The science of Ayurveda teaches us how to live in harmony by using five basic elements of the Universe like Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Space . Today in this blog we will explore the element space and air , because sound can travel only via air . If there is no air there is no sound . In Ayurveda there is a correlation between five basic elements and senses for eg. Earth- Smell (Gandh) ,Water- Taste (Ras) , Fire – Vision (Roopa), Air- touch (sparsh) , Space – Sound (Shabd).
When you are taking a walk in nature you can easily hear the sound of birds chirping, the sound of leaves moving with wind , sound of waterfall or flowing water in the river , all these natural sounds provide temporary solace. Apart from external sounds we can hear the internal sounds as well .
In our ancient texts sound is used as a healing tool , specially in Rigveda Mantras .Sound therapy includes music , chanting and Tibetan singing bowl.
How does sound heal ?
As you know everything around us like plants, rocks , stars , tables etc. vibrates at a particular frequency even the human body vibrates at a particular frequency. Whenever our body’s natural vibration gets imbalanced or disturbed it leads to some sort of illness in our body and mind . Sound therapy realigns the frequency of the body at its normal pattern.
Let’s talk about different healing sounds
1. Music
We always use music to alter our mood . Depending on the kind of music you are listening to, it can alter your mood . In many health centres music therapy is used to heal many patients .
- Vata Prakriti – Vata balanced with slow , light and soft music with low tones , like folk music due to its rhythmic nature .
- Pitta Prakriti – Pitta balanced with soothing and medium tone music, like flute, violin etc.
- Kapha Prakriti – Kapha balanced with energizing and higher tones , like tabla, piano and water drum .
2. Tibetan Singing Bowls
Tibetan singing bowls are handmade bowls made up of various kinds of metals . Mostly it’s a combination of metals like bronze, copper, nickle, tin etc. When someone strikes these bowls with a wooden mallet various sounds are produced . Nowadays there are many singing bowl therapists who provide therapy with singing bowls on the chakra points . Sound waves produced by the bowls spread through blood, flesh, bones and relax them . These sound waves release the energy blockages in the body .https://youtu.be/ipVCovq8Rds
3. Kirtan
Kitan means practice of chanting and repetitive singing of the divine . One does not need any singing voice to be a part of the Kirtan. This is one of the paths of Bhakti where devotees sing from the heart. .
In various studies sound therapy showed results in pain , anxiety and tenderness.
4. Mantras
Mantra originated from the word “Man” which means to think or to meditate . Mantra is basically a tool or instrument to meditate . Each mantra has its own energy and sound and it impacts the physical body, mind and spiritual body as well. Ancient texts like Rig veda are composed of Mantras only . Examples of Mantra – Om . Gayatri Mantra and Mahamrityunjaya Mantra etc. Om is the Universal sound.
Some people also chant mantras using a Mala with beads .After repeated practice mantra becomes a part of your subconscious mind. One can chant mantras loudly or internally as well .
In Mantra chikitsa there are various mantras for various disorders (fever, cough, headache). In Ayurveda it has been suggested to chant Mantra prior to cooking , eating food and even prescribing herbs to the patients .
So this is the right time to add sound healing in your life , you can use above techniques to keep yourself mentally and physically fit .
Start Now !