The Healing Power Of Binaural Music And Yoga On The Mind And Body

Who knew that rhythm and movement, breath and beat, and yoga and music are so intricately related! Soothing yoga music can help align your mind, body and breathing, helping you achieve a state of mindfulness meditation. Although yoga can be practiced in silence, its effect grows exponentially when paired with pleasant music. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Relationship between yoga and music
• What are binaural beats?
• Different types of yoga music

Relationship between yoga and music

Both yoga and music have their roots in the Vedas. They both impact an individual at a physical and a spiritual level. Yoga helps you concentrate better and to process your thoughts leading to self-realisation. Soothing yoga music also has a great impact on your mental well-being by bringing peace and relaxation to your otherwise stressful mind. 

It is interesting to note that rhythm is found not just in the notes of music, but it is naturally ingrained in all our movements, such as walking, eating, and sleeping. Calming yoga music can awaken many emotions and memories inside you. It has the ability to uplift your mood depending on the music’s tempo. 

Calming yoga music is in harmony with creating a peaceful resonance around one individual. One of the principal techniques of doing yoga is by chanting the word ‘Om’, resulting in results in spiritual elevation. Yoga relaxation music eases out the tension in your body and provides stillness to the many volatile thoughts that pass your mind.

What are binaural beats?

The healing power of music does not end there. Binaural beats are two tones, one in each ear using headphones, to bring about an auditory illusion. The beats have slightly different frequencies inducing a brainwave synchronization to assess the variation in the tone created, from one ear to the other. The mind tends to compensate for this minor difference which is not more than 30 Hertz. This results in a ‘frequency-following response’ or entrainment. 

There are different frequencies used for varied purposes, ranging from enhanced sleep, better focus and alertness, meditation, emotional healing, reduced anxiety, promote positivity, problem-solving and improved memory. 

Different types of yoga music

While doing different asanas, your transition from one posture to the next will feel effortless when accompanied by soulful music. However, not all types of music are suitable for yoga. The music you listen to should not distract you; instead, it should calm your senses. 

• Environmental soundscape albums including sounds of nature such as birds singing, rivers flowing, and sounds of waves crashing against the shore are highly therapeutic. 
• Traditional yoga music stemming from the Indian culture like the dholak and flute are some good suggestions.
• Classical orchestral music like a keyboard set in the right melody to practice yoga. 
• Carnatic music has its roots in spirituality like yoga and has a calming sensation. 

Music in itself a form of yoga when practiced with content, commitment, and concentration. The more you listen to your inner beat and breath, the more connected you will feel with yourself. And when you listen carefully to the sounds that surround you, you will feel more at one with nature. 

Practice yoga to achieve a healthy standard of life. Know more about fitness and nutrition on the Activ Living Blog.