Chanting simply means singing (rhythmic speaking) certain sounds or words. It calms our emotions, helps you to meditate better, produces positive energy and aids in enhancing our overall health. Here are some of the benefits chanting has on our body, mind and soul. Get a load of those benefits in Hannah Bimpson’s monthly Yogic Relaxation classes

We in the West have a thing or two to learn from Buddhist monks, who are the embodiment of serenity, kindness and gentleness. Their tranquil lifestyle – focused around meditation and living at a measured, mindful pace – is something most of us can only aspire to. It’s impossible for us to even espouse such serenity, let alone achieve it, you are probably thinking. But have a go at chanting, one of the key elements of Buddhist meditation, and you can access relaxation on a whole new level. People who’ve been to Hannah’s Yogic Relaxation classes report back that they’ve slept better and felt energised and refreshed for days afterwards.

Body basics

It may surprise you, but chanting benefits our body in so many ways:

  • Research carried out by Alfred Tomatis, the hearing expert from the French Academy of Science and Medicine who pioneered the Electronic Ear and championed sound therapy, found that chanting sounds have a therapeutic effect on the body. It soothes all our bodily systems and activates the body’s natural healing process. It also plays a part in reversing heart disease.
  • According to a study at the Cleveland University, USA, the rhythmic tones involved in chanting create a melodious effect in the body called the neuro-linguistic effect (NLE). When we know the meaning of the mantra we are reciting it creates a psycholinguistic effect (PLE) on the body. The NLE and PLE effects are byproducts of the production and spread of curative chemicals in the brain. The research concludes that this is the real reason why chanting provokes curative effects in us.
  • A study by Dr Alan Watkins, senior lecturer in neuroscience at Imperial College London, revealed that while chanting our heart rate and blood pressure dip to their lowest in the day. Doctors say that even listening to chants normalises adrenalin levels and brainwave pattern and lowers cholesterol levels.
  • Using chants as part of our exercise regimen helps facilitate movement and body flow.
  • Studies prove that making chants a part of our daily yoga can help achieve greater weight loss in a shorter span of time.
  • Neuroscientist Marian Diamond from the University of California found that chanting helps block the release of stress hormones and increases immune function. It also keeps our muscles and joints flexible for a long time.
  • The body’s energy and vitality are augmented by regular chanting.

Mind matters

A calm mind begets a healthy and vibrant you.

  • Dr Alan Watkins says when we chant the vibration of the sound calms the nervous system and a profound sense of peace is obtained. It also de-stresses and facilitates better concentration and memory power.
  • According to Dr Watkins, chanting promotes a sense of well-being and helps us bond better with people around us, especially when practised in a group.
  • Chanting eliminates negative thoughts so we can enjoy whatever we do and achieve success easily.
  • It helps control our mind and emotions.
  • Alfred Tomatis highlights that chanting aids in getting over addictions like smoking, alcohol and drugs.

Spiritual saga

  • Chanting is said to bring about a transformation that leads us closer to the Divine. Psychologists believe that chanting mantras (especially the name of God) helps us become aware of the Supreme Being and unite with him. Thus chanting aids in connecting with the Divine.
  • Chanting alters our consciousness and is believed to raise people’s psychic power.
  • Spiritual gurus claim that when we chant sacred words it provides us with the power to attain our goals and lift ourselves above mere earthly pleasures.
  • Religious authorities believe that chanting harmonises the physical, emotional and intellectual forces. This harmony makes us a complete being.
  • Chanting enhances our spirituality by letting us transcend to higher spiritual thoughts.

(Benefits adapted from https://completewellbeing.com/article/rhythm-divine/)

Yogic Relaxation is a monthly evening class run by our yoga instructor Hannah Bimpson. To book click here

 

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