Nada Yoga: When music blends with meditation
Celebrate both International Yoga Day and World Music Day, today, by giving Nada Yoga a try
Nada Yoga, an ancient practice that raises one’s consciousness through music, has fans across the globe, as it aids physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It has evolved from practising yoga with the sounds of birds to listening to meditative music. Yoga experts believe that music relaxes us, and when combined with yoga, it helps us shed our inhibitions.
“This form of yoga focuses on the celestial sounds and chanting of omkar,” explains yoga expert Amrapali Patil, adding, “It is catching up among the younger population as they can’t directly jump into advanced Sadhnas, so initially, they start with Nada Yoga.”
Nada Yoga’s popularity has risen over the years, thanks to the attention it has been receiving from celebrities in India and abroad. “Stars such as Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Nargis Fakhri, Britney Spears, and Miley Cyrus all practice and endorse Nada Yoga. In India, Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) is the hub of Nada Yoga. Various courses are offered there. People are taking it up to tackle the increasing stress levels in their lives,” says Sonia Madan, yoga expert.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
Choose a quiet place to practice. Silence is a must.
Yoga mat is necessary. Start by sitting on a cross-legged position (Sukhasana) on the mat. Once you are in position, practice prana dharana, which refers to slow, deep breathing while the eyes are focused. Your entire focus should be on the breathing process.
The music should be soothing and serene, and preferably instrumental.
Try to immerse yourself into the music as deeply as possible.
Shift your attention from the music to your inner self. There is no time frame as to how long you have to practice Nada Yoga.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Yoga expert Monalisa Thomas lists the following physical and mental health advantages of practising Nada Yoga.
It releases happy hormones — dopamine and serotonin — which increase mindfulness and improves emotional health.
It tackles stress by decreasing adrenaline and corticosteroids, and has also been used in treating addiction.
It helps us to concentrate and reduces anxiety. Nada Yoga increases the efficiency of our breathing pattern.
It also has a therapeutic effect on brain wave pattern and reduces fear, aches, and aggression.