Posted on• April 17th •2025 by Aimeé Durán Triujeque • Yoga

Have you ever noticed how certain sounds instantly calm you, while others stir deep emotions? Nada Yoga, or the yoga of sound, helps us tap into this connection between vibration and awareness, guiding us toward meditation, healing, and self-discovery. Rooted in Indian spiritual traditions, Nada Yoga teaches that sound is not just something we hear—it’s a powerful force that can deepen our connection to ourselves and the world around us.

 Nada Yoga is rooted in ancient yogic philosophy and has been referenced in classical texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Nada Bindu Upanishad, which describe sound as a powerful tool for spiritual awakening and self-realization.

For centuries, Nada Yoga has been used to regulate the nervous system and promote emotional balance. Ancient yogis believed that specific sounds and mantras could harmonize the body's energy centers, or chakras, fostering healing and inner peace.

Think about how certain music makes you feel: some sounds instantly relax you, while others energize or inspire. Research on sound healing suggests that frequencies can lower stress levels and improve focus. A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that Tibetan singing bowl meditation can significantly reduce tension and anxiety, supporting the long-held belief in the healing power of sound.

Nada Yoga can be explored in different ways, whether through deep listening, vocalization, or working with instruments. Here are a few ways to begin:

• Deep Listening: Find a quiet space and simply listen: birds outside, distant traffic, the sound of your breath. Instead of labeling what you hear, allow the sounds to move through you and become an observer rather than a participant.

• Mantra Chanting: Repeating sacred syllables like Om or So Hum creates internal resonance and helps focus the mind. Chanting can also regulate breathing and clear mental clutter.

• Exploring Internal Sound: With consistent practice, some yogis report hearing subtle internal sounds, like a soft ringing or gentle hum within the body. This is known as anahata nada, or the “unstruck sound,” said to emerge from deep meditative states.

• Sound Meditation with Instruments: Singing bowls, gongs, or even simple humming can create deep relaxation. These vibrations work on an energetic level, helping to balance the mind and body.

• If you’re new to Nada Yoga, consider incorporating it into your existing meditation or yoga routine. Start with simple sound awareness exercises, such as listening to a bell fade into silence or paying attention to the vibration of your own voice as you chant. Over time, you may notice a shift in how you relate to sound, not just as noise, but as an energy that moves through and around you.

  Practicing Nada Yoga regularly can also deepen other aspects of your yoga journey. Many people find that tuning into sound enhances their asana practice, making movements feel more fluid and connected. Others discover that Nada Yoga strengthens their ability to sit in meditation for longer periods, as the awareness of sound provides a gentle focus for the mind.