Yoga music is a relatively new entrant in the art and science of practicing Yoga. When Yoga originated in the Indus Valley Civilization, there was certainly no music accompanying the practice of Yoga. In fact, yogis regularly sought complete isolation in forests to practice Yoga. The practice of using Yoga music while practicing Yoga only began after Yoga was introduced to the West about 50 years ago or so. So, does Yoga Music really enhance the experience of practicing Yoga?

Music is known to have a very deep impact on human beings. The right kind of music can help relax the mind and ease the stress away. It also helps in both energizing the body and calming it. The kind of music you are listening to can have a marked impact on the way you feel and the way your mood is. Music can bring out deeply buried feelings and allow us to feel them in their entirety before letting go of them. In a way, music can be very therapeutic. In fact, music is also known to speed up the healing process of the body and the mind and is regularly used in hospitals. Science also tells us that listening to soft, soothing music can cause an increase in alpha brain waves, allowing us to completely relax our body and our mind. This is one of the biggest reasons that listing to Yoga music while practicing Yoga can be very beneficial to you.

On the other hand, the ear is one of our five senses. It is engaged in both passive and active roles like all our other senses, for instance, the eyes can see as well as express feelings. The ear is engaged in passive hearing as well as active listening. All the actions of our senses affect us, either directly or indirectly. If we subject our senses to positive experiences, the impact on us will be positive as well. In that sense, listening to Yoga music while performing Yoga asanas can ensure that all your five senses are engaged in positive actions as you focus controlling your mind.

One other reason that Yoga music is beneficial is that when we practice Yoga in calm and quiet surroundings, our minds tend to wander the minute we close our eyes, since less sensory data is being provided to the brain. If, on the other hand, we engage another sensory organ, the ear and provide it with input, then the mind will be less inclined to wander. That is why practicing Yoga with Yoga music can help ensure that you get the full benefit of the Yoga asanas you are doing.

There are a number of Yoga music CDs available. While some have yogic chants, some others have sounds of nature like chirping birds, flowing streams, etc. These CDs are great to own and make for great Yoga gifts. Anyone receiving Yoga music as Yoga gifts is bound to appreciate you for your thoughtfulness.