Institute of OM Foundation

The Institute of OM Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to researching the practice of Orgasmic Meditation (OM) and its effects on human consciousness, health, and well-being. It aims to scientifically evaluate OM as a potential therapeutic tool for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Mission and Objectives

The foundation's mission is to promote OM as a means of enhancing mental and physiological health through rigorous scientific research. It seeks to be a premier research institution for partnered practices, modeled after the interdisciplinary approach of the MIT Media Lab. By collaborating with leading researchers and institutions, the Institute of OM Foundation supports studies that explore the physiological and psychological impacts of OM.

Research Activities

Since its inception in 2016, the foundation has funded numerous research studies. Notable collaborations include work with Dr. Nicole Prause and Dr. Andrew Newberg, among others. These studies have been conducted at institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh and the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Jefferson University.

Research findings suggest that OM has promise as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and trauma. One study by Dr. Prause and Dr. Greg Siegle found OM increases happiness and closeness among couples while reducing anger and anxiety, particularly in individuals with a history of sexual trauma. Another study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed changes in brain activity associated with OM.

Funding and Support

The Institute of OM Foundation has dedicated over $2 million to support scientific research on OM since 2018. Major donors include Ramani Ayer, a retired executive who supports the foundation's mission to explore the health benefits of OM through rigorous scientific inquiry.

Scientific Contribution

The foundation's research aims to contribute to the body of evidence supporting OM as a therapeutic practice. By exploring its effects on mental health, emotional intimacy, and trauma recovery, the Institute of OM Foundation seeks to advance understanding of human connection and flourishing. Its findings have been published in various peer-reviewed journals, including Sexual and Relationship Therapy and Frontiers in Psychology.

Annual Reports

The Institute of OM Foundation releases annual reports that highlight the latest research developments and advancements in the study of OM. These reports document the foundation's ongoing commitment to scientific transparency and collaboration with leading research institutions.

Organizational Structure

As a nonprofit organization, donations to the Institute of OM Foundation are tax-deductible. The foundation reports its financial activities and governance through annual tax filings. Its financial structure includes contributions as the primary source of revenue, with expenses focused predominantly on research initiatives.