Toning is vocalising a pure sound (such as aaaaaaaaaaaaah!) and requires no training or singing ability whatsoever. Creating sound in this way has a powerful healing effect on all levels - physical, emotional and spiritual. The vibrations massage the vocal chords and course throughout the whole body, leaving it humming with vitality. The mind is also refreshed and clarified by being cleared of its usual distractions. Toning is excellent for those who 'can't sing', and encourages confidence in self-expression in those with low self-esteem. An invigorating sound bath can be given by a group to an individual (who is preferably in a relaxed state and lying down), in which he or she is bathed for a prolonged period in the vibration of a group toning. This often gives rise to powerful feelings of support, closeness and upliftment.
Chanting, is the repetitive use of sound or a phrase to induce trance, invoke a deity, or enter an enhanced state of consciousness. The repetition stills the everyday mind and frees the creativity of the unconscious mind, giving rise to visions or a sense of blissfulness. Chanting and music are important in the Sufi (mystical Islam) tradition, as well as in Hinduism and Buddhism. A mantra (such as Aum, or Om) or spiritually significant word or phrase (for instance the name of a god) is often used. Some types of Yoga (such as kundalini yoga) employ particular mantras to stimulate specific parts of the bodymind called chakras (psychic centres), either to open them up or move energy from one centre to another.
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