Benefits of Yoga for Singers

Yoga practices effectively works on physical, mental, spiritual and intellectual levels. Yogis believed that cosmic life energy is received through chakras present in the body. This energy is supplied to the body through nadis.

In total there are 7 main chakras, out of them 3 are directly related to qualities required for singers. The 3 chakras important for singers are:

1. Anaahat (heart chakra):

This chakra helps in maintaining rythm and time required for singing.

2. Vishuddha (throat chakra):

This chakra is responsible for voice, self confidence. It regulates musical creativity.

3. The Anja (third eye chakra):

All brain activities are controlled by this chakra.

YOGA FOR SINGERS:

Regular physical exercises do not activate chakras and cosmic energy is not received. Yoga postures activate chakras and cosmic energy is supplied to the body. Yoga helps in developing music ability of a singer in a short time. Yoga exercises improve breathing mechanism.

Many yoga exercises are available to improve singing.

YOGA BENEFITS FOR SINGERS:

1. Tension in the neck and throat can be reduced which opens up the voice.
2. Prevents common illness like severe cold etc.
3. Breath control is increased.
4. An individual can overcome stage fear.
5. Increases physical and mental stamina which is very important for a singer who performs frequently.
6. Helps in memorising songs easily by keeping the mind sharp.

YOGA POSES:

The yoga poses that are to be practiced by the singers are given below.

THE BRIDGE POSE:

This pose is used to clear the blockage during intake or release of breath.

DOWNWARD DOG POSE:

This pose is also used to release blockage during intake or release of breath.

YOGA ASANAS:

PARVATASANA:

1. This can be done both in simple sitting posture or lotus posture (cross legged)
2. This asana helps in the activation of space and air sacs that are not in lungs.
3. It also improves breathing capacity which is very important for singers.

PARIVARTIT CHAKRASANA:

1. This asana also activates air sacs that are not used in lungs.
2. Helps in the development of breathing muscles and increases the volume of breathing.

SARVANGASANA:

1. This asana includes upside down posture which increases blood flow to the brain.
2. All activities of brain are controlled by this asana including hearing, memorising, creativity etc.

JALANDAR BANDH:

1. It is a form of yoga practice called BANDH whish stops the flow of blood and air at a particular chakra.
2. It is otherwise called chin lock.
3. This practice activates throat chakra and therefore improves any musical activity.

KAPALABHATI:

1. It is another form of yoga practice called KRIYA which helps in the removal of toxins and impurities from the body
2. This practice makes voice rich and sweeter.

PRANAYAMA FOR SINGERS:

Pranayama is similar to breathing exercises. In breathing exercises breathing alone is very important but in pranayama along with breathing consciousness is also important. All rhythmic activities of music require breathing. Pranayama is very beneficial for singers,

BHASTRIKA:

1. It involves strong inhalations and exhalations.
2. By this pranayama diaphragm which is very important muscle for breathing gets activated.
3. Breathing capacity can also be increased.

UJJAYI:

1. This pranayama is very simple and it activates all the organs that are necessary for musical activity.
2. Throat chakra is activated by this pranayama.

BRAHMARI:

1. This asana helps in the development of music ability of an individual.
2. Voice becomes sweeter with this pranayama.
3. Regular breathing out which is essential for a singer can be achieved by this pranayama.