Overview

Mantra meditation is a practice used to train the mind and attain a relaxed mental and physical state. It involves the repetition of a sound, word, or phrase.

Through meditation, the brain is thought to switch from resting brain waves (alpha waves) to relaxing brain waves (theta waves). This is believed to increase the release of pain-killing chemicals called endorphins, slow breathing and heart rate, and decrease blood pressure and metabolism.

People use mantra meditation for sleeping problems, anxiety, pain, stress, high blood pressure, headache, alcohol use disorder, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Anxiety. Practicing transcendental meditation, a type of mantra meditation, seems to help reduce anxiety.
  • High blood pressure. Practicing transcendental meditation, a type of mantra meditation, might slightly reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

There is interest in using mantra meditation for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



Mantra meditation is likely safe. There are no known safety concerns.


Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough information to know how mantra meditation might affect pregnancy or breast-feeding, but there's no reason to expect any safety concerns.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Mantra Meditation overview.

Dosing

Mantra meditation involves repeating a sound, word, or a phrase to attain a meditative state. There are many different types of mantra meditation, including transcendental meditation, Jyoti mantra meditation, Metta meditation, and others. Examples of spiritual, internal, and nonspiritual phrases that may be repeated include "God is peace," "I am content," and "Grass is green."
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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