Yoga of sound: when singing takes a relaxing turn

We all know that yoga is good for us: it helps us stay flexible and calm, both mentally and physically. But what about when you add vocals to the mix? Vocal toning and chanting of mantras can actually help open our chakras, which promotes relaxation and peace of mind, according to yogi Alison West. Check out this article to learn more about how chanting can enhance your yoga practice!

Yoga of sound: what is it?

Sound yoga, also known as nada yoga, is a type of yoga that uses sound vibrations to support healing and relaxation. This practice is believed to date back to ancient times, when sages and monks used it to quiet the mind and connect with the divine. Today, sound yoga is often used as a tool for stress relief and self-care. Practitioners can use singing bowls, gongs, or vocal tones to create specific frequencies that can help balance the chakras and promote harmony in the body. The sound yoga experience can be deeply relaxing and rejuvenating, leaving practitioners feeling refreshed and grounded.

What can the yoga of sound bring to our well-being?

Sound yoga is an ancient practice that uses sound to promote relaxation and well-being. The idea is that by producing certain sounds, we can alter our state of consciousness and achieve a more peaceful state of mind. There are many different techniques used in the yoga of sound, but they all involve making deliberate sounds in an effort to promote relaxation. Some of the sounds commonly used in sound yoga include chanting, songwriting, and the use of musical instruments. While sound yoga is often used for its calming effects, it can also be used to energize and invigorate the body. Either way, sound yoga can be a valuable tool for promoting overall health and well-being.

Among the benefits of sound yoga.

Sound yoga can have many benefits, including:

Better mental function:

Aside from relaxation and well-being, according to proponents of sound yoga, the vibrational energy of certain sounds can help release tension, improve circulation and reduce stress. Indeed, this practice can actually improve mental functions. One study found that participants who took part in a sound yoga session experienced a significant drop in their anxiety levels. Another study showed that sound yoga increased alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation and focus. These results suggest that sound yoga could be a useful tool for managing stress and promoting mental clarity.

Better cultural understanding:

In our fast-paced world where we are constantly connected, it’s easy to forget the importance of slowing down and taking a moment to connect with yourself and your surroundings. However, the practice of sound yoga can help us do this. Sound yoga is a type of yoga that uses sound as a tool for mindfulness and self-awareness.

By focusing on our breath and the sounds we make when we take our positions, we can learn to quiet our mind and find a sense of calm and peace. In fact, making sounds can help us connect more deeply with our body and our breath. By opening up to the experience of yoga of sound, one can also open up to new ways of understanding and interacting with the world around us. By deepening our awareness of ourselves and our surroundings, sound yoga can lead to greater cultural understanding.

A letting go and a lasting serenity.

Incorporating sound into yoga practice can lead to a deeper sense of release and serenity. For example, the sound of your breathing can help you focus your attention on the present moment. The noise of a busy street or office can fade into the background as you focus on the steady rhythm of your inhales and exhales. Additionally, singing or chanting can help open your body’s channels, promoting a sense of physical and emotional well-being. Sound yoga is not only a meditation practice, but also a synchronization between soul, mind and body.

An exercise you can learn at home:

This yoga practice will help you improve your mental focus and establish a deeper connection with your inner voice. It will relax your nervous system, release tension and constriction in the throat, improve your flexibility to give your lungs more room to breathe, and develop the muscles needed for power and voice control.

Set aside a quiet space to follow the experience of each pose, exploring the flow of vibrations as sound moves through the body and opening yourself up to resonance and vocal expression. If it feels weird to make noise, know that this is the first area to clear: your right to make noise.

Less is more with the voice, so don’t strain to make a sound, just let your voice come out of the breath in the pose. Keep your throat, neck, jaw, and tongue relaxed throughout the pose. Breathing is always first.

With each pose you chose:

• Inhale silently through your mouth. If your inhale is “noisy,” you probably need to relax your neck and throat more.
• Exhale the mantra in a slow, controlled way, without choosing the tone or monitoring how it sounds.
• Enjoy the sensation of its initial consonant by exploring the places in the body that feed the vibration.
• Open to the sound of the vowel “ahhh” allowing the vibration to shift and rise.
• Hold enough breath to let go of the final hum of the “m” and end the sound naturally at the end of the breath, keeping the throat free of any constriction.
• If the mantras don’t work for you, just sigh in an easy, relaxed tone.

When you are done with the practice, sit quietly enjoying the silence after the sounds. You will notice that your brain is completely reset and your thinking is in rest mode. It’s time to reveal the potential within you and start a pottery, sculpture or just write a few lines in your diary. The key is to find a way to make the peace and serenity last until the next yoga of sound session.