Effect of Mahamantra Chanting on Autonomic and Cognitive Functions-An Interventional Study
Published: May 1, 2019 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2019/41236.12877
Lavanya Sekar, WJ Niva, K Maheshkumar, Ganesan Thangavel, A Manikandan, Santhi Silambanan, Vanishree Shriraam, Padmavathi Ramasw amy
1. Demonstrator, Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
2. Tutor, Department of Biochemistry, ACS Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
3. Assistant Medical officer, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
4. Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu, India.
5. Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu, India.
6. Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
7. Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
8. Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Correspondence
Dr. Padmavathi Ramaswamy,
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education (SRIHER), Chennai-600116, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: rpadmavathi@sriramachandra.edu.in
Introduction: Stress is a major health issue which leads to several potential negative health and well-being outcomes. Early interventions like yoga, meditation and music can reduce stress induced morbidity and mortality. “Chanting is considered as one form of bakthi yoga which improves concentration and memory, relieves stress and depression and helps one to get rid of anxiety” says Upanishad.
Aim: To find the effect of Mahamantra chanting in reducing stress among women nursing professionals.
Materials and Methods: In this study, subjects (n=30) with moderate to severe stress levels (PSS=14) were recruited and grouped into mahamantra (n=15) and control groups (n=15). Physiological parameters like Heart Rate Variability (HRV), serum cortisol levels and cognitive functions using Auditory (ART) and Visual Reaction Time (VRT) were measured. Mahamantra intervention was given (n=15) to one group while the control group (n=15) did not participate in the mahamantra chanting.
Results: This study showed significant increase in parasympathetic tone (LF/HF ratio) (p<0.05), shortened ART (p=0.05), VRT (p=0.01) and significant decreased serum cortisol levels (p=0.05) among subjects who underwent Mahamantra intervention.
Conclusion: The study results highlight the beneficial effects of simple mahamantra chanting intervention in reducing stress among nursing professionals with moderate to severe stress.
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