What is Nada Yoga?

In one of our previous blog posts, we shared the importance of chanting mantras in yoga [‘the importance of chanting mantras in yoga’], and how chanting these sacred sounds, words, or phrases can help you attain various states of consciousness, meditation, enlightenment, and divine universe connection.

When we embark on a deeper journey toward a sound mind, sound body, and sound spirit, we are invited to experience Nada Yoga. In Sanskrit, Nada means “sound” or “vibration”. So, Nada yoga is the transformative practice of using sound to awaken consciousness and self-realization — a union with sound. According to Indian philosophy, the universe is sound (Nada Brahma), and it began with the original sound vibration of the universe — OM — the foundation of creation. The universe vibrates to rhythms and frequencies.

A universe of well-being frequencies

In Nada yoga, Ahata Nada is the outer sounds we hear from the outside world and instruments. For example, singing bowls, drums, gongs, flutes, etc., and nature sounds. Vocalizing is also included, like kirtan music and mantras. Ahata Nada vibrations can produce healing frequencies to help us achieve a relaxed, focused, and balanced meditative state.

There are even frequencies that have specific mental and physical healing effects. The Solfeggio scale is a system of frequencies once used by monks in ancient Gregorian chants to promote healing, harmony, and spiritual enlightenment. These frequencies can also be heard and felt using sound bowls and other instruments, as well as sound waves embedded into music. Here are some well-known Solfeggio frequencies:

• 174 Hz: Known for its grounding and restorative effects to relieve the body from pain and stress, reduce tension, and calm you into a state of relaxation. This frequency resonates with the root chakra.

• 285 Hz: Helps to heal and regenerate tissues and organs. It is also known to enhance the immune system. This frequency also resonates with the root chakra.

• 396 Hz: Listening to this frequency can help minimize feelings of guilt and fear and improve your mood. It can help promote cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and lower anxiety and stress. It resonates with the grounding root chakra and helps balance energies in the body.

• 417 Hz: Encourages healing, change, and positive transformation by undoing negative energy patterns and balancing your mind and body. Associated with the sacral chakra, it promotes a renewed perspective on life by releasing energetic blockages that prevent you from progress.

• 528 Hz: Known as the DNA repair frequency or “miracle tone” to heal and connect with the divine. Listening to this frequency can increase healthier cell production while reducing cellular damage. It is also believed to calm the nervous system and harmonize the body’s energies into a well-balanced state of being. This frequency resonates with the heart chakra.

More frequencies on the Solfeggio scale include 639 Hz to promote relationship connection, 741 Hz to foster self-expression, 852 Hz to reestablish spiritual order, and 963 Hz for oneness and unity.

The sound of stillness

The inner sounds, called Anahata Nada (the “unstruck sound”), are the subtle vibrations that can be heard in the stillness of meditation. These inner sounds are also known as OM/AUM, Shabda Brahman, and the divine ear. Although we might generally think of inner sounds as those produced by our internal organs (e.g., lungs, heart, etc.), there are also vibrational sounds that are a part of the energies that flow within the body.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, our Qi (vital energy) flows through a network of energy channels in the body called the meridian system that is directly connected to organs and tissues, and how they function. Therefore, balancing your Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is important for your health and well-being.

Here are a few ways you can balance your Qi:

• Since Qi is a circulation of energies in the body, practices such as Tai Chi and Qigong can promote a balanced flow of Qi. Even a routine of mindful walking or swimming can have positive effects.

• Speaking of mindfulness, paying attention to your breathing can also be beneficial. For example, taking deep, slow breaths can help reduce stress and calm your nervous system.

• You can also balance your Qi and stress levels by dedicating yourself to yoga and meditation. These practices elevate deep contemplation, the inward journey, and a fulfilling yoga lifestyle.

One of the goals of Nada yoga is to transcend ordinary perception, the mind, and the body; where sound merges with your sensory experiences toward higher consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. This is also referred to as attaining Samadhi to experience the wisdom of the body, and the union and expansion of atman (the soul self).

The benefits of Nada Yoga

Nada Yoga benefits you mentally, physically, and spiritually. Here’s how:

• A state of mental clarity, presence, and awareness can be achieved through deep listening and silence.

• It promotes emotional balance to help manage negative emotions and lower ego thought patterns.

• The frequencies and vibrations associated with Nada yoga can calm and balance the nervous and meridian systems, and increase relaxation.

• It contributes to a healthier immune system.

• Practicing Nada yoga allows for deeper states of meditation, transformation, and inner peace.

How your Nada Yoga journey can begin…

As an example, your Nada yoga journey can begin by removing yourself as much as possible from the busyness of the outside world, your mind and worries, and taking an inner journey towards inner self-transformation, heightened consciousness, and peace. First, establish your quiet space or environment, and sit in a comfortable position or posture that facilitates proper and calm breathing. It is recommended to take slow, deep breaths (for example, Pranayama) to help calm your mind and body. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you, gradually allowing them to become unimportant background noise (often called “white noise”) as you begin to tune into your Anahata Nada (internal sounds). For many yoga practitioners, focusing on nature sounds helps relax into a meditative state.

Even if you are using singing bowls or other instruments in your practice, allow yourself to resonate with the sounds and vibrations of those instruments, paying attention to their internal effect on you. Remember, you can also use mantras to help achieve a deeper inner journey. Reciting “Om” in one form or another can help ground you and redirect your attention inward.

Remember, your Nada Yoga journey begins with you. It is a powerful practice to deepen your spiritual growth through the transformative energies of sound and frequencies — in union with your body, soul, spirit, and the divine universe.

We share Nada Yoga in our classes during savasana . Experience the deep relaxation with us.