What is the Most Powerful Sound Therapy Instrument?

The Most Powerful Sound Therapy Instrument Is . . . 
Well you've probably guessed by now. It's your voice! But I didn't always believe that. What made me change my mind? I took a 6-month course from Jonathan Goldman, founder of the International Sound Healer’s Association. Jonathan firmly believes that vocal toning is the most effective healing method. I secretly harboured the thought that crystal singing bowls were the most effective, but decided to give toning a go. You can do both, so why not? 

So, for six months I followed the daily assignments, toning various vowel sounds such as Ah, Eee, Oh, Mmm, per the instructions. And as required, I kept a log of my experiences, answering questions such as, “Where do I feel the sound in my body? How did the sound affect my emotions and my energy? What happens when I sing louder or softer? What happens when I focus my thoughts on a particular chakra? Which tones and sounds feel particularly delicious to me? Does that vary from day to day?” It was a fabulous exploration! I became aware of all the subtle nuances of vocal tones and my unique reactions. I learned to overtone and I created my personal chakra toning sequence. This simple practice shifted all aspects of my being—physical, emotional, mental, and energetic. 

So, after that course, I conceded that voice is the number one sound therapy instrument. Why? 

1. It’s the oldest, most natural form of sound therapy. Everyone who breathes can make these vowel sounds. 
2. It’s the only instrument that has human consciousness and intention embedded in it. That’s what gives it such healing power. 
3. Our voice vibrates every organ in our body from the inside out, bringing it into harmony and vibrational alignment. 
4. It’s a natural way to release pain (Think, “OW!”). 
5. It’s free and completely portable!

If you want to try toning, here are a couple of tips. Louder is not necessarily better. When you tone softer, you will often hear the subtle overtones more clearly. Sing at a pitch that is comfortable and natural for you. Don’t strain. Just breathe in and let a sound float out on the out-breath. Enjoy! Mmmmm. Delicious.  

"The effect produced by singing depends upon the depth of feeling of the singer . . . The singer’s heart, so to speak, accompanies the song.” The Mysticism of Sound, Inayat Khan, p. 65 

"Let us not try to understand music with our mind. Let us not even try to feel it with our heart. Let us simply and spontaneously allow the music-bird to fly in our heart-sky. The Source of Music, Sri Chinmoy, p. 90  

You don't need to be a "singer" or performer to do any of this. Trust me! If you can breathe, you can do it! —Kaasay