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Vocal Toning and Chanting for Healing

Cultures from practically every corner of the globe have traditions of chanting, mantra recitation and vocal toning for healing and for practices pertaining to spiritualism. Native Americans, Tibetan monks, Pagan cultures, Yogic disciplines, Roman Catholicism, Buddhist and Hindu cultures all have chanting rituals which span many centuries and sometimes thousands of years.

How Does Chanting or Vocal Toning Work?

There are of course variances between different cultures and how and why they chant but there are interestingly also many similarities.

For the purposes of this article I will concentrate on the present day understanding of the benefits of vocal toning and chanting, as relevant to everyday life and not just for those involved in religious practices. In many cases this corresponds exactly with ancient teachings.

The single principle of vocal tone exercises is that sound affects us on a very deep level. Even scientists agree that sound affects our bodies at the most basic molecular level, with cells, organs and brain all having some response. Some sounds jar and make us on edge while others, such as the sound of softly falling water, can induce great calm and relaxation. Chanting works on the same principle. Different tones, notes and pitches can affect our self-healing processes along with expanding our minds, stimulating creativity and generally restoring balance and harmony on a deep soul level.

Furthermore, the repetitive nature of chanting or vocal tone allows our mind to ‘zone out’, quieting and stilling thoughts which are the mental clutter of everyday life. Once these obstacles have been removed it as if a veil is lifted, allowing us to perceive what is normally considered mystical and sacred and bringing us closer to the divine, whatever we personally perceive that to be. Another way of putting this is it allows us to connect to our higher self.

Healing With Group Chanting

Many cultures believe that group chanting is particularly powerful. If energies can be  raised by one single individual then imagine the potency of combined action with focused power and synchronized vibrations. The belief is that this type of group chanting will enhance and multiply what could be done singly and thus increasing healing, protection and clarity many fold.

In some cultures this type of chanting is encouraged to work for the greater good and to lose ‘self” – all the things that make us different and pull us in various conflicting directions.

Native American Healing Chants of the Navajo

The Native American tribe of the Navajo, the second largest Native American tribe of Northern America, has a very rich tradition of chants to cure diseases of mind, body and spirit. The medicine man of the tribe or Hatalii will diagnose illnesses or conditions and then use the chant specific to that particular ailment to cure the patient, in rituals often lasting several days. The Native American chants and songs are passed down verbally from Hatalii to Hatalii.

Many people who have never previously experienced group chanting describe their first time as life-changing or spiritually profound. Even in cases where there has been no personal participation, the energies raised during chanting will affect all present.

Chanting, mantras and vocal toning can be practiced alone and although the experience will be different, it will still have deep reaching results. Many CD s are available to help beginners get started with chanting for healing, personal growth and even for curing insomnia and alleviating stress. Additionally, should you be at a total loss as to what to chant, the Internet abounds for free suggestions.

This article on vocal toning exercises and Native American chants for healing has been written by expert author ‘Deneice Arthurton’.