Physics of Mantras
Through the practice of yoga and meditation, we teach and learn the practice of chanting mantras.
“Today, many people identify yoga only with asana, the physical practice of yoga, but asana is just one of the many tools used for healing the individual[...] other components of yoga including conscious breathing, meditation, lifestyle and diet changes, visualization and the use of sound, among many others. In Yoga Sutras, Patanjali outlines an eightfold path to awareness and enlightenment called ashtanga, which literally means 'eight limbs'. The eight limbs are comprised of ethical principles for living a meaningful and purposeful life; serving as a prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline, they direct attention towards one's health while acknowledging the spiritual aspects of one's nature.” Catherine Woodyard, International Journal of Yoga
What is a mantra?
In yoga, the visualization of shapes called “yantras,” as well as the repetition of chants known as “mantras,” is taught as a way to activate and tone the chakra centers.
The connection to sound resonance made its way into a study known as the Rolf Study conducted by Dr. Valerie Hunt. Subjects were measured to determine their response to vibration, sound, and energy healing. They electronically observed how the chakra points reacted to these various types of stimulation; and reputable clairvoyant & energy healer, Reverend Rosalyn Bruyere, was invited into the room to see if she could sense any changes to the subject’s energy body.
A tone was played through headphones to a person laying on their back. Rosalyn was unaware when these tones would be playing. However, with repetition and accuracy, her readings would match the increased activity of electronic feedback that was registered on the machine, connected to the chakras of the the subject via wires. The machine was also hidden from her view.
She sensed that the chakras would “open up” or grow and brighten, in unison with the tones being played to the subject. Further testing proved this worked in reverse as well. Reverend Bruyere sent healing energy with the intention to open up the chakras of the individual. The electronic reading produced the same signals of frequency witnessed in the previous experiment, confirming that energy work can measurably impact these energy centers of the body.
The correlations continued into colors, as Bruyere described a green energy surrounding the activated heart chakra – its traditional color in the chakra system. The electronic reading of the heart point measured at 300Hz. When this tone was played back to the individual (again, unbeknownst to Bruyere), she would accurately confirm increased pranic activity in the heart region.
Dr. Hunt even observed changes in the electronic frequency and wave pattern of the chakras when Bruyere would merely focus on them. The readings from these tests were so consistently accurate that Dr. Hunt now knew how to measure the health of the chakras using electronic means alone. This study confirms the relationship between tone, energy healing, and the chakras that the Yogis have spoken of since ancient times.
Could this subtle energetic aspect be part of the reason why yoga is known to be more restorative for health than many other forms of activity? The word “yoga” comes from a Sanskrit root “yuj” which means union, or to join, with the greater divine intelligence within you. On the physical level, yoga is an excellent way to strengthen and tone the body while improving circulation and flexibility. Mentally and emotionally, the practice promotes stress relief through relaxation, combined with a focus on messages of kindness and compassion.
The original teachings emphasize the importance of tone, sound, and color in the practice of true yoga. Yoga has shown promise as a lifestyle that helps to reduce the risk of many of today’s greatest health challenges, including heart disease, cancer, depression, anxiety, and other stress related conditions. It seems to provide relief specifically to conditions that are physically linked to chakra locations, although it’s benefits are not limited to these conditions alone. Ultimately, it is possible that chakra balance could truly be a factor in one’s overall well being, and there are traditional and now electronic means to assist in attaining this level of health and activating your light body.
Science of Music Therapy
You are probably already somewhat aware of how music affects the mind and body. You may have favorite songs to listen to while getting ready, driving, working out, or going to sleep. The effects of music are highly individualized by our experiences and associations with it.
Music is believed to connect the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms simultaneously. Its effects are instant and long-lasting. Research is still in its infancy, but music appears to cause changes in mood, releasing neurotransmitters including dopamine, oxytocin, norepinephrine, cortisol, immunoglobulins, and endorphins, and effecting the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (stay and play) nervous systems.
Music therapy employs music to positively affect patients in a clinical setting in a myriad of ways to promote health, positive mood, rest and healing, tolerance of difficult or painful procedures, create positive experiences, promote feelings of connection with others, and making music to increase memory and cognitive functioning. Activities that engage both sides of the brain, such as singing or playing an instrument allow the brain to be more capable of processing information.
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