Hmmm … a sound tool for healing

Since ancient times, musical instruments have been used in healing. The original healing instrument was and is the human voice.

by Khayriyyah Savannah — 

Remember when you were a child and your mother’s soft voice could calm any upset; or the gentle humming sound your father made while holding you, that could lull you to sleep? Our true natures respond to sound.

Since ancient times, musical instruments have been used in healing. Rattles and chimes are used to clear energies of the body and the healing space; singing bowls and tuning forks are used to clear and balance individual chakras (energy centers); drums are used to steady the heartbeat and quiet the mind. However, the original healing instrument was and is and remains the human voice.

Simple humming or rhythmic chanting can produce an altered state of consciousness. By activating the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, soothing sound vibrations promote unification of mind, body and spirit.

By focusing your intention on healing and your attention on “sounding,” you can relieve stress. The next time you feel overwhelmed, pause for a moment and hum. If you are in the middle of a task, include the humming while you finish.

Try humming the lowest sound you possibly can, and then “slide” the sound up to the highest sound you can make. How do you feel? More relaxed? Less stressed? Hmmm.

Khayriyyah Savannah, licensed massage therapist, Reiki master, herbalist and music therapist, is a graduate of Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, specializing in energy healing for women. www.revitenergy.com, [email protected] or 602-301-1825.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 27, Number 3, June/July 2008.