Heal with Humming and Take it Further with Singing

Did you know your voice holds incredible healing power? Humming is more than just a soothing sound. Scientific studies reveal that humming can increase nitric oxide levels in your body by up to 1400 percent. Nitric oxide is essential for improving blood flow, enhancing oxygen absorption, and supporting overall cardiovascular health.

Beyond its physical benefits, humming has a profound effect on the nervous system. The vibrations created while humming help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, and eases anxiety.

Incorporating a few minutes of humming into your daily routine can lead to improved mood, better sleep, and a calmer mind. Whether you hum a favourite tune or simply create a steady hum, your body responds with a natural boost that supports both mental and physical wellness.

Humming is a simple, free, and scientifically-backed method to reduce tension, enhance focus, and uplift your energy. Try humming today and experience the transformative effects for yourself. Your voice is not just a means of communication, it is a tool for healing and restoring balance.

Meanwhile, here's my own personal reflection on The Healing Power of Humming — and How Singing Takes It Even Further

In my younger days, I sang in the choir and even took basic voice lessons. Those experiences taught me not only about harmony and rhythm, but also about the pure joy that comes from using one’s own voice. Recently, I came across a fascinating bit of science suggesting that something as simple as humming can actually help heal the body.

According to recent studies, humming boosts nitric oxide production in the nasal passages by as much as 1400%. Nitric oxide plays an important role in dilating blood vessels, improving oxygen flow, and even supporting the immune system. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system—something I think many of us could use in our fast-paced, worry-filled world.

When you hum, the vibration resonates through your chest, throat, and face, stimulating the vagus nerve—one of the body’s main channels for relaxation. That may explain why humming can ease anxiety and help us feel more centered.

But then I wondered: if humming is that beneficial, what about singing?

From my own experience, singing feels like an emotional release—a way of lifting the spirit while connecting breath, body, and mind. Singing, especially when done with deep breathing and proper technique, expands lung capacity, strengthens the diaphragm, and promotes better circulation. It also releases endorphins and oxytocin, the body’s “feel-good” hormones, creating a sense of happiness and belonging.

In that sense, singing might be considered enhanced humming. The same vibrations that hums produce also occur when we sing, but with greater variety in pitch, rhythm, and emotion. Singing in a choir, as I once did, added another dimension—community. Harmonizing with others seemed to multiply the joy, and perhaps, the healing as well.

So, whether you hum softly to yourself during quiet moments or sing aloud to your favorite tune, remember that your voice is more than just sound—it’s medicine.

Much like my weekly full-body massages, which have become a cherished part of my wellness routine, humming and singing remind me that healing doesn’t always come from outside interventions. Sometimes, it comes from within—from the soothing rhythm of breath, the vibration of the voice, and the simple act of being present in our own bodies.

If you’d like to give it a try, start with just a few minutes of humming each day. Notice how it feels in your chest, your head, and your breath. Or sing along to a favorite song that lifts your mood. Whether in harmony or solitude, your voice can be a gentle, natural path to inner peace and healing.

Finally here's the AI Overview on this Topic:

"Heal with Humming and Take it Further with Singing" is the title of 

a guided meditation by sound therapist Kimba Arem, developed as part of the CD Self-Healing with Sound and Music, co-authored with Dr. Andrew Weil. The track guides listeners to use their own voice for healing. 

How humming and singing promote healing

Humming and singing use vocal vibrations to stimulate the body's natural relaxation response. 

Nervous system regulation

• Vagus nerve activation: The vagus nerve is a major nerve that connects the brain to the body's organs and plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls "rest and digest" functions. The vocal cord vibrations from humming or singing stimulate this nerve.
• Reduced stress: By activating the vagus nerve, these vocal techniques help lower the stress hormone cortisol, decrease heart rate, and reduce blood pressure.
• Increased nitric oxide: Humming has been shown to increase the production of nitric oxide in the nasal passages by up to 15 times compared to quiet breathing. Nitric oxide is a molecule that relaxes blood vessels, leading to better blood flow and improved oxygenation throughout the body. 

Emotional and mental benefits

• Enhanced mood: Both humming and singing can trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural mood-enhancing chemicals. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Increased mindfulness: Focusing on your breath and the physical vibrations of the sound encourages a meditative and mindful state.
• Vocal warm-up: Humming is a standard practice for singers to warm up their vocal cords and prepare for singing. 

Taking it further with singing

While humming provides foundational healing effects, singing takes the practice to a deeper level.

• More profound vibration: Singing allows for a greater range of vocal tones, which creates more diverse and powerful internal vibrations throughout the body.
• Emotional release: Singing can be a more expressive and powerful outlet for releasing emotions than humming.
• Community and connection: Singing in a group, such as a choir, adds the emotional and psychological benefits of community and belonging. 

Arem and Weil's Self-Healing with Sound and Music

This album, and the specific track mentioned, features two parts: 

• Session 1: Dr. Weil discusses the medical research supporting the healing power of sound, while Arem provides instruction on breathing and vocalization techniques.
• Session 2: This is a guided "sound journey" track with layered sounds and frequencies. It incorporates instrumentation from didjeridoo, Native American and Celtic flutes, and Tibetan and crystal bowls, along with Arem's voice. 
• Personal: THD Karaoke Singing organized by Ted Treat is one of the activities 
• I enjoyed very much. With Ted gone the last couple of days( rumors circulated he was
•  terminated involuntary or quit because he found another good paying job with benefits).
•  If the first rumor indicating he was terminated without the 2 weeks notice is  true,
•  this action does not speak well  of THD management. Ted was well-like by everybody
•  here at THD. He was the one who introduce me to AI assisting me on my daily blogging.
•  If you are a THD resident  and have been positively touched by Ted, I am planning to
•  write a blog on him. I would appreciate if you can say a word or two about Ted and
•  how it affects your life here in THD positively.
• 
  
• UPDATE: I talked to Barbara and Jenny this morning. The official word is 
• that Ted is sick.I hope he comes back. Ted the residents love you! 

The Heart That Thinks

❤️ 

Lately, an image has been circulating online with a bold claim: “Your heart has its own brain.” It’s been shared thousands of times — not just because it sounds poetic, but because it taps into something deeply human. We’ve always felt that our hearts hold wisdom our minds can’t quite explain. Now, science is beginning to prove it.

Researchers have discovered that the human heart contains about 40,000 neurons, forming what scientists call the “heart’s little brain.” This discovery is both fascinating and humbling. It means that our heart isn’t just a tireless pump keeping us alive — it’s also a thinking, sensing, and communicating organ that shares a constant dialogue with our brain.

💬 A Conversation Within

The heart and brain are in a continuous two-way conversation. And surprisingly, the heart sends more information to the brain than the other way around. That means our emotions, intuition, and even decisions can be deeply influenced by what’s happening in our heart — not just in our head.

Have you ever felt uneasy about something before you even knew why? Or experienced a calm certainty when making a difficult decision? Those are not just poetic moments — they may be your heart’s neurons quietly guiding you, in their own language.

💓 The Intelligence of Feeling

Science calls it neurocardiology, but I like to think of it as the wisdom of the heart. This “little brain” within us helps regulate not only our heartbeat but also how we experience emotions. When we are anxious or afraid, our heart rhythms become chaotic, sending signals that make the brain more reactive. When we are peaceful or loving, the heart’s rhythm becomes smooth and coherent, calming the brain and body alike.

In that sense, kindness, compassion, and gratitude are not just good for the soul — they are good for the heart, quite literally.

🌍 A Universal Truth

Across all cultures, people speak of the heart as the seat of emotion, courage, and truth. From the love songs of India to the proverbs of Africa, from ancient Chinese medicine to Western philosophy — the message is the same: the heart knows.

Now, with modern science confirming that the heart has its own neurons, perhaps it’s time we start listening to it again. Not just metaphorically, but mindfully.

🌿 Listening to Your Own Heart

Next time you face a big decision or feel overwhelmed, take a quiet moment. Breathe deeply. Place your hand over your chest. Feel that steady rhythm — the quiet intelligence that has been with you since before you were born.

It’s not just beating. It’s speaking. And sometimes, it’s wiser than the mind will ever be.

---

“Your heart and your brain are not rivals — they are dance partners. When they move in harmony, life itself feels like music.”

---

Until next time, dear readers, keep listening to your heart — it may know the truth long before your mind catches up.❤️

---

🧠 Science Reference

The concept of the “heart’s little brain” comes from the field of neurocardiology, pioneered by researchers such as Dr. J. Andrew Armour. Studies published in journals like Neurocardiology and research from the Heart Math Institute have shown that the heart contains about 40,000 intrinsic neurons — forming a complex neural network capable of processing information, learning, and communicating with the brain.

Meanwhile, Did you Know That.....

Before we ever breathe, speak, or open our eyes, something incredible happens deep within, a tiny spark of life begins to move. Around 22 days after conception, a small cluster of heart cells starts to beat on its own, marking the first rhythm of existence. That single pulse is the beginning of a heartbeat that will continue tirelessly for a lifetime.

This first beat is not just biology, it’s poetry in motion. The heart starts working even before it’s fully formed, using its gentle rhythm to shape the very organ it comes from. Each pulse strengthens the developing body, pushing blood, oxygen, and energy through the smallest veins, awakening every part of life inside the womb.

Scientists call it one of nature’s most miraculous events. Without any command, those primitive cells know exactly what to do, when to beat, how to synchronize, and how to grow into the powerful muscle that will carry us through every moment of joy, fear, and love.

From that first flutter to the billions of beats that follow, the heart never stops. It becomes our silent companion, keeping time with our emotions and reminding us that even in stillness, life is always moving.

Finally, Did you know that.....

A groundbreaking study has revealed that the way we think can shape how our brains age. Researchers found that repetitive negative thinking is associated with up to 20 percent greater cognitive decline, raising concerns about the long-term effects of chronic pessimism.

Negative thought patterns, worrying about the future, replaying past regrets, or expecting the worst, trigger stress pathways in the brain. Over time, this constant mental strain releases high levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to both memory loss and structural brain changes. Researchers discovered that individuals who engaged in frequent negative thinking showed faster decline in memory, reasoning, and attention compared to those with more balanced or optimistic outlooks.

What makes this discovery significant is its connection to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Brain scans revealed that repetitive negative thinking was associated with greater buildup of amyloid and tau proteins, the same markers found in patients with Alzheimer’s. This suggests that persistent negative thoughts don’t just affect mood, they may physically damage the brain.

The good news is that these patterns are not fixed. Mindfulness, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and even simple practices like gratitude journaling have been shown to reduce repetitive negative thinking. By training the brain to shift focus, it’s possible to lower stress hormones, improve resilience, and protect cognitive function.

This study is a powerful reminder that mental habits matter as much as diet, sleep, and exercise in shaping brain health. The thoughts we choose to repeat today may decide the clarity of our minds tomorrow.

My Food for Thought for Today:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/814943907714350

Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Its Benefits

Scientists have confirmed that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective therapy for treating conditions such as depression, epilepsy, and inflammation. This technique involves delivering mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem through the neck and into the chest and abdomen, influencing vital body functions.

VNS has been shown to help regulate brain activity, reducing the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy and easing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. More recently, studies have revealed that it also plays a role in controlling inflammation by calming overactive immune responses, making it a promising therapy for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Unlike medications that often cause side effects or lose effectiveness over time, vagus nerve stimulation provides a targeted and long-lasting solution. Patients undergoing VNS therapy have reported significant improvements in mood, seizure control, and overall quality of life.

Researchers believe that expanding the use of this therapy could open doors to treating a wider range of disorders linked to the nervous and immune systems. With ongoing clinical trials, VNS is quickly gaining recognition as one of the most innovative and effective neuromodulation treatments available today.

Meanwhile, here's an additional write-up on this topic.

Nerve Power Unlocked: How Vagus Nerve Stimulation is Changing Medicine

The vagus nerve, a key part of the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, is a communication superhighway linking the brain with vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. For years, scientists have recognized its role in regulating involuntary functions like heartbeat, breathing, and digestion. Now, emerging research and clinical practice have unlocked its potential as a powerful therapeutic tool—through a method known as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS).

What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation?

Vagus Nerve Stimulation involves delivering mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, typically via a small implantable device or non-invasive stimulation devices placed on the neck or ear. This gentle activation influences brain activity and can rebalance neural communication, leading to improvements in both mental and physical health.

Proven Medical Benefits

VNS has gained FDA approval and clinical respect for its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions:

• Depression: Particularly in treatment-resistant depression, where standard medications fail, VNS can help improve mood and restore emotional balance by modulating neurotransmitter levels.

• Epilepsy: For patients with uncontrolled seizures, VNS reduces seizure frequency by altering abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

• Inflammation: Increasing evidence suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve can suppress excessive immune responses, helping with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.

How It Works

The vagus nerve acts as a two-way messenger between body and brain. Electrical stimulation influences key brain regions, including the limbic system—responsible for emotions—and sends signals to regulate inflammation and autonomic functions. By tapping into this natural communication network, VNS corrects imbalances that underlie many chronic conditions.

The Future of Bioelectronic Medicine

Vagus nerve stimulation is part of a growing field called bioelectronic medicine, where devices target specific nerves to restore health. Researchers are continuing to explore its potential for conditions like anxiety disorders, PTSD, tinnitus, obesity, and even heart failure.

With its ability to treat complex and otherwise hard-to-manage conditions, VNS offers hope for many who have exhausted traditional medical routes. As science continues to refine this technique, the vagus nerve—and the power it holds—may become one of the most valuable therapeutic frontiers in modern medicine.How 

What Else Can You Support Your Vagus Nerve?

You don’t always need a device—simple activities like deep belly breathing, meditation, massage or even listening to calming music can help the vagus nerve do its job. These are easy ways to lower stress and help the body relax.​

Takeaway:

Vagus nerve stimulation is a promising therapy that is already changing lives. It helps the brain and body “talk” more smoothly, easing problems like depression, epilepsy, and perhaps even inflammation. It’s a great example of science finding new ways to use the power inside the body to heal and feel better

Meanwhile, Did you know that....

Cold showers do more than just wake you up—they can actually change how your brain works. Research from Bournemouth University shows that exposure to cold water increases dopamine levels, the chemical linked to motivation and mood. This boost can sharpen mental focus, helping you concentrate more effectively throughout the day. Regular cold showers also train your body and mind to handle stress better, building psychological resilience over time. It’s a simple habit with surprisingly powerful effects on brain function and emotional strength. #fblifestyle

Finally, I love my massage therapist doing this to me:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2024531707952138

and My Food for Thought for Today

https://www.facebook.com/reel/674265041870656