The Healing Power of the Human Voice

Book excerpt: A complete introduction to using the sounds of the voice to promote healing • Explains the emotional meanings and healing attributes of human vocal expression, from vowels and consonants to natural sounds such as laughter or sighs • Includes easy-to-follow vocal and breathing exercises • Contains chants and mantras from cultures around the world As infants and children we use our vocalizations to express our needs and emotions. As we grow older these vocalizations become confined to language. The suppression of emotional sounds because they may be considered childish or undignified is quite commonplace in Western cultures. Yet when done with vigor, the sounds made by laughing, groaning, humming, keening, and sighing hold within them great power for healing. In The Healing Power of the Human Voice James D’Angelo introduces the concepts behind sound healing and provides simple, practical exercises to put these concepts into practice. He explains in detail the meanings and healing attributes of the whole range of human vocal expression, from vowels and consonants to the natural sounds of laughter or sighs. He reveals the power of singing and the ways in which group singing can contribute to physical and mental health. He also presents authentic classical chants and mantras from cultures around the world and shows how we can combine various vocal sounds to form our own mantras to help clear chakra blockages. All of the sounds discussed, as well as the techniques for producing overtones, are placed in a ritualized context and are accompanied by simple movements to enhance tuning the body toward inner harmony, health, and peace. In addition, the author demonstrates all the major vocal techniques in the accompanying audio tracks--including mantras, chants from major religious traditions, seed sounds and syllables, and overtones--giving you all the tools necessary to create these sounds yourself.