
fMRI. Because of the commonality of the vagus involvement (as hypothesized in the current study), we
compared our study observations with this earlier study.[4] Interestingly, our study findings are in tune
with this previous study; significant deactivation was observed in the amygdala, parahippocampal,
hippocampal brain regions. This suggests that neurophysiological effects of ‘OM’ chanting may be
mediated through the auricular branches of the vagal nerves. Using a different methodology (positron
emission tomography), other researchers[3] demonstrated reduced blood flow bilaterally in the
hippocampus, amygdala, and cingulate gyri following left cervical VNS in epilepsy patients. Similarly,
VNS treatment in depressed patients reduced regional cerebral blood flow in the amygdala, left
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hippocampus, left subgenual cingulate cortex, left and right ventral anterior cingulum, right thalamus
and brainstem as measured by single photon emission computed tomography.[13] Interestingly, these
regions become hyperactivated in patients with depressive disorder[14] for which VNS is used as therapy.
However, our observations to support VNS as the mechanism of ‘OM’ chanting are preliminary and
further studies are required to support our hypothesis.
Alternatively, ‘OM’ chanting may have been a cue to relaxation. As meditation is shown to activate
structures involved in relaxation response, namely cingulate cortex, dorsolateral, prefrontal and parietal
cortices, hippocampus and temporal lobes,[15] the confounding effect of relaxation could not be ruled
out.
In summary, the hemodynamic correlates of ‘OM’ chanting indicate limbic deactivation. Since similar
observations have been recorded with VNS treatment used in depression and epilepsy, the clinical
significance of ‘OM’ chanting merits further research.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award grant to Dr. G.
Venkatasubramanian awarded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
Footnotes
Source of Support: Nil
Conflict of Interest: None declared
REFERENCES
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texts and contemporary science. Int J Yoga. 2010;3:2–5. [PMCID: PMC2952121][PubMed: 20948894]
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psychiatric interview for DSM-IV and ICD-10. J Clin Psychiatry. 1998;59:22–33. quiz 4-57.
[PubMed: 9881538]
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chronic schizophrenia: The role of left prefrontal cortex. NeuroImage. 2005;25:952–7.
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9. Venkatasubramanian G, Spence SA. Schneiderian first rank symptoms are associated with right
parietal hyperactivation: A replication utilising fMRI. Am J Psychiatry. 2005;162:1545.
10. Evans A, Collins DL, Mills SR, Brown RD, Kelly RL, Peters TM. 3D statistical neuroanatomical
models from 305 MRI volumes. IEEE Nucl Sci Symp Med Imag Conf Proc. 1993;108:1877–8.
11. Maldjian J, Laurienti PJ, Kraft RA, Burdette JH. An automated method for neuroanatomic and
cytoarchitectonic atlas-based interrogation of FMRI data sets. Neuroimage. 2003;19:1233–9.
[PubMed: 12880848]
12. Talairach P, Tournoux JA. A Stereotactic Co-Planar Atlas of the Human Brain. Thieme. 1988
13. Zobel A, Joe A, Freymann N, Clusmann H, Schramm J, Reinhardt M, et al. Changes in regional
cerebral blood flow by therapeutic vagus nerve stimulation in depression: An exploratory approach.
Psychiatry Res. 2005;139:165–79.[PubMed: 16043331]
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affect in bipolar depression: An fMRI study. Eur J Neurosci. 2004;19:741–54.[PubMed: 14984424]
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Figures and Tables
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Figure 1
Shows one cycle of REST-‘OM’-REST-ssss; 10 such cycles were performed by each subject during the
fMRI scan
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Table 1
Brain regions with significant deactivation during ‘OM’ condition in comparison with “REST” condition
Brain region X Y Z T FWE-p
Right amygdala 24 -10 -08 5.2 <0.001
Left anterior cingulate gyrus -02 45 -02 10.2 <0.001
Right anterior cingulate gyrus 12 49 -01 9.8 <0.001
Left hippocampus -32 -18 -11 6.5 <0.001
Right hippocampus 30 -31 -05 4.6 <0.001
Left insula -28 19 -06 6.5 <0.001
Right insula 38 15 -06 4.9 <0.001
Left orbitofrontal cortex -28 29 -08 6.6 <0.001
Right orbitofrontal cortex 30 29 -08 7.3 <0.001
Left parahippocampal gyrus -30 -20 -21 5.1 <0.001
Right parahippocampal gyrus 32 -28 -22 5.0 <0.001
Left thalamus -14 -05 13 6.6 <0.001
Right thalamus 16 -07 11 6.2 <0.001
X, Y, Z Talairach coordinates of peak activation
Family-wise error corrected ‘P’ value
** *
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Figure 2
Compared to REST, ‘OM’ chanting produced deactivation of thalami (A) and limbic structures - anterior
cingulum (B), hippocampi (C), insula (D) and parahippocampi (E); Whereas control condition ‘ssss’
produced no deactivation in any of these regions (F). The color bar represents the T scores given in the
table
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... 2 studies measured the blood flow in the brain through fNIRS, 23,25 while 3 studies measured through fMRI. 21,24,26 Electric Neural Activities: The second domain noted was electrical neural activities, evaluated by 4 studies (3 Single group Pre-Post, 1 Randomized Controlled Trial). 14,15,22,28 Studies used the EEG tool to measure the neural activities of 80 participants. ...
... The researchers analyzed 20 studies involving OM meditation and identified variations in the techniques used. Out of the 20 studies, 10 focused on verbal chanting, 14,21,22,25,26,[31][32][33][34]37 5 explored mental chanting, 20,23,27,29,30 3 involved listening, 15,24,35 and 2 used a combination of verbal and listening. 28,36 Verbal chanting was found to be more popular, possibly due to the ease of practice. ...
... 38 Verbal chanting produces sensations around the ear, which stimulates the vagal nerve through the auricular branches. 21 Upon stimulation, the vagal nerve promotes parasympathetic activity, which may help reduce epilepsy and depression. 39,40 Listening to a mantra activates several regions of the brain, such as the orbital gyrus, rectal gyrus, and sub-callosal gyrus, in addition to the resting state networks activated by verbal chanting. ...
View
... Functional MRI (fMRI) and EEG studies reveal that chanting "AUM" activates the limbic system, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus (Kalyani BG, et al., 2011) [3] . These regions are associated with emotional regulation, attention, and overall mental health. ...
... Functional MRI (fMRI) and EEG studies reveal that chanting "AUM" activates the limbic system, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus (Kalyani BG, et al., 2011) [3] . These regions are associated with emotional regulation, attention, and overall mental health. ...
View
... Om chanting produced significant deactivation in most of the structures of the limbic system including the right amygdala. The vibration produced around the ears due to Om chanting works like transcutaneous stimulation of the Vagus nerve through the auricular branch and can be used as a treatment for depression and epilepsy [4,5]. ...
... The conjunction analysis reveals that the "OM" sound recruits neural systems implicated in emotional empathy, especially the left dorsolateral middle frontal cortex and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) [4,11]. The appearance of slow wave EEG (theta and delta) during "Om" chanting, with a simultaneous decrease in galvanic skin resistance and an increase in heart rate, suggests a more relaxed but active mental state [12]. ...
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Background: AUM (ॐ) chanting, an ancient practice in yoga, is believed to promote mental calmness and selfawareness. Previous studies suggest it can influence the brain’s limbic system, potentially reducing stress and anxiety. This study explores how AUM chanting compares to listening to relaxing music in terms of cognitive and psychological effects in young medical students. Aims/Objectives: The main goal was to examine the impact of AUM chanting on cognitive abilities (like memory and reaction time) and psychological factors (such as stress and anxiety).A secondary goal was to compare these effects with those of listening to relaxing music. Methods: This was a case-control study involving 100 participants (50 in the AUM group and 50 in the music group). Before and after 15 minutes of either AUM chanting or relaxing music, we assessed various cognitive functions (such as memory and reaction time) and psychological states (stress and anxiety). Results: AUM chanting led to a significant reduction in stress and anxiety, as indicated by lower scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).It also enhanced verbal and number memory and improved reaction time. In contrast, while listening to relaxing music had some benefits, it did not produce the same significant changes, particularly in cognitive performance. Conclusion: AUM chanting appears to be a highly effective method for reducing stress,improving anxiety levels,and enhancing cognitive function in a short period. These findings highlight its potential as a practical tool for mental well-being and stress management.
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... Chanting 'Om' has also been demonstrated to activate brain regions linked to autonomic and emotional regulation in functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. 8 Similarly, to promote profound relaxation and mental clarity, transcendental meditation (TM) uses customised Mantras. According to studies on TM, it dramatically lowers blood lactate levels, oxygen consumption, breath rate and HR. ...
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Background Mantra recitation is a universal practice that involves repeating sacred words or phrases. It is widely acknowledged for its function in improving concentration, slowing down thought processes and causing a variety of psychophysiological changes. Yet, no research has methodically looked at how various Mantra recitation techniques affect physiological parameters. Purpose This study was aimed to evaluate heart rate variability (HRV), autonomic function and respiratory variables prior to, during and following each style of Mantra recitation. Materials and Methods This trial involved 40 male novices between the ages of twenty and 25 years. The autonomic and respiratory variables of each participant were recorded before, during and following loud chanting (LC), lips movement chanting (LMC), silent chanting (SC) and no chanting (NC) in four distinct laboratory sessions. HRV frequency and time–domain measurements were taken from electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings, and data were obtained using a 16-channel polygraph. This study employed the repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) to compare the differences between and within groups under the four conditions. Results Based on frequency domain measurements, the results showed a significant decrease in high-frequency (HF) power ( p < .001) and a significant increase in low-frequency (LF) power ( p < .001) during LC. Furthermore, NN50 was significantly higher ( p < .001) in all sessions and groups, while pNN50 was significantly lower ( p < .001) as compared to NC during LC. Moreover, the mean HR was considerably higher during LMC and LC ( p < .001). Conclusion These results imply that, although in a relaxed physiological state, the LC and LMC styles of Mantra recitation may improve attentional focus while overdriving sympathetic activity. Nevertheless, vagal tone remained intact throughout the entire duration of the SC recitation.
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... The Rig Veda 1.164.39 also suggests mantra chanting as a way to clear the mind and reduce anxiety (Prabhupada, 2003), which is consistent with recent research on the calming effects of repetitive sounds during meditation (Bernardi et al., 2001). fMRI results while participants chanted "OM" vs. rest, showed the activation of brain areas such as the amygdala, thalamus, insula, and cingulate cortex, indicating a vagal afferent pathway akin to vagus nerve stimulation, which is known to alleviate depression and stress (Kalyani et al., 2011). EEG patterns showed that significant increase in theta2 and alpha1 frontal, parietal, and frontal-parietal coherence while listening to Vedic recitation compared to practicing Transcendental Meditation (Travis et al., 2017). ...
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... 32 Functional studies have also reported differences in insula activation or connectivity in yoga practitioners. [33][34][35][36][37] The insula is critical for interoceptive body awareness (IA), which involves sensing internal body states (e.g., increased heart rate, sweaty skin) and plays a role in empathy and potentially metacognition. 38,39 It is engaged during meditation, postural changes, and slow breathing. ...
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... These findings corroborate earlier studies (Cramer et al., 2018) and our hypothesis that yoga can play a crucial role in improving mental health in people affected by violence (Lakshmi, 2024). The probable mechanism of the beneficial effects can be attributed to the ability of yoga to increase dopamine (Pandi-Perumal et al., 2022), Benson's relaxation response (Friedman et al., 2001), parasympathetic dominance (Khattab et al., 2007), and deactivation of the amygdala during om chanting (Gangadhar et al., 2011). Yogic counseling also works at the intellectual level and subconscious mind training during the calm state of mind called resolve (sankalpa), which helps to modulate one's thinking, in contrast to the classic response of venting pent-up emotions during counseling. ...
Effects of Yoga on the Mental Health of Persons in Relief Centers During the Meitei-Kuki Conflict in Manipur, India
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2025
  • Pastor Psychol
Illegal immigrants from the Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribes from Myanmar have infiltrated Manipur, India, leading to conflict and changes in the geopolitics of the state. The ongoing conflict between the Meiteis, the largest ethnic group of Manipur, and the Kukis has led to extreme acts of violence, including brutal killings, sexual assaults, and the destruction of public and private property. People living in the region have been adversely affected in various ways, including their mental health. Yoga has proven beneficial for conditions such as exposure to conflict and violence. After a baseline assessment of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, resilience, self-esteem, and spiritual well-being, the participants in the study were given yoga intervention for 8 weeks. The post-assessment performed after the intervention period found a significant difference between the baseline and post-assessments in anxiety, depression, perceived stress, self-esteem, and spiritual well-being, with p-values < 0.05. Yoga is an effective method for improving the mental health of persons affected by conflict who are residing in relief centers.
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... The possible mechanisms involved in enhanced cognitive abilities through Naadanusandana may be attributed to a reduction in anxiety due to chanting (Bhargav et al. 2015). Aakara, Uukara, Makara and Om chanting has also been demonstrated to deactivate the limbic system, similar to that of vagus nerve stimulation (Kalyani et al. 2011), leading to a parasympathetic shift in the activity of the autonomic nervous system. practices like nadanusandana, music therapy can indeed be a process of reaching mindfulness, but it can also involve other techniques and goals. ...
Immediate Effect of Nadanusandana and Music Therapy on Cognitive Functions among University Students
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2023
Background: The purpose of the current study was to examine the immediate impact of two interventions, Naadanusandana, and music therapy, on cognitive functions. University students were instructed to chant certain sounds with awareness during the Naadanusandana intervention, while the music therapy intervention involved listening to Carnatic classical music. Both interventions were tested on the same group of participants to evaluate their immediate effects on cognitive functions with a fading time of seven days. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether Naadanusandhana and music therapy have any immediate effect on cognitive functions among university students. Materials and Methods: The study involved 100 university students, consisting of 50 male and 50 female participants, who were randomly assigned to two different interventions-Naadanusandhana and music therapy-using a self-as-control design. The Naadanusandhana intervention was administered first, followed by a 7-day fading period, after which the music therapy intervention was introduced. Cognitive functions were assessed using DLST and SLCT before and immediately after each intervention. Result: Based on the results reported, it appears that both Naadanusandana practice and music therapy practice sessions have a positive effect on cognitive performance as measured by SLCT and DLST. For SLCT, Naadanusandana practice showed a greater improvement in total attempted score (14.3%) and reduction in wrong attempt scores (69.2%) compared to music therapy (4.18% and 49.08%, respectively). However, for DLST, both Naadanusandana practice and music therapy showed significant increases in total attempted score (16.73% for Naadanusandana and 10.3% for music therapy) and net score (17.8% for Naadanusandana and 7.9% for music therapy), as well as reductions in wrong attempt scores (109.9% for Naadanusandana and 72.1% for music therapy). Conclusion: Both practices have been shown to be effective in improving mental well-being and cognitive function and can be used as non-invasive and non-pharmacological interventions to promote overall health and wellness. But in this particular study, even a single session of naadanusandana and music therapy was found to be effective in enhancing cognitive functions among university students, though it was found that nadanusandana is more effective compared to music therapy. Future research should address the potential long-term combined effects of nadanusandana and music therapy on cognitive functions among university students.
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Shabdha Brahman: Yogic Mantra-Oriented Sound Consciousness Experience for the Wellbeing of Humankind
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Full-text available
  • May 2025
Contemporary wellness seekers utilize the various practices of yoga to promote well-being. As a mind-body intervention, yogic approaches to physical postures, breathing practices, and meditation have enriched the quality of secular and sacred living. However, apart from these practices in ancient India, its theological orientation has introduced a transcendental experience of Shabdha Brahman towards prosperity under a voice and speech-oriented application known as mantra. Considering the significance this study is majorly oriented towards exploring the seeds of the mantra yoga practice according to the concept of Shabdha Brahman and its consciousness experience contribution to the promotion of wellbeing of mankind. The study was done using the qualitative methodology and primary data was collected through religious text and interviews. Secondary data was also evaluated and analysis was done with the thematic method. The ancient Vedic tradition has utilized the mantra yoga practice as a ritualistic practice related to sacrifices or yajnas. Later this practice developed as a transcendental practice of experience for the Shabdha Brahman. The mantra yoga practice majorly focuses on driving individual sound and speech in four levels and directing individuals towards a walking state to the transcend experience. This practice of mantra yoga practice majorly utilizes the Sanskrit mantra of Bija, Saguna, and Nirguna mantra. According to Vedic science, the Sanskrit language can stimulate the energy points of the subtle body. Therefore, these mantra yoga practices generate a vibrational energy and purify the individual mind body, and soul. Contemporary sound and vocal-oriented practice have been combined with the music and aesthetic approach and utilized as the entertainment practice. Thus, mantra-orientated sound yoga practice and the experience of Shabda Brahma developed and promoted individual well-being from a scientific and therapeutic perspective in the present world.
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Functional Brain Mapping of the Relaxation Response and Meditation
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2000
  • NEUROREPORT
Meditation is a conscious mental process that induces a set of integrated physiologic changes termed the relaxation response. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to identify and characterize the brain regions that are active during a simple form of meditation. Significant (p<10(-7)) signal increases were observed in the group-averaged data in the dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal cortices, hippocampus/parahippocampus, temporal lobe, pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, and pre- and post-central gyri during meditation. Global fMRI signal decreases were also noted, although these were probably secondary to cardiorespiratory changes that often accompany meditation. The results indicate that the practice of meditation activates neural structures involved in attention and control of the autonomic nervous system.
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Spatial Registration and Normalization of Images
Article
This paper concerns the spatial and intensity transformations that map one image onto another. We present a general technique that facilitates nonlinear spatial (stereotactic) normalization and image realignment. This technique minimizes the sum of squares between two images following nonlinear spatial deformations and transformations of the voxel (intensity) values. The spatial and intensity transformations are obtained simultaneously, and explicitly, using a least squares solution and a series of linearising devices. The approach is completely noninteractive (automatic), nonlinear, and noniterative. It can be applied in any number of dimensions. Various applications are considered, including the realignment of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) time-series, the linear (affine) and nonlinear spatial normalization of positron emission tomography (PET) and structural MRI images, the coregistration of PET to structural MRI, and, implicitly, the conjoining of PET and MRI to obtain high resolution functional images.
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Meditation on OM: Relevance from ancient texts and contemporary science
Article
  • Mar 2010
In Indian scriptures the sacred syllable Om is the primordial sound from which all other sounds and creation emerge which signifies the Supreme Power. To explore the significance of the syllable OM from ancient texts and effects of OM meditation in contemporary science. DESCRIPTIONS FROM ANCIENT TEXTS: The descriptions of Om have been taken from four Upanisads (Mundaka, Mandukya, Svetasvatara, and Katha), the Bhagvad Gita, and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ON OM: Autonomic and respiratory studies suggest that there is a combination of mental alertness with physiological rest during the practice of Om meditation. Evoked potentials studies suggest a decrease in sensory transmission time at the level of the auditory association cortices, along with recruitment of more neurons at mesencephalic-diencephalic levels. It is considered that a person who realizes Om, merges with the Absolute. Scientific studies on Om suggest that the mental repetition of Om results in physiological alertness, and increased sensitivity to sensory transmission.
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Electrical Stimulation in Epilepsy: Vagus Nerve and Brain Stimulation
Article
  • Sep 2010
Opinion statement: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy is a well established and effective treatment for medically intractable epilepsy. VNS is indicated if resective epilepsy surgery is unsuccessful or is not an option. About 50% of patients with VNS have a seizure reduction greater than 50%, but less than 10% become seizure-free. VNS also has an alerting effect on patients and may allow a reduction in sedating medications. The major adverse event is hoarseness, but treatment is generally well tolerated. The therapeutic effect can be delayed: patients may improve several months after VNS implantation. Direct brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging treatment for epilepsy. Scheduled stimulation is similar to brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease. Only the anterior thalamic nucleus has been studied in a larger randomized, controlled trial, in which patients with the stimulator turned on had a significantly reduced seizure frequency. Responsive stimulation applies an electrical stimulus at the site of seizure onset to terminate the seizure if one occurs. The seizure-onset zone must be well defined before implantation. Responsive stimulation requires seizure detection and application of a stimulus online. A large pivotal trial showed a significant reduction in seizure frequency. Both DBS and responsive neurostimulation are well tolerated, but there has been some concern about depression with DBS. Infection, hemorrhage, and lead breakage are adverse events possible with any type of stimulator. None of the brain stimulation devices have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but final approval is expected soon. These devices are indicated for patients with bilateral seizure onset or seizure onset in eloquent areas. Although the initial trials of brain stimulation do not show overwhelming improvement in seizure frequency, the technology will improve with time as we continue to learn about the use of brain stimulation for epilepsy. Optimization of VNS has been going on for 10 years, and we need to ensure that brain stimulation is similarly developed further. In addition, sophisticated devices such as responsive neurostimulators can greatly enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of epilepsy.
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The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.): The development and validation of a structured diagnostic psychiatric interview for DSM-IV and ICD-10
Article
  • Feb 1998
The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) is a short structured diagnostic interview, developed jointly by psychiatrists and clinicians in the United States and Europe, for DSM-IV and ICD-10 psychiatric disorders. With an administration time of approximately 15 minutes, it was designed to meet the need for a short but accurate structured psychiatric interview for multicenter clinical trials and epidemiology studies and to be used as a first step in outcome tracking in nonresearch clinical settings. The authors describe the development of the M.I.N.I. and its family of interviews: the M.I.N.I.-Screen, the M.I.N.I.-Plus, and the M.I.N.I.-Kid. They report on validation of the M.I.N.I. in relation to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, Patient Version, the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and expert professional opinion, and they comment on potential applications for this interview.
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Brain Blood-flow Alterations Induced by Therapeutic Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Partial Epilepsy: II. Prolonged Effects at High and Low Levels of Stimulation
Article
  • Sep 2004
To measure vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)-induced cerebral blood flow (CBF) effects after prolonged VNS and to compare these effects with immediate VNS effects on CBF. Ten consenting partial epilepsy patients had positron emission tomography (PET) with intravenous [15O]H2O. Each had three control scans without VNS and three scans during 30 s of VNS, within 20 h after VNS began (immediate-effect study), and repeated after 3 months of VNS (prolonged study). After intrasubject subtraction of control from stimulation scans, images were anatomically transformed for intersubject averaging and superimposed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for anatomic localization. Changes on t-statistical maps were considered significant at p < 0.05 (corrected for multiple comparisons). During prolonged studies, CBF changes were not observed in any regions that did not have CBF changes during immediate-effect studies. During both types of studies, VNS-induced CBF increases were similarly located in the bilateral thalami, hypothalami, inferior cerebellar hemispheres, and right postcentral gyrus. During immediate-effect studies, VNS decreased bilateral hippocampal, amygdalar, and cingulate CBF and increased bilateral insular CBF; no significant CBF changes were observed in these regions during prolonged studies. Mean seizure frequency decreased by 25% over a 3-month period between immediate and prolonged PET studies, compared with 3 months before VNS began. Seizure control improved during a period over which some immediate VNS-induced CBF changes declined (mainly over cortical regions), whereas other VNS-induced CBF changes persisted (mainly over subcortical regions). Altered synaptic activities at sites of persisting VNS-induced CBF changes may reflect antiseizure actions.
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Expanding the response space in chronic schizophrenia: The relevance of left prefrontal cortex
Article
  • May 2005
This study probed the ability of people with chronic schizophrenia to control their behavior in time by requiring them to deliberately vary responses within the temporal domain (i.e., to avoid regular inter-response intervals). Thirteen schizophrenia patients performed single finger movements (at moments of their own choosing) in an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm. Their performance was computed using the coefficient of variation of inter-response interval duration. Task performance was positively correlated with activation of left lateral prefrontal cortex. Post hoc analyses revealed an inverse correlation between activation in this region and severity of attentional impairment. These findings implicate left lateral prefrontal cortex in the modulation of the temporal response space in schizophrenia and imply greater attentional (executive) impairment among those who fail to modulate their behavior in time.
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Changes in regional cerebral blood flow by therapeutic vagus nerve stimulation in depression: An exploratory approach
Article
  • Sep 2005
  • PSYCHIAT RES
Abnormalities in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) have been reported to characterize depressive episodes; they are at least partly reversed by antidepressant treatment. Treatment-specific as well as response-related changes in rCBF have been reported. We explored the changes in rCBF induced by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), a recently proposed antidepressant strategy, by application of single photon emission-computed tomography with (99m)Tc-hexamethyl-propylene amine oxime in otherwise treatment-refractory patients. Both region-of-interest (ROI) and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analytic approaches were used. Decreases of rCBF in the amygdala, left hippocampus, left subgenual cingulate cortex, left and right ventral anterior cingulum, right thalamus and brain stem were observed; the only increase of rCBF was found by SPM analysis in the middle frontal gyrus. This pattern shares features with changes of rCBF previously associated with the administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Similarities to other brain-stimulation strategies in antidepressant treatment were less pronounced.
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