EXPLORING SOUND IN QIGONG & YOGA
Awaken your energy through sound and movement
Sound has long been used as a tool for healing, meditation, and personal transformation. From the resonant chants of Tibetan monks to the deep vibrations of Gregorian choirs, cultures around the world have recognised the profound effect that sound has on the mind and body. In both Qigong and yoga, vocal toning—using the voice to create sustained sounds—offers a powerful way to release tension, deepen breathwork, and enhance overall well-being.
The Ancient Roots of Sound Healing
The connection between sound and healing is not new. Archaeological evidence suggests that as early as 40,000 years ago, early humans used bone flutes and rhythmic drumming for ritualistic and therapeutic purposes. In Taoist Qigong, the Six Healing Sounds practice—vocalising specific tones to correspond with different organs—has been used for centuries to clear energetic blockages and regulate emotions. In the Yogic tradition, Nada Brahma, meaning "the world is sound," reflects the belief that the universe itself is created through vibration.
Scientific research supports these ancient practices. Studies show that vocal toning and chanting can activate the vagus nerve, which helps regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation. Research from McGill University (2013) found that singing and toning release endorphins and oxytocin, reducing stress and enhancing emotional connection. Another study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2017) demonstrated that chanting can synchronise brainwave activity, leading to a meditative state.
How VOCAL TONING Works in Qigong & Yoga
In Qigong, sound is often paired with movement to amplify its benefits. The Six Healing Sounds practice, for instance, uses different tones to resonate with the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, and triple burner (a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine relating to metabolic processes). By directing breath and sound toward specific areas of the body, practitioners can clear stagnant energy and restore balance.
Yoga incorporates sound through chanting bija (seed) sounds, which align with different energy centres. These vibrational tones, such as "Lam" for the root or "Om" for the crown, are believed to activate and harmonise the body's energy centers.
Vocal toning which focuses on the production of vowel sounds, when combined with movement enhances presence, deepens breath awareness, and fosters a greater sense of embodiment.
A Personal Journey with Sound
For many years, I hadn’t considered the role of sound in my practice. A childhood experience in school left me hesitant to sing, though I enjoyed speaking and listening to rhythm. My grandmother chanted regularly, and while I occasionally joined in, I never truly reflected on the impact it had on me. It wasn’t until I attended a vocal toning workshop, led by someone who had come to my Qigong classes, that I began to explore the power of sound more deeply.
Stepping into that space, I felt both curious and uncertain. I had attended “singing for those who can’t sing” groups and experienced the joy of karaoke, but this was different. Here, sound was about vibration rather than performance. As we toned together, I noticed an energetic shift—a sense of clarity and grounding that I hadn’t anticipated. I returned for another session and left feeling not only energised but deeply intrigued. I’ve been reflecting on this experience in my writing as well. If you’d like to explore more, you can read my thoughts in my practice notes here.
Experience the Power of Sound for Yourself
Sound is something we feel as much as we hear. When combined with movement and breath, it becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery, healing, and transformation. This is why I’m excited to invite you to Radiant Energy: A Qigong, Yoga & Vocal Toning Workshop on Saturday, 5 April at TOSH, a historic venue with a deep creative legacy.
This workshop is a collaboration with experienced leader of sound meditation circles, Elisabetta Noto. We’ll explore how sound resonates through the body, helping to release tension and enhance vitality. Whether you’ve never explored your voice before or you already chant and sing, this session will offer a new way to connect with your breath, body, and energy.
What is Vocal Toning?
Vocal toning is the practice of making sustained vowel sounds or humming to promote healing, relaxation, and balance through the resonance of those sounds. Unlike singing, which focuses on melody and rhythm, vocal toning emphasises the vibration and resonance of specific sounds to calm the body and mind. This can be incredibly effective in releasing blockages, deepening breath awareness, and inviting greater ease into both body and mind.
Vocal Toning and Movement in the Workshop
In our workshop, Elisabetta and I are combining gentle Qigong movement with vocal toning. The focus will not be on performance, but on meditative practice. You will engage in soft, flowing Qigong movements while making sustained sounds, allowing the vibrations to resonate through your body. This integration of sound and movement creates a unique opportunity to experience the healing effects of both practices, while promoting relaxation and presence.
Workshop Details: 📅 Date: Friday, 5 April
📍 Location: TOSH (The Old School House), Bournemouth
🕥 Time: 10.00am - 1.00pm
💛 Reserve Your Spot Here: Booking Details
If you’ve ever been curious about the power of sound, I invite you to join us. Let’s explore the resonance of our voices together and awaken new layers of vitality. You can also read more about this in my practice notes in my digital magazine: Awaken Your Spirit here
Further Reading & Stay Connected:
Persinger, M.A. (2014). "The Electromagnetic Basis of Consciousness and Healing." Journal of NeuroQuantology.
Bernardi, L. et al. (2001). "Cardiorespiratory and EEG Changes During Chanting and Mantra Meditation." British Medical Journal.
Porges, S. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation.
For more reflections and insights, visit my Substack: Awaken Your Spirit.
Image: Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
Have you explored vocal toning before? Share your experiences in the comments below!