Chanting 'Om': A Neurochemical Pathway to Calm - Exploring GABAergic and Serotonergic Mechanisms

Arnab Roy, Manish Kumar , Praveen Kumar Gupta , Mithun Kumar , Manish Kumar Singh , Gourav Nag, Adarsh Verma , Shridhar Minz , Kumari Shiwani Shivam, Puja Kumari , Puja Gupta , Priyanshu Priya, Sapna Kumari , Priti Kumari , Yash Kumar Srivastava , Naba Kishor Gorai, Ramesh Kumar, Shyam Narayan ,

doi:10.5281/zenodo.16914882

Review Paper | Open Access
Volume 02 | Issue 08 | Article Id IJSRT/250308030

Chanting 'Om': A Neurochemical Pathway to Calm - Exploring GABAergic and Serotonergic Mechanisms
Arnab Roy* ³ Manish Kumar ¹ Praveen Kumar Gupta ¹ Mithun Kumar ¹ Manish Kumar Singh ¹ Gourav Nag ¹ Adarsh Verma ¹ Shridhar Minz ¹ Kumari Shiwani Shivam ¹ Puja Kumari ¹ Puja Gupta ¹ Priyanshu Priya ¹ Sapna Kumari ¹ Priti Kumari ¹ Yash Kumar Srivastava ² Naba Kishor Gorai ² Ramesh Kumar ² Shyam Narayan ²
¹Ranchi College of Pharmacy, Ranchi, Jharkhand-834003, India.
²B. Pharm, Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835219, India.
³Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835219, India

Abstract

The ancient practice of chanting 'Om' has gained considerable attention in neuroscientific research for its potential therapeutic effects on stress reduction and emotional regulation. This review examines the neurochemical mechanisms underlying the calming effects of Om chanting, with particular focus on GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. Through systematic analysis of current literature, we explore how the vibrational frequencies and meditative aspects of Om chanting influence neurotransmitter systems, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin networks. The evidence suggests that Om chanting activates parasympathetic nervous system responses, modulates stress hormone levels, and enhances inhibitory neurotransmission through multiple neurochemical pathways. These findings provide a scientific foundation for understanding how traditional contemplative practices can produce measurable neurobiological changes associated with relaxation and emotional well-being. Further research is needed to establish standardized protocols and identify individual variations in response to this ancient practice.

Keywords

Om chanting, GABA, serotonin, neuroplasticity, meditation, autonomic nervous system, stress response

Introduction

The practice of chanting 'Om' (AUM), considered one of the most sacred sounds in Hinduism and Buddhism, has transcended religious boundaries to become a subject of intensive neuroscientific investigation. Kumar et al., 2019 demonstrated that vocalized meditation practices produce distinct neurophysiological changes compared to silent meditation. The fundamental frequency of Om chanting, typically ranging between 100-150 Hz, creates both auditory and vibrational stimuli that may influence neural oscillations and neurotransmitter release. Patel & Singh, 2020 identified that the prolonged vocalization pattern characteristic of Om chanting activates multiple brain regions simultaneously, including areas associated with emotional regulation and stress response. Recent advances in neuroimaging and neurochemical analysis have provided unprecedented insights into how contemplative practices affect brain function at the molecular level. Thompson et al., 2021 utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to demonstrate that chanting practices produce measurable changes in default mode network activity within minutes of initiation. The emerging evidence suggests that Om chanting operates through complex interactions between auditory processing, respiratory control, and neurotransmitter modulation, particularly involving GABAergic and serotonergic systems. This review aims to synthesize current understanding of the neurochemical mechanisms underlying Om chanting's calming effects, with emphasis on GABA and serotonin pathways.

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Arnab Roy

Corresponding author

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835219, India