Did You Know…that humming is good for your heart and mind?
Sound therapy has healed sick bodies and minds for thousands of years. Himalayan singing bowls, chanting, and the humming of “Om” have been used for prayer and meditation, and have been shown to enhance relaxation and well-being.
Chances are you use sound therapy in your life without even realizing it. A Prevention magazine survey revealed that 3 out of 4 people de-stress by listening to music, and 82% verified that they felt significant relief.
If you don’t have any music or singing bowls on hand, then just start humming! Humming helps to ease any stress or tension you may be feeling and is good for your heart. Studies suggest that humming can even help clear your sinuses.
Hum for Your Heart
Humming helps to reduce blood pressure and lower heart rate. High blood pressure (hypertension) affects 1 in 3 Americans, many of whom don’t even realize they’re at risk. Hypertension is called “the silent killer” because if left untreated it can cause kidney, heart, and brain damage. Humming may help mitigate that risk.
A 2010 study from Nepal College Medical Journal showed that when people hummed “O-U-Mmma” blood pressure dropped significantly and heart rate decreased slightly in just 5 minutes.
Hum for Calm
Humming promotes a state of calm in two ways. First, it increases the amount of oxygen we take in (stress depletes our bodies of oxygen). Second, humming activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn triggers the relaxation response. The relaxation response relaxes muscles, slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and even optimizes digestion.
Try it for yourself. See if when you hum the muscles in your face and jaw let go of tension, your shoulders relax, your belly loosens, your thoughts slow down, and your focus improves.
Hum for Your Sinuses
Sinusitis and other sinus diseases afflict approximately 14% of Americans. Sinus problems can manifest as headaches, digestive disorders, and pain in the inflamed area around the nose. Research has shown that humming can unblock obstructions in the sinuses. When these blockages are loosened up, nitric oxide can flow easier. Nitric oxide is essential for proper sinus function because it helps dilute the capillary beds and improve blood flow. Scientists also believe that humming helps to lengthen the exhalations of our breath, which gives the body more time to breathe in ample oxygen.
It doesn’t matter if you hum a tune or a single note like “Om.” The trick is tapping into the vibration of the hum to fine-tune the rhythms and resonance in your body. |