Originally posted in 2013
Lately I’ve been slightly obsessed with sound and its healing properties. This obsession has compelled me to add to my collection of Tibetan singing bowls, acquire a Native American-style flute, and begin to create a workshop on incorporating sound into other therapies. And now I’d like to share a technique for sound healing that almost anyone can do. All you need is the most basic sonic tool available—your voice.
Using vocal toning to clear the chakras is easy and effective. Here is a chart of the seven major chakras of the human energy system; if you are not familiar with them, please do a little research until you can locate them in your body.
Start by sitting comfortably, arms and legs uncrossed. Take a few deep breaths and relax. Put your awareness into your root chakra at the base of the spine. Take your time. Once you can feel your focus in your root, take another deep breath, as if you are breathing in through the chakra, then open your mouth and let a sound emerge. I like to use the vowel sound “uh,” but you may find yourself toning something different. As your sound flows along with your exhalation, play with the pitch and volume until you feel it vibrating in your chakra. Continue the deep breath/toning until the energy feels clear. When you have cleared the root, move your awareness to your sacral chakra and repeat the process. Follow this pattern until you have cleared all your energy centers. (I suggest toning each chakra three times and then going back to any that need extra attention.)
Although the chakras have traditional correlations with notes and sounds, for personal healing I prefer a personal approach. That’s why I want you find the sounds that resonate for, with, and in you, rather than attempt to “sing” the right sounds and notes. Don’t be shy! Only you can create your own energetic “song.” If you would like to try the sounds that most often work for me, here they are: root-“uh,” sacral-“ooh,” solar plexus-“ay,” heart-“ah,” throat-“eh,” third eye-“aye,” crown-“ee.” The tones naturally rise in pitch from root to crown as I vocalize them, but I don’t try to hit a certain note; I simply find the vibration to which my focused chakra responds.
Of course, it’s best to use vocal toning in private so that you can concentrate on your voice and the sensations in your chakras without distraction. It’s also a good idea to tell others in your vicinity that you’ll be making a little noise while practicing a self-healing technique. Many of us have been conditioned not to use our voice except for communication or entertainment, but it can be a valuable—and readily available–healing tool. I tone to clear my chakra system several times a week. I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s fun, free, easy, and effective!
