Picture this—Lying on a yoga mat, cocooned in a cozy blanket of soothing sounds that clear the mind of thoughts. At times you can even feel the sound vibration move through you, easing the body of pain. Yes, sound yoga is a thing!

Sound bath and sound healing sessions use many different instruments; however, the most popular ones used in yoga classes are crystal singing bowls, Tibetan singing bowls and gongs. These instruments have different individual functions, yet all follow the concept of brainwave entrainment. During a sound bath, human brainwaves will begin to match the sound frequencies made by each instrument. As a result, brainwaves will resonate at an alpha or theta state, which induces deep relaxation in the body and draws the listener into a deep state of calm. 

Many sound practitioners have gone through a specialized training to learn how each sound frequency can alter the shape of particles to help assist in the body’s natural healing process. Some of these instruments resonate at such a pure vibration they may break up tight tissue, allowing the physical body to relax more deeply.

Some schools of thought believe it is possible to complement medical intervention with sound to help dissolve cancer cells and stimulate the production of healthy cells. In addition, sound healing may assist psychotherapy treatments to help ease anxiety and depression.

Naad yoga and vocal toning use human voice vibration rather than instruments to create attunement. Naad means “the essence of all sound” and creates sound vibrations using the mouth and tongue. It is believed that brain chemicals can be profoundly altered to soothe the body during chanting as the tongue stimulates meridian points on the roof of the mouth.

Vocal toning uses the human voice to harmonize and balance the body’s energy systems, known as chakras. By vocalizing certain vowel sounds in specific keys, one can use their own voice to maintain energetic balance. A beautiful singing voice is not required to practice vocal toning.

The power of sound is truly amazing! Many yoga studios offer special events for the holidays. Why not treat yourself to something new? Give yourself the gift of yoga this holiday season. Check our Local Yoga Directory for a studio near you.

 Rosie Lazroe is a certified yoga teacher and master reiki practitioner. For more information, you can contact her at 732-596-7384, [email protected] or visit RosieLazroe.com. December 2018