Get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
The Humming Effect
Sound Healing for Health and Happiness
By Jonathan Goldman and Andi Goldman
Foreword by John Beaulieu
Published by Healing Arts Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
An accessible guide to the practice of conscious humming
• Details conscious humming and breathing exercises from simple to advanced, including online access to examples of these practices
• Examines the latest studies on sound, revealing how humming helps with stress levels, sleep, and blood pressure, increases lymphatic circulation, releases endorphins, creates new neural pathways in the brain, and boosts blood platelet production
• Explores the spiritual use of humming, including its use as a sonic yoga technique and its role in many world traditions
• Includes access to online examples, allowing you to experience the powerful vibratory resonance that humming can create
Humming is one of the simplest and yet most profound sounds we can make. If you have a voice and can speak, you can hum. Research has shown humming to be much more than a self-soothing sound: it affects us on a physical level, reducing stress, inducing calmness, and enhancing sleep as well as lowering heart rate and blood pressure and producing powerful neurochemicals such as oxytocin, the “love” hormone.
In this guide to conscious humming, Jonathan and Andi Goldman show that you do not need to be a musician or singer to benefit from sound healing practices—all you need to do is hum. They provide conscious humming and breathing exercises from simple to advanced, complete with online examples, allowing you to experience the powerful vibratory resonance that humming can create and harness its healing benefits for body, mind, and spirit. They explore the science behind sound healing, revealing how self-created sounds can literally rearrange molecular structure and how humming not only helps with stress levels, sleep, and blood pressure but also increases lymphatic circulation and melatonin production, releases endorphins, creates new neural pathways in the brain, and releases nitric oxide, a neurotransmitter fundamental to health and well-being. The authors show how sound can act as a triggering mechanism for the manifestation of your conscious intentions. They also examine the spiritual use of humming, including its use as a sonic yoga technique and its role in many world traditions, such as the Om, Aum, or Hum of Hindu and Tibetan traditions.
Providing a self-healing method accessible to all, the authors reveal that, even if you have no musical ability, we are all sound healers.
• Details conscious humming and breathing exercises from simple to advanced, including online access to examples of these practices
• Examines the latest studies on sound, revealing how humming helps with stress levels, sleep, and blood pressure, increases lymphatic circulation, releases endorphins, creates new neural pathways in the brain, and boosts blood platelet production
• Explores the spiritual use of humming, including its use as a sonic yoga technique and its role in many world traditions
• Includes access to online examples, allowing you to experience the powerful vibratory resonance that humming can create
Humming is one of the simplest and yet most profound sounds we can make. If you have a voice and can speak, you can hum. Research has shown humming to be much more than a self-soothing sound: it affects us on a physical level, reducing stress, inducing calmness, and enhancing sleep as well as lowering heart rate and blood pressure and producing powerful neurochemicals such as oxytocin, the “love” hormone.
In this guide to conscious humming, Jonathan and Andi Goldman show that you do not need to be a musician or singer to benefit from sound healing practices—all you need to do is hum. They provide conscious humming and breathing exercises from simple to advanced, complete with online examples, allowing you to experience the powerful vibratory resonance that humming can create and harness its healing benefits for body, mind, and spirit. They explore the science behind sound healing, revealing how self-created sounds can literally rearrange molecular structure and how humming not only helps with stress levels, sleep, and blood pressure but also increases lymphatic circulation and melatonin production, releases endorphins, creates new neural pathways in the brain, and releases nitric oxide, a neurotransmitter fundamental to health and well-being. The authors show how sound can act as a triggering mechanism for the manifestation of your conscious intentions. They also examine the spiritual use of humming, including its use as a sonic yoga technique and its role in many world traditions, such as the Om, Aum, or Hum of Hindu and Tibetan traditions.
Providing a self-healing method accessible to all, the authors reveal that, even if you have no musical ability, we are all sound healers.
Excerpt
6
Encoding Intent
Intermediate Humming
In our last chapter we presented basic exercises that would allow you to begin to experience the sensations of humming in your body.
We had you experimenting with humming as a monotone, with different pitches, and even as songs to see if you could feel the vibrations of your self-created sounds in your body. In this chapter we will be focusing on adding the power of intention to the hum, creating conscious humming. As we’ve previously noted, our thoughts really do matter. You’ll be adding the element of visualization or imagination as you hum. You may find that this component immensely increases your ability to experience the sound as well as enhancing the healing power of your hum. As our formula “Frequency + Intent = Healing” indicates, intent is as important as the actual sound you are creating.
Intention and Humming
When humming, the physiological benefits alone can do remarkable things. When you add the component of intent (belief, visualization, or whatever you wish you call it), extraordinary things can happen.
From personal experience, when we’ve had a pain or discomfort--it can be in our head or anywhere in our body--and when we’ve focused the attention of our hum to that area, often (and usually quite surprisingly) these discomforts will disappear or at least diminish. This could be because of the release of nitric oxide or the production of endorphins or through relaxation or because of some other physiological factor. No doubt these physiological benefits occur whenever we hum. However, from our own experience, we understand that the intention placed upon the sound is a crucial component. Something powerful and important occurs when we hum with conscious intention.
The possibilities of conditions that can be positively affected by humming with intention are endless. Sometimes we hum to generate better blood flow to our tissues. Other times we may be feeling stressed out and take a few minutes to hum and calm down. We literally visualize the humming going throughout our entire body as we’re making the sound.
The possibilities of ways to project intention are also limitless, for conscious humming is only limited by your consciousness. For example, you might have a pain in a certain part of your body and perhaps envision a warm golden light radiating healing energy into that area as you hum. Or you might visualize encoding all your cells with vitality, dissipating any imbalanced energy.
An application of humming that we have only briefly mentioned is the ability of the hum to act as internal massage affecting all the cells in the area of your body where the hum is being directed. Just as there are numerous machines on the market that create external vibrations to help soothe parts of your body where you’re feeling discomfort, humming has natural soothing abilities and it can work internally as well, reaching places that many of these massage devices cannot. Once you’ve gained the ability to add intention to the part of your body that needs the sound, humming can be a truly powerful healing tool.
Encoding Intention In this exercise we will combine the physical act of humming with our conscious intention. Often we’ll be guided to our intention within the first few moments of focused breathing. At other times it may feel difficult to narrow our focus down to one single concept. If this is the case, remember that this is only a beginning and that tomorrow you can work on another aspect of intention. Simply choose one to start.
We suggest that you allow 15 minutes for this exercise--5 minutes for humming--5 minutes for relaxation--5 minutes for grounding. Please limit your actual humming to about 5 minutes.
• With your eyes closed, begin by taking a few slow deep breaths, releasing any stress or tension you may be feeling. As you’re breathing, tune in and sense how you’re feeling. Take as many deep relaxing breaths as desired.
• Now spend a few moments contemplating what your purpose for this experience of humming might be. Spend as much time as you need determining how you would like to use your intention while humming. (A possible suggestion, and one that’s particularly nice and easy to start with, is to imagine that you’re simply projecting appreciation throughout your body as you’re humming. Or perhaps you have found a place of discomfort and would like to see if humming can help. Imagine that you are projecting your hum into this area.)
• When you feel ready, begin to hum. Hum for about 5 minutes. Sometimes changing your pitch as you project your hum is immensely helpful in being able to feel the resonance as you encode intention.
• Continue humming, knowing that you have a purpose--your intention has been set. You are engaged in conscious humming.
• When you feel ready, bring your humming to a close.
• Now, sit quietly for as long as you’d like, noticing any changes in your body--tuning in to anything that you may have experienced while doing this exercise.
• When you feel ready slowly open your eyes. Give yourself enough time to become grounded and present in the moment. Allow yourself the wonderment of this state of being--enjoying this relaxed state can be very healing.
Often the first experience of conscious humming is quite profound. Can you feel a difference in your physical, emotional, or mental body after doing this exercise? Were you successful in encoding your intent onto the sound? This can be a very powerful exercise--especially the first time you do it.
Encoding Intent
Intermediate Humming
In our last chapter we presented basic exercises that would allow you to begin to experience the sensations of humming in your body.
We had you experimenting with humming as a monotone, with different pitches, and even as songs to see if you could feel the vibrations of your self-created sounds in your body. In this chapter we will be focusing on adding the power of intention to the hum, creating conscious humming. As we’ve previously noted, our thoughts really do matter. You’ll be adding the element of visualization or imagination as you hum. You may find that this component immensely increases your ability to experience the sound as well as enhancing the healing power of your hum. As our formula “Frequency + Intent = Healing” indicates, intent is as important as the actual sound you are creating.
Intention and Humming
When humming, the physiological benefits alone can do remarkable things. When you add the component of intent (belief, visualization, or whatever you wish you call it), extraordinary things can happen.
From personal experience, when we’ve had a pain or discomfort--it can be in our head or anywhere in our body--and when we’ve focused the attention of our hum to that area, often (and usually quite surprisingly) these discomforts will disappear or at least diminish. This could be because of the release of nitric oxide or the production of endorphins or through relaxation or because of some other physiological factor. No doubt these physiological benefits occur whenever we hum. However, from our own experience, we understand that the intention placed upon the sound is a crucial component. Something powerful and important occurs when we hum with conscious intention.
The possibilities of conditions that can be positively affected by humming with intention are endless. Sometimes we hum to generate better blood flow to our tissues. Other times we may be feeling stressed out and take a few minutes to hum and calm down. We literally visualize the humming going throughout our entire body as we’re making the sound.
The possibilities of ways to project intention are also limitless, for conscious humming is only limited by your consciousness. For example, you might have a pain in a certain part of your body and perhaps envision a warm golden light radiating healing energy into that area as you hum. Or you might visualize encoding all your cells with vitality, dissipating any imbalanced energy.
An application of humming that we have only briefly mentioned is the ability of the hum to act as internal massage affecting all the cells in the area of your body where the hum is being directed. Just as there are numerous machines on the market that create external vibrations to help soothe parts of your body where you’re feeling discomfort, humming has natural soothing abilities and it can work internally as well, reaching places that many of these massage devices cannot. Once you’ve gained the ability to add intention to the part of your body that needs the sound, humming can be a truly powerful healing tool.
Encoding Intention In this exercise we will combine the physical act of humming with our conscious intention. Often we’ll be guided to our intention within the first few moments of focused breathing. At other times it may feel difficult to narrow our focus down to one single concept. If this is the case, remember that this is only a beginning and that tomorrow you can work on another aspect of intention. Simply choose one to start.
We suggest that you allow 15 minutes for this exercise--5 minutes for humming--5 minutes for relaxation--5 minutes for grounding. Please limit your actual humming to about 5 minutes.
• With your eyes closed, begin by taking a few slow deep breaths, releasing any stress or tension you may be feeling. As you’re breathing, tune in and sense how you’re feeling. Take as many deep relaxing breaths as desired.
• Now spend a few moments contemplating what your purpose for this experience of humming might be. Spend as much time as you need determining how you would like to use your intention while humming. (A possible suggestion, and one that’s particularly nice and easy to start with, is to imagine that you’re simply projecting appreciation throughout your body as you’re humming. Or perhaps you have found a place of discomfort and would like to see if humming can help. Imagine that you are projecting your hum into this area.)
• When you feel ready, begin to hum. Hum for about 5 minutes. Sometimes changing your pitch as you project your hum is immensely helpful in being able to feel the resonance as you encode intention.
• Continue humming, knowing that you have a purpose--your intention has been set. You are engaged in conscious humming.
• When you feel ready, bring your humming to a close.
• Now, sit quietly for as long as you’d like, noticing any changes in your body--tuning in to anything that you may have experienced while doing this exercise.
• When you feel ready slowly open your eyes. Give yourself enough time to become grounded and present in the moment. Allow yourself the wonderment of this state of being--enjoying this relaxed state can be very healing.
Often the first experience of conscious humming is quite profound. Can you feel a difference in your physical, emotional, or mental body after doing this exercise? Were you successful in encoding your intent onto the sound? This can be a very powerful exercise--especially the first time you do it.
Product Details
- Publisher: Healing Arts Press (November 6, 2017)
- Length: 144 pages
- ISBN13: 9781620554845
Raves and Reviews
“I highly recommend The Humming Effect for all those impacted by the stress of the modern world. It is a powerful non-pharmaceutical prescription for self-healing that has only positive side effects, such as harmony, health, and happiness.”
– Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D., bestselling author of The Biology of Belief
“At the heart of health and healing is your body’s energies. At the heart of your body’s energies is vibration. The Humming Effect teaches you how to use your capacity to hum to create vibrations that promote health, healing, and higher consciousness. This is a worthy endeavor, and the book guides you on every step of the way. Jonathan and Andi Goldman are pioneers in the healing use of sound, and you are the beneficiary!”
– Donna Eden, author of Energy Medicine
“This magnificent book will teach you new ways of using one of the most extraordinary instruments on the planet--your vocal apparatus. With what evolution has bestowed upon you, you can become a maestro at facilitating your own health, healing, and happiness. No gadgets or expensive technology required.”
– David Feinstein, Ph.D., coauthor of The Energies of Love
“Hmmmmmmmm. So simple, yet so intricate! Jonathan and Andi Goldman have written a paramount book that reveals the science and art for why creating a humming practice is not only necessary, it’s fun! Knowledge is power. However, knowledge about yourself is self-empowerment. This book reveals a conscious application for using humming to optimize the health of your mind and body. The Humming Effect is a gift that keeps giving. Enjoy!”
– Dr. Darren R. Weissman, author of The Power of Infinite Love & Gratitude
“Since the time of the Indian rishis the sound of humming has been acknowledged as the fundamental vibration of our divine self. The Goldmans have superbly, practically, and with great simplicity expanded upon this truth and demonstrated the potency of the hum to heal at all levels of our being. The Humming Effect, with its audio tracks, is an essential text in extending the range of what the human voice can achieve in self-empowered wellness.”
– James D’Angelo, Ph.D., author of The Healing Power of the Human Voice
“I love this book! Once I started I couldn’t put it down. It serves a great purpose in giving a deep education about sound, elegantly stated in a very friendly format. For anyone interested in the profound power of sound to heal and transform their lives, I heartily recommend The Humming Effect by the acclaimed maestros Jonathan and Andi Goldman.”
– Todd Ovokaitys, M.D., coauthor of 12-Strand DNA Healing Techniques
“The Humming Effect by Jonathan and Andi Goldman is a must-read primer for anyone interested in the effects of sound on cells, the body, and health. Their elegant and direct approach weaves basic research on sound with the specific benefits of sound and humming. Through infusing this book with stories and practices, they lead the reader on an enjoyable journey into their passion for humming as a tool for health and healing.”
– Ann Marie Chiasson, M.D., author of Energy Healing
“Sound--from its historical perspective, mechanisms of action, and applications for wellness-- is an integral part of Jonathan and Andi Goldman’s new book, The Humming Effect. I intend to refer my readers to this book as a valued supplement to help them further understand the healing power of sound.”
– George L. Lindenfeld, Ph.D., neuropsychologist and author of Brain on Fire
“A beautiful and invaluable masterpiece in sound medicine.”
– Ranjie N. Singh, Ph.D., author of Self-Healing
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The Humming Effect Trade Paperback 9781620554845
