Abstract

EVALUATING THE ROLE OF OM CHANTING IN REDUCING STRESS THROUGH ANULOM-VILOM PRANAYAMA FOR A PERIOD OF ONE MONTH IN HEALTHY ADULTS OF AGE 20 TO 35 YEARS USING HAM-A SCALE (HAMILTON ANXIETY RATING SCALE): A PILOT RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL STUDY

Dr. Swati Chobhe, *Dr. Apurva Tejrao Dahake

Abstract

Word „Tension’ is so easily used in common communication not only by adults but also by children nowadays, showing its impact on subconscious mind. The most homologous term to tension is „Stress‟. Scientists and motivational speaker says stress is good in order to achieve goals but persistent stress is evil. As per WHO, 359 million people worldwide suffering from Anxiety in 2021. Ancient yogic practises show variety of solutions over this in the form of Yoga, Pranayama, Chanting, Meditation etc. The effects of pranayama are known, but a comparison between Anulom-Vilom and Om chanting is not yet documented. Thus this study aims to evaluate the effect of Om chanting with Anulom-Vilom pranayama verses Anulom- Vilom alone on stress levels in healthy adults ranging in between 20 to 35 years of age with HAM-A scale. 10 healthy adults were randomly taken and divided into 2 groups (5 individuals in each group) - Group A and Group B. Group A performed Anulom -Vilom pranayama daily for 10 minutes up to 1 month. Group B performed Anulom-Vilom pranayama (10 minutes) with Om chanting (5 minutes) daily up to 1 month. Stress scores are measured before and after intervention by using HAM-A scale. Group B showed grater decrease in HAM-A scores relative to group A indicating Om chanting with Anulom-Vilom pranayama is more effective in decreasing stress than just Anulom-Vilom pranayama.

Keywords: Meditation, stress, yoga, Ayurveda, Spiritual, anxiety, mental health, Om chanting, Pranayama.