You may have uttered the word “Om” during yoga or meditation, but do you know its history, significance and restorative powers?

The Sanskrit word “Om” is actually an intonation, which, like music, transcends age, race, and culture.  It is probably the oldest chant known to humankind and believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds.

The word is made up of three Sanskrit letters “aa, au, and ma.”  Combined together they make the sound “Aum” or “Om.”  The correct pronunciation of “om” is a long “O” and a drawn-out sound of “M”–sounding like “Ohmmmm.”

If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the center of one’s being or soul.  In fact, research has shown that chanting OM can alter brain waves from Beta to Delta (from a waking consciousness to a deep state of self-hypnosis).

We know that sound has a powerful effect on the mind and body and when combined with meditation can facilitate healing and spiritual growth.