{"id":334,"date":"2022-11-21T14:05:43","date_gmt":"2022-11-21T14:05:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/?p=334"},"modified":"2023-12-22T15:30:04","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T15:30:04","slug":"humming-the-scientific-benefits-of-meditation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/it\/blog\/humming-the-scientific-benefits-of-meditation\/","title":{"rendered":"HUMMING and the scientific benefits of meditation."},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people think that Meditation has to do with esoteric practices that have nothing to do with reality and concrete life. On the contrary, there are scientific explanations behind meditation and its reasons. As the enlightened Master OSHO said: \u201cMy science serves my religion; science is not the end but it is a beautiful beginning.&quot;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Harmonia Ashram we practice OSHO Nadabrahma Meditation on Zoom every day at 7:00 CEST. We are very excited about this practice as we can hear that&nbsp;<strong>meditate regularly<\/strong>&nbsp;it can really impact our body and mind, creating new patterns that lead to a healthier life, inside and out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many scientific studies now show that&nbsp;<strong>meditation has effects on our body<\/strong>. In particular, the OSHO Nadabrahma Meditation requires half an hour of practice&nbsp;<strong><em>humming<\/em><\/strong>: making the \u201cmmm\u201d sound while keeping the mouth slightly closed. In this way, a vibration is produced inside. This vibration has proven to be extremely beneficial to our entire body-mind system. A book that really inspired us and opened our eyes to how beneficial meditation can be on our body is \u201cThe Humming effect: Sound healing for health and happiness\u201d. It is very well explained here how such a simple practice can be so revolutionary and powerful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A book that truly inspired us and opened our eyes to how beneficial meditation can be on our body&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Humming-Effect-Healing-Health-Happiness\/dp\/1620554844\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cThe Humming effect: Sound healing for health and happiness\u201d<\/a>. It is very well explained here how such a simple practice can be so revolutionary and powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A SOUND OF HEALING<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Producing a sound means producing a&nbsp;<strong>vibration<\/strong>&nbsp;inside our body.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we practice humming, our subatomic particles are affected by its vibrations. This means that the sound can actually<strong>&nbsp;change the molecular structure of our cells<\/strong>, causing huge implications for us, as hundreds of different benefits can come from this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Furthermore, during humming, it is possible to direct the vibration to different parts of our body simply by using the intention and the variation of the tone. In this way, we can actually impact the cells of a specific area of our body by directing our healing practice there.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In other words, we are responsible for our own healing process and there is a lot we can do about it! Humming is a very simple and powerful tool that we always have at our disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>ITS GENERAL EFFECT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our autonomic nervous system is divided into Sympathetic, Parasympathetic and Enteric. The first is responsible for how we react in times of stress, danger or strong emotions, the second is responsible for relaxing and rebalancing the system and the last governs the gastrointestinal tract and can only be partially influenced by the other two.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A main role in our Parasympathetic system is played by the&nbsp;<strong>Vagus nerve<\/strong>which connects the brain to the chest and stomach, passing through the throat. Its shape makes this nerve very sensitive to sounds. In fact, if hit by vibrations, it can spread them to the organs it encounters along its path. As side effects of this, our heartbeat slows down, blood vessels dilate and blood pressure is reduced,&nbsp;<em>our digestion is activated and our energy is stored<\/em>. All these benefits contribute to one&nbsp;<strong>general reduction of stress.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2011 an Indian study titled&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21654968\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>\u201cNeurohemodynamic correlates of &#039;Om&#039; chanting: A pilot functional magnetic resonance imaging study\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/a>humming has been shown to reduce stress by deactivating the&nbsp;<strong>Limbic system<\/strong>&nbsp;(a set of brain structures in which our emotional life is located). This effect was demonstrated by observing the participants&#039; brains through an MRI performed while they sang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, we can definitely say that humming can reduce stress but&nbsp;<strong>AS<\/strong>&nbsp;does all this happen?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nitrogen monoxide<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of the peer-reviewed articles on the effects of humming, as stated by Jonathan Goldman \u2013 author of&nbsp;<em>\u201cThe Humming effect: Sound healing for health and happiness\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;\u2013<em>&nbsp;<\/em>links its therapeutic effects to the release of a large quantity of nitric oxide into the nasal cavity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;This is a molecule that can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthen our immune system;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stabilize our cardiovascular system;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have several benefits on our respiratory system;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help recovery from trauma;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase strength during exercise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among all, its main advantage is the&nbsp;<strong>vasodilation<\/strong>, which allows the lowering of blood pressure and consequent relaxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Neuroscience Research Institute of the State University of New York conducted a study through which it is possible to observe a correlation between&nbsp;<strong>listening to music<\/strong>&nbsp;and the production of nitrogen monoxide. Notably, the effect was greatest when participants listened to specially designed frequencies, which simulated humming.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>BODY ADJUSTMENT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hormones are cells that coordinate multicellular activities and govern&nbsp;<strong>their basic functions<\/strong>&nbsp;(also known as signaling molecules). In humans, hormones regulate the physiological and behavioral activities of organs, such as movement, excretion, respiration, digestion, growth, mood change and much more. They are also used to communicate between different organs and tissues.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The effect of humming on stress reduction is certainly linked to its ability to&nbsp;<strong>affect hormone levels<\/strong>&nbsp;in our body through vibration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Melatonin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The vibration of humming stimulates our pineal gland to release melatonin into our body, as first demonstrated by Dr. Ranjie Singh.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The presence of this very important hormone in our system helps us to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improve our sleep;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen our immune system;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slow down the aging process;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote eye health;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase growth hormone levels.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And all this thanks to a self-produced sound!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Endorphins&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hypothalamus and Pituitary gland produce Endorphins when we experience strong emotions, pain or stress. But even activities that make us feel good can be responsible for releasing Endorphins into our system. These hormones are similar to&nbsp;<strong>natural opiates and painkillers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we practice humming we produce Endorphins. So we can say that through this practice we can lower our pain levels. There is no confirmed data yet on this specific effect, but it is certainly demonstrated by the experience of many professionals and particularly highlighted in the book&nbsp;<em>\u201cThe Humming effect: Sound healing for health and happiness\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two other reasons that may be responsible for the pain-relieving effect of humming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first is that through this practice our brain is \u201cdistracted\u201d from its focus on the pain, causing it to loosen up. The second is that the vibration produces a &quot;sonic massage&quot; at the point where the pain occurs, facilitating its alleviation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Oxytocin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oxytocin is produced by the Hypothalamus and released by the Pituitary gland in moments of deep relaxation when we are connected with others. It is often associated with relationships where there is deep sharing, real connections and physical contact. This is why it is also called \u201c<strong>Love hormone<\/strong>\u201d: it allows us to get closer to each other and be empathetic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Humming can also stimulate the production of Oxytocin, especially if practiced in company!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>THERE&#039;S NO HARM IN TRYING<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If all the above reasons aren&#039;t enough to start humming, what else will be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jokes aside, at the Harmonia Ashram we are experiencing firsthand that Meditation brings great benefits to our health. His constant practice is creating a \u201c<strong>new normality<\/strong>\u201d for our body, establishing new habits that include self-care, self-healing and self-love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/it\/practices\/meditation\/osho-nadabrahma-meditation\/\">OSHO Nadabrahma Meditation<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;it&#039;s a practice that includes half an hour of humming. We fell in love with it over a year ago, not just for its physical benefits. Knowing that what gives expansion, freedom and love to our souls also nourishes and heals our bodies is simply incredible and a real relief. This is what is happening in our experience with Meditation and why we consider it so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#039;s a way to heal ourselves and become healthy again (inside and out)&nbsp;<strong>without specifically analyzing each individual theme<\/strong>&nbsp;that we find in ourselves but on the contrary taking care of the entire system. It represents a general attitude of attention and prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#039;s why we see no reason not to get started and try!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are interested in being part of our&nbsp;<strong>Meditation Sangha<\/strong>&nbsp;daily here you can find all the information you need. We can&#039;t wait to experiment with you!&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many people think that meditation has to do with esoteric practices that do not apply to reality and pragmatic life at all. On the contrary, behind meditation and its reasons, there are scientific explanations.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1011,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-334","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/HummingBees-scaled-1.webp?fit=400%2C250&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/334","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=334"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/334\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1011"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=334"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=334"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ashramharmonia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}