Neurophysiological Effects of Om Meditation: Evidence from EEG Studies

Abstract

Om meditation is a widely practiced mantra-based technique within yogic traditions and has increasingly been examined using electroencephalography (EEG). However, EEG findings related to Om meditation remain methodologically diverse and have not been comprehensively synthesized. This review aimed to systematically examine and integrate EEG-based evidence on the neurophysiological effects of Om meditation. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (August 22, 2025) using terms related to Om meditation and EEG. Inclusion criteria comprised experimental studies assessing Om chanting or meditation with EEG-based brain functions. Out of 56 identified records, 11 studies fulfilled eligibility. Data were extracted following the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome framework. Most studies involved short, single-session Om meditation (3–30 min) in healthy student populations. Theta band modulation (4–7 Hz) was the most consistent EEG finding, often accompanied by alpha changes indicative of a relaxed yet attentive state. Delta band findings were inconsistent and varied by chanting modality and sensory conditions. Spatial EEG studies reported engagement of orbitofrontal, limbic, attentional networks, and the Default Mode Network. EEG microstate analyses showed no significant changes following short-term practice. Short-term Om meditation is associated with reproducible theta-band modulation and engagement of distributed cortical networks associated with relaxation and internalised attention. However, larger sample sizes, longitudinal randomized controlled trials, and the use of advanced EEG methods are required in the future.