One of the simplest sounds we can create is the hum and it is also one of the most effective sound healing tools. Don Campbell, author of the “Mozart Effect,” states that “humming actually massages the body from the inside out.”

There are several positive ways that humming alters your brain and nervous system.

Humming directly affects the amygdala, which is part of the brain’s limbic system. The amygdala controls and regulates emotions. It’s the brain’s fear and alarm center. Imaging instruments like fMRI show that the vibratory “m-m-m” sound is a natural tranquilizer that deactivates parts of the limbic system, reducing stress and calming the amygdala. In a 2011 study, The National Institute of Mental Health in India found that chanting “Ohm”, another “m-m-m” vibration, also helped deactivate the limbic system.

The physical vibrations of humming in your throat and chest mechanically stimulate the brain’s vagus nerve which is incredibly sensitive to sound. It shifts your body from a “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous state by activating your parasympathetic nervous system which lowers your heart rate, dilates blood vessels, and decreases emotional reactivity.

Humming also prompts the release of feel-good brain neurochemicals like endorphins and oxytocin which help elevate your mood and foster a natural sense of well-being. Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored and secreted by the pituitary gland. By modulating the nervous system, oxytocin actively lowers stress and anxiety levels, promoting feelings of safety and calm. It even supports social cognition, helping people recognize faces, process emotions, promote and build trust, empathy, and bonding. Endorphins are powerful opiate like neurotransmitters that block pain and also contribute to the feeling of pleasure and euphoria.

As humming creates a relaxed state, the brain increases the production of the hormone melatonin which regulates circadian rhythms of several biological functions and is a powerful free radical scavenger and wide spectrum antioxidant.

Research indicates that the sound and physical vibration of humming can alter brain activity in yet another way, by encouraging a shift toward the types of brain waves associated with deep relaxation and meditative states (such as alpha and theta waves) while maintaining mental alertness.

Humming has a powerful effect on other body systems too.

Research from the Karolinska Institute shows humming dramatically increases the production of nitric oxide in your nasal passages and sinuses. This molecule acts as a vasodilator, which widens blood vessels and improves oxygen delivery and blood flow to the brain and body, increasing lymphatic circulation, enhancing immune, cardiovascular, and respiratory system.

Additionally, Humming reduces blood pressure and heart rate. The Nepal medical college published an article entitled, “Immediate effect of a slow-paced breathing exercise called “bhramari pranayama” (Bee Breathing), on blood pressure and heart rate”. The participants in the study practiced “bhramari” breathing and humming for five minutes at a time, focusing on creating a humming nasal sound mimicking the sound of a humming wasp. (Five minutes seems to be the minimum time necessary for the sounds to create an effect on the body). The slow-paced humming causes both systolic and diastolic blood pressure of participants to decrease significantly, accompanied by a slight decrease in heart rate. 

Try humming to improve health and create calm and balance.

Check out the REVAMPED “Services” section on the website–new services and detailed descriptions.

New “Specials Section” with two offerings:

• $49.95 for a “Tuning”

• “BOGO” — purchase the initial “Somatic” Sound Healing Session and get the second 60-minute Somatic session ½ price.

• Savor the ultimate relaxation experience! Set up an appointment today tailored to your unique needs. Email wholeharminichealing@gmail.com with your choice and dates and times you’re available. All major credit cards accepted.