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sound yoga, Siddhi Shakti

Boost Your Health Naturally with Sound Yoga, Humming, and Nitric Oxide

The ancient practice of sound yoga or nāda yoga is a deeply transcendant and transformational art that can connect us to profound levels of deep soul connection.

This article focuses on one element of the practice, exploring how sound yoga and humming, and the production of sounds that generate vibration through the nasal region, results in the stimulation of nasal nitric oxide production.

This simple and powerful holistic practice has many health benefits. It can support us to calm the mind but also has profound physiological effects enhancing well-being.

What is Sound Yoga?

Sound yoga, also known as nāda yoga, is the practice of using sound vibrations as a form of meditation, inner connection and healing. A practice might involve the focus and inner attunement to specific sounds, tones, or vibrations to harmonise the body and mind, and to enliven our spirit. These sounds can be in the form of music, mantras, or through vibrations such as humming.

The Science Behind Humming and Nitric Oxide Production

Nitric oxide is a molecule produced in the body, particularly in the nasal passages. It plays a key role in various physiological processes, including vasodilation, immune function, and neurotransmission. One of the most remarkable aspects of nitric oxide is its ability to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body.

Humming, as it turns out, is a powerful way to stimulate the production of nasal nitric oxide. Research has shown that humming increases the resonance in the airways, leading to a significant increase in nitric oxide levels. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine[i] found that humming can increase nasal nitric oxide levels by 15 to 20 times compared to quiet breathing.

Ancient Technology

Unsurprisingly this practice has been known by ancient yogis, and cultivated through the practice of Bhramari prāṇāyāma – the buzzing bee breath. It’s inbuilt into ancient sound technology. For example, when we chant the Sanskrit sound Oṁ, we are also activating the production of vibrations through the nasal region, through the ‘m’ in that sound.

How Does This Benefit Your Health?

  1. Improved Respiratory Function
    Nitric oxide has antimicrobial properties that help to neutralize pathogens in the respiratory system. By boosting nitric oxide levels through humming, you can support your body’s natural defense against infections and improve overall respiratory health.
  2. Enhanced Circulation
     The vasodilating effect of nitric oxide leads to improved blood flow, which can enhance cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and increase oxygen delivery to tissues. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like hypertension or those seeking to improve athletic performance.
  3. Boosted Immune System
    Nitric oxide is a critical component of the immune response. It helps to modulate the immune system, reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.
  4. Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity
    Sound yoga, including humming, is inherently calming. The vibrations created during humming can stimulate the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This can lead to improved mental clarity, better sleep, and a greater sense of well-being.
  5. Support for Sinus Health
    Humming creates vibrations in the sinuses, which can help to clear mucus and improve sinus drainage. This can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from chronic sinus issues or allergies.


How to Incorporate Humming into Your Daily Routine

Incorporating humming into your daily routine is simple and can be done almost anywhere. Here’s a basic guide to get started:

  1. Find A Quiet Space
    Start by finding a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit or lie down without distractions.
  2. Focus On Your Breath
    Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself and bring your attention to your breathing.
  3. Begin Humming
    Close your mouth, lips gently together, have the tongue nice and relaxed on the floor of your mouth. Produce a gentle ‘mmm’ sound on the exhalation. It’s important to breathe through the nose. Focus on the vibration in your nasal passages. You can hum for a few minutes or as long as you feel comfortable. Even 5 minutes can support an inner shift.
  4. Experiment With Different Tones
    You can experiment with different tones or pitches to see what feels best for you. Lower tones may create a more grounding vibration, while higher tones may feel lighter and more energizing.
  5. Consider Using A Drone To Support Your Practice
    The use of a bed of sound can support you to feel more comfortable in the practice and to help us drop into a more meditative and inwards state. You can find a tānpūrā drone in G# to support your practice in the online shop.
  6. Combine With Other Practices
    Consider incorporating humming into your yoga or meditation practice for a more comprehensive experience. You can also try humming in combination with specific yoga poses that open the chest and throat.

Online Sound Yoga Course

If you’d some support to cultivate your own practice, have a look at this video course.


Final Thoughts

The practice of sound yoga and humming offers a simple yet powerful way to enhance your health and well-being. By stimulating the production of nasal nitric oxide, humming can improve respiratory function, circulation, immune response, and mental clarity. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to holistic practices, incorporating humming into your daily routine can provide profound benefits for your body and mind. So, take a deep breath, hum a little, and let the healing vibrations of sound yoga transform your health.
[i] Citation:

Weitzberg, E., & Lundberg, J. O. (2002). Humming greatly increases nasal nitric oxide. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 166(2), 144-145. DOI: 10.1164/rccm.2202021. Link

 

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Sound Yoga and Mantra for Pets

How Sound Yoga and Mantras Calm Pets: Benefits You Need to Know

In our busy lives, stress is something we all encounter, and our pets are no exception. While we often seek solace in yoga, meditation, or soothing music, did you know that these practices can also benefit our fur friends? Sound yoga and mantra chanting can be powerful tools to help calm and soothe pets, promoting a harmonious and peaceful environment. Let’s delve into how these practices work and their remarkable benefits for our pets.

Understanding Sound Yoga and Mantras

Sound yoga, also known as nāda yoga, is the practice of using sound and vibrations to bring harmony, attunement, and some might even say cosmic connection, to body, mind and spirt. It may include the use of musical instruments and/or vocal sounds to bring us into greater listening awareness, inner connection and peace, and to create a serene atmosphere – in both our inner and outer worlds. Mantras are repetitive sounds, words, or phrases chanted during meditation to focus the mind. They can bring a sense of tranquility and support a vibrational shift within our being.

How Sound Yoga and Mantras Affect Pets

  1. Vibrational Healing: Animals are highly sensitive to vibrations. The sounds and vibrations produced during sound yoga and mantra chanting can resonate with pets, helping to calm their nervous system. This can be particularly beneficial for anxious or hyperactive pets.
  2. Stress Reduction: Just like humans, pets can experience stress and anxiety from various sources such as loud noises, changes in routine, or separation from their owners. The soothing sounds of mantras can create a calming ambiance, reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation.
  3. Improved Sleep: Pets often struggle with sleep disturbances due to stress or discomfort. The calming effect of sound yoga and mantra can help regulate their sleep patterns, ensuring they get the rest they need.
  4. Behavioural Improvement: Regular exposure to calming sounds can lead to noticeable improvements in your pet’s behaviour. They may become less aggressive, more obedient, and exhibit fewer signs of anxiety.

Practical Tips for Practicing Sound Yoga and Mantras with Pets

  1. Create a Calm Environment: Choose a quiet space in your home where you and your pet can relax without interruptions. Gentle lighting and a comfortable temperature can support the experience.
  2. Use Gentle Sounds: Start with gentle sounds such soft music, or maybe a singing bowl. My preferred option is vocal chanting using mantras. Observe your pet’s reaction and adjust the volume and type of sound accordingly.
  3. Consistency is Key: Regular practice is essential to see the benefits. Set aside a few minutes each day for sound yoga and mantra sessions with your pet. Over time, they will start to associate these sounds with relaxation and comfort.
  4. Be Patient: Every pet is different. Some may take to sound yoga immediately, while others may need more time to adjust. Be patient and gentle, allowing your pet to explore the experience at their own pace.

Mantras In Stressful Moments for Pets

Sometimes we can’t always control the environment and pets might be triggered in a stressful circumstance. I had a recent experience of transporting a friend’s dog on a long drive. Pickles, the staffie, and I had never met. I could feel her concern as we drove off, leaving her owner behind. Inspiration led me to chant mantras for much of the 6.5 hour journey. Within a very short time the sounds helped her relax so much that she happily slept for most of the journey.

Conclusion

Incorporating sound yoga and mantra chanting into your pet’s routine can be a wonderful way to enhance their well-being. By creating a peaceful environment filled with calming sounds, you can help reduce their stress, improve their sleep, and promote overall better behavior. It’s a beautiful transformational practice that not only benefits your pet but also strengthens the bond between you and your fur baby. Give it a try and watch the positive transformation in your pet’s life!

Learn Some Mantras to Use with Your Pets

Have you tried sound yoga or mantras with your pet? If you’re new to this practice, start with short sessions and observe how your pet responds. If you’d like some tips on mantras you can work with, then get in touch for a free discovery chat or book a mantra coaching session.

 

With the holistic approach of sound yoga and mantra chanting, we can offer our beloved pets a sense of tranquility and joy, enhancing their lives and ours in the process.

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Sound Yoga for Injury Recovery

How Sound Yoga Supports Injury Recovery: A Holistic Approach

I have had the amazing opportunity to facilitate regular online sound yoga (nāda) sessions for My Social Support Network (MSSN). It’s a Psychosocial Occupational Rehabilitation Specialist service that focuses on social recovery to support return to community, work and transition to retirement, aimed at better psychosocial health, community participation, and/or work outcomes.

In the article link below, MSSN founder Dr Caroline Howe, shares her insights about the results of the weekly online sound yoga sessions I’ve been facilitating with the network.

I’ve witnessed first hand how one participant in particular with a severe physiological injury, has literally allowed more light into his life. When I first met him not even 6 months ago, he was sitting in a dark house and I could barely make him out on the Zoom call, withdrawn and depressed. Last week, he was laughing during the session, sitting in a light filled room, and the shift in his energy was palpable. I’m told that these sessions are the only thing he’s been able to really engage with. Amazing!

I hope you enjoy Dr Caroline’s article on Sound Yoga, vagal tone and stress response. Click here to read.

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Siddhi Shakti, Mantra, Sound of the Soul

The Yoga of Sound: How Mantra Meditation Transforms Your Mindset

At our essence we are frequencies of light and sound. Rather than feeling powerless when buffeted by life’s inevitable twists, we can choose to consciously hold ourselves in an internal space of strength, cultivating inner calm and transforming our energy through the power of high vibrational sound.

Mantra Meditation Transforms Your Mindset

Every thought, word and emotion impacts our vibration and creates our world. Mantra gives us a safe and positive means to focus our mind, to use it as a tool for conscious creation, rather than reaction. It’s a mechanism for focussing our thoughts, mind and energy to align with uplifting energy, the essence of the energy of creation, bringing greater alignment between mind, body and spirit.

The Power of the Sacred Sanskrit Sounds

The sacred sounds of Sanskrit hold transformational power. They attune us to cosmic frequencies and are a means of activating our bodies through all the levels of our being. Our body is in essence a supercomputer. Using the gifts of mantra, breath, focus of energy and intention, and precision in the formulation of mantric sounds including an awareness of the five mouth placements and the specific duration for each of the sounds, we can engage our body of sound and awaken to more the fullness and essence of our true nature.

“The petals of the chakras represent an unfoldment of primal sound through the fifty letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. The six lower chakras contain a total of fifty petals, each of which relates to one of the fifty letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. This is the “garland of letters” that shows the vibratory frequencies of the chakras. The thousand petal lotus or crown chakra indicates all possible sound combinations of these fifty letters.” ~ Dr David Frawley, Mantra Yoga and Primal Sounds.

Yoga of Sound (Nāda Yoga)

Sacred and energised sound filled with love, intent and a high vibration can bring deep change, healing and transformation. The practice of nāda yoga is a means of cultivating the essence of listening awareness. Through the use of sound, tone and rhythm we elevate our vibration and open to higher states of consciousness. It’s a journey within, through sound into the silence, the space and essence of our vast and true eternal nature.

Group Classes – Yoga of Sound & Mantra Meditation

Check the event calendar for yoga of sound and mantra meditation experiences online. It’s a great opportunity to relax, reset and lift your vibe.

Private Sessions

I offer private sessions online. If you’re keen to establish a mantra practice, or looking to take it to the next level through refinement of the sounds (which will supercharge your experience of the energy), I’d love to work with you. You can book with me for an individual session or a series of 4, scheduled over 40 days via Zoom. This will give us the opportunity to:
• Determine an appropriate mantra to support you
• Learn the key mouth placements, correct pronunciation, timing and svara (pitch)
• Understand the meaning and origins of the mantra
• Connection, insights and support over 40 days.

Free 10 Minute Sound Yoga Video + Insight Timer Meditation

Go within, ‘Into the Silence’ on Insight Timer to support your meditation practice.

And if you join the mailing list for good vibes to your inbox, you’ll receive access to a free 10 minute video of a guided Sound Yoga practice.

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Siddhi Shakti Kirtan, Sacred Music, Sound Healing

Transform Your Life with Sound Yoga for Healing and Wellness

Healing and Transformation Through Sound Yoga and Sacred Sound

In our busy, stress-filled lives, finding ways to bring peace, alignment, and healing to our bodies and minds is essential. One of the most powerful tools to achieve this is through sound—particularly sacred sound, filled with love, intent, and high vibrational energy. When used in the right way, sound has the ability to bring about deep change, healing, and transformation on multiple levels.

On a physical level, sound can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and support overall wellness. Spiritually, it opens the heart, lifts the spirit, and helps us connect with others and the greater field of life. By aligning our resonance and frequency with higher vibrations, we bring greater harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.

Sound Yoga: Nāda and Bhakti Yoga

The practice of sound yoga, including  nāda yoga and bhakti yoga, offers a path to wellness by guiding us in the formation of specific vocal sounds that carry numerous benefits. Nāda yoga, or the yoga of sound, helps us tap into the healing power of our authentic resonance, while Bhakti yoga connects us to the energy of devotion and love through sound.

By practicing sound yoga, we access deeper meditative states and unlock the potential of our voices to heal, expand, and align. This process is not just about sound itself but about creating a connection with the greater field that unites all of life.

The Benefits of Sound Yoga

1. Destress and Relax:
Sound yoga helps shift your nervous system from the sympathetic (fight or flight) into the parasympathetic (rest and digest) state. This shift promotes deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.

2. Enhance Blood Flow and Immune Function:
Sacred sounds stimulate the release of nitric oxide, which supports improved blood circulation, enhanced lymphatic function, and even lowers blood pressure and heart rate. The result is a strengthened immune system and a more balanced body.

3. Induce Calm and Better Sleep:
Sound healing practices help calm the mind and promote a deeper, more restful sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

4. Clear Your Mind with Mantra Meditation:
Mantra meditation, along with vocal exercises, can help still the mind, focus your thoughts, and elevate your energy. It’s a perfect practice for those seeking clarity and inner peace.

5. Activate Relaxation with Breathing and Movement:
Breathing techniques and gentle body movements complement sound practices, helping to enhance relaxation and stress relief.

6. Connect with Your Unique Resonance: 
Each person has a unique vibrational frequency. Sound yoga helps you discover and align with your authentic resonance, deepening your connection with yourself and the universe.

7. Raise Your Vibration:
By engaging in sound practices that use high vibrational frequencies, you can shift your resting emotional state and cultivate a sense of joy and positivity.

8. Align Mind, Body, and Spirit:
Sound yoga offers a powerful tool to synchronise all aspects of your being, allowing you to live in greater harmony.

9. Cultivate Listening Awareness:
Listening to sound—whether your own voice, a mantra, or music—enhances your awareness and deepens your connection to the present moment.

10. Express Your Creative Essence:
Using your voice in sound yoga practices helps unlock your creative energy, empowering you to express yourself freely and authentically.

11. Build Connection and Community:
Sound yoga practices encourage community building and connection, breaking down barriers of race, gender, and age.

The Power of Chanting: Kīrtan

One of the most joyful and transformative practices in sound yoga is kīrtan, or call-and-response chanting. This group chanting experience is not only fun but incredibly powerful for raising our vibrational frequency. When we chant together, we harmonise our energies, lifting each other’s spirits and strengthening our bonds as a community. Kīrtan is remarkable effective in online settings, offering a sense of connection even when we are geographically apart.

A Tailored Sound Yoga Experience

If you’re interested in incorporating sound and energy wellness into your life or event, I offer customised sessions tailored to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for stress reduction, team building, or a deep transformative experience, sound yoga is a perfect choice for:

  • Conferences, workshops, and seminars
  • Team building, leadership days, and retreats
  • Wellness and mentoring programs
  • Yoga studios, community events, and festivals
  • Private or group sessions

Contact Me

Are you ready to experience the healing and transformative power of sound yoga? Get in touch today to find out more about how I can help you build connection, reduce stress, and transform your life with the power of sacred sound.

 

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