Bhagyashree's social media is a treasure trove of wellness hacks, covering everything from nutrition to fitness. Recently, the actor shared the benefits of chanting "Om" early in the morning, claiming it opens up the chakras and regulates the nervous system.
"OM!! The sound of awakening. The vibrations of Om are the perfect way to open up your nervous system, your chakras, and each neuron in your body," she wrote on Instagram, adding in Hindi that humming Om for as long as you can has a direct and positive effect on the heart and lungs. Slow breath release, she said, improves heart health, relieves stress and strengthens the vagus nerve, which controls heart, lung and gut function.
The Indian Express asked Neha Cadabam, Senior Psychologist and Executive Director at Cadabam's Hospitals, whether the science backs her up.
Is it true?
Humming the word "Om" can indeed influence the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation and calm, Neha Cadabam told indianexpress.com. This happens because it regulates breathing and increases nitric oxide levels, which have been shown to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
How it works
Humming "Om" contributes to relaxation by stimulating the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain throughout the body and influences heart rate, digestion and mood. The steady, rhythmic nature of humming also helps quiet the mind.
"The vibration from humming helps the body relax, which can be particularly beneficial before sleep as it helps ease the transition into deeper sleep states," she said.
A supplement, not a substitute
Compared with silent meditation, the vibration of the "Om" sound offers sensory feedback that makes the practice more engaging, a wellness coach quoted in the same report noted. But it cannot replace adequate sleep and rest, and should be treated as a supplementary tool. Anyone experiencing anxiety or chronic nervous system dysregulation should seek medical supervision rather than relying on temporary techniques.
Support at Cadabam's Hospitals
Breathing and humming practices can take the edge off a stressful day, but persistent anxiety, stress or poor sleep deserve professional attention. Cadabam's Hospitals offers evidence-based care that combines therapy, relaxation training and, where needed, medical support. If calming techniques are no longer enough, our team is here to help.