Naad means “the essence of sound” – the essence is felt through the vibration of the waves of sound. The fundamental of a sound is the frequency at which the entire wave vibrates. Naad is the medium that connects the listener to his soul, and the universal soul which means the cosmic being. In Naad Yoga, it is the vibrational harmony through which the Infinite can be experienced. Naad Yoga is the yogic practice based on the experience of how sound vibrations affect the body, mind, and spirit either through chanting or listening to certain sounds.
Even in silence, we can hear the beat of our own hearts. How would life be without sounds? Dull, empty, drained, snapped…. We listen to others talking, laughing; just from the tone of a person’s voice we make out whether he/she is cheerful or not. We listen to music. Music and our lives have been strongly unified. Music reflects and creates a mind condition. We use sound of music to uplift our spirits. The sounds we utter heal ourselves and others. The sounds we hear around us affect our health and vitality. The Universe is made up of vibration and sound is not only a most potent tool in maintaining and creating our sense of well-being, but also can be used to heal the body, mind, and spirit.
When we consciously regulate the sounds through the use of mantra, breath, and rhythm, we can produce profound effects on our body and mind health and well-being. The ability we have to affect our immune system through our thoughts and emotions has been scientifically documented by scientists. Rhythm, tune, melody and our breathing together can create a healing response in the immune system. Chanting certain mantras puts pressure on tongue, vocal chords, lips, palate and other connecting points in the body. The vibration from the mantra stimulates a gland called hypothalamus. It is responsible for the regulation of many body functions including immunity and some happy hormones. The happier you are the stronger your immunity.
Music was generally divided into two categories – Maarga and Desi. Maarga sangeet was more of an offering to God – not necessarily just ritualistic or hymns – but a way to see God through music. Desi sangeet was for the common man, and for entertainment. Desi sangeet also catered to regional variations, local influences, culture, tastes etc.
The certain vibrating sounds of the mantras helps in stimulating the hormones that calms the mind and relaxes our body. It also helps us to concentrate and thereby works as a tranquiliser for our mind.
Music can lift us up. It can bring tears to our eyes. It can help us relax or make us dance. It has such a power, that we hear it several times a day on radio, TV, mobile, in the supermarket, at the gym everywhere. Music has been with us since ancient times, and it is part of every known culture. Music strikes a chord with all of us.
Several researched studies have found that listening to music can alleviate pain or reduce the need for pain medications. Other research suggests that music can benefit heart disease patients by reducing their blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Music therapy has also been shown to lift the spirits of patients with depression. Making music yourself, either playing instruments or singing can have therapeutic effects as well.
I recently attended a 5 days’ workshop on Nad Yoga; I conclude in short that sound (naad) is at the basis of everything we hear; listening to particular sound is the scientific essence of it. According to Einstein, everything in the universe is in a state of vibration, which includes us. Life is sound and sound brings life to the earth, which is why using the power of sound energy is one of the simplest and most effective methods of balancing the body’s energy system. Sound Essences embrace the healing vibrations, which are found in: Sound, Colour, Crystals and Gems, Positive Word Affirmations, Sacred Geometry, Symbols, Aroma and Homeopathy. These healing vibrations interact with the physical and energetic body to produce full spectrum of vibrational healing for energy balancing.
Sound Essences are pioneering remedies that embrace the principles of vibrational medicine which is based on the principle that all illness, disease, or imbalance is characterized by blockage in the channels at different levels; it affects our aura, chakras, spine, arteries, veins, lymph or nerves. When there is a blockage in a channel, the related system or organ no longer vibrates at a healthy frequency, causing discomfort or sickness. Sound Essences restore the healthy vibration to the body allowing the physical body to rebalance itself. Every individual who works to raise his or her vibrational level to enter into a clear and balanced frequency is contributing to the alignment and enrichment of this world.
The purpose of Naad Yoga meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, body automatically becomes peaceful.