The Ancient Practice of Chanting Has Great Healing Power
Kathleen Karlsen
May – June 2018 • Vol 3, No 98
Neuroscientists are beginning to recognize the amazingly positive effects of group singing. Kirtan is a form of devotional group singing. Kirtan is the repetition of mantras or longer chants known as bhajans. This form of group singing is sometimes led in a call and response format and sometimes as a sing-a-long.
Research is proving that group singing dispels anxiety and depression even more effectively than medication. Best of all, there are no problematic side effects. Group singing changes the chemistry of the brain and the body. Singing releases endorphins and oxytocin (feel-good hormones) and reduces cortisol (a stress-related hormone). The practice of group singing appears to be a magical antidote to the modern poisons of stress and isolation.
These changes have been shown to happen irrespective of skill level. In other words, you don’t have to be a skilled singer to reap the benefits!
