Udgeeth Pranayama (Om Chanting): Steps And Benefits

Udgeeth Pranayama – Om Breath

If you have attended a yoga class before, the mantra OM was likely chanted at the beginning and the end. Said to originate in Hinduism, it’s both a sound and a symbol rich in meaning and depth. OM is believed to be a powerful, primordial sound that we can make to connect to the Universe. When pronounced perfectly, it sounds similar to “AUM” and consists of four syllables: A, U, M, and the silent syllable.

Scientifically, the sound Om, when correctly chanted, vibrates at the frequency of 432 Hz. Generally, this solfeggio frequency has been proven to be healing since it reduces anxiety and lowers heart rate and blood pressure. It is also a frequency that promotes synchronicity between both brain hemispheres, enhancing intuition, insight, and creativity. This sound has been found in geometrical patterns in ancient sites such as Stone Henge and the Great Pyramid.  By chanting OM, we symbolize and physically acknowledge our relationship to nature and all other living beings.

Udgeeth Pranayama Benefits

• It helps soothe the mind and draws stability.
• It can help alleviate tension, anger, and anxiety.
• Useful against hypertension.
• It heals problems related to Insomnia and nightmares.
• Controls high blood pressure and helps with your kidneys.
• Cures issues related to the nervous system.
• It can enhance memory power and help people who have trouble concentrating to focus more.
• It helps those who suffer from acidity.
• It decreases hair falling out, premature graying, the appearance of wrinkles, and a decrease in eyesight.
• The increased blood circulation and oxygenation of the body bring a natural glow to the face.

Udgeeth Pranayama Steps

1. Sit in any comfortable cross-legged sitting posture. Sukhasana (Easy Pose) is perhaps the most common sitting posture used. Choose a pose you can stay perfectly tranquil for the duration of pranayama and meditation.
2. Keep the spine straight and tall. Keep your arms and shoulders relaxed.
3. Keep your eyes shut during practice.
4. Take several deep breaths, just making a connection with the breathing pattern.
5. Take a nice, deep inhalation. While exhaling, start the OM chant, and you can feel your stomach being pulled in at the end of exhalation and the chant.
6. Repeat the practice for about 10-12 chants. Stay focused and tuned in to the sound vibration of the OM throughout the exercise.
7. When you finish the Udgitha pranayama, keep your eyes closed and feel the vibration of the OM sound filling your whole being with this pulsating energy.

How to chant OM during Udgeeth Pranayama

1. Bring your attention to the navel center (Manipura Chakra) and feel the initial “O” vibration starting in the spine in line with the navel center.
2. Continue the “O” sound while gently moving your attention up the spine.
3. When your attention reaches the throat, at the top of the spine, change the chant to the humming “mmm….”
4. When you have completed the OM sound, feel the vibration filling the entire area of the crown center (Sahasrara Chakra).
5. Take the next inhalation and continue with the OM chanting.