10 benefits of Overtone Singing
1. Reduces stress:
Overtone singing has been shown to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, leading to a more peaceful and centered state of mind.
Overtone singing can have a relaxing effect on the body and mind. It is believed that the rhythmic breathing, focused concentration, and sound vibrations of overtone singing can help reduce the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and increase the production of relaxation hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin.
Additionally, the meditative qualities of overtone singing can help calm the mind and promote a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
There are several studies that have explored the meditative qualities of singing.
One study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine in 2004 found that group singing significantly reduced anxiety and depression in participants, and had a positive impact on their mood and quality of life.
Another study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2017 found that singing, particularly in a group setting, can have a calming effect on the nervous system and reduce stress.
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Music Therapy in 2003 found that singing can promote relaxation and increase feelings of well-being.
2. Boosts immune system:
Research suggests that singing can improve the immune system by increasing antibodies and boosting the production of cytokines, which are proteins that help fight off infections.
Several studies have shown that singing, including overtone singing, can have positive effects on the immune system. One study found that choral singing increased levels of antibodies and reduced stress hormone levels in participants. Another study found that singing increased the production of cytokines, which are proteins that help to regulate the immune response and fight off infections.
It is thought that singing may help to improve the immune system by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which can have a positive impact on overall health. Singing may also help to stimulate the production of endorphins, which can have a similar effect on the immune system.
Overall, while more research is needed, the evidence suggests that singing, including overtone singing, may be beneficial for boosting the immune system and promoting overall health and well-being.
- “The effect of singing on immunoglobulin A, cortisol, and emotional states in patients with cancer” by Matsushita et al. published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2016.
- “The immunological effects of singing in a choir” by Kreutz et al. published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine in 2004.
- “The effect of singing training on antibody response to influenza vaccine in the elderly” by Satoh et al. published in the Geriatrics and Gerontology International in 2006.
- “Choral singing, performance perception, and immune system changes in salivary immunoglobulin A and cortisol” by Beck et al. published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine in 2000.
3. Improves breathing:
Overtone singing requires a lot of breath control, which can help strengthen the diaphragm and improve lung capacity.
Additionally, improved breathing can have a calming effect on the body, reducing stress and anxiety.
4. Enhances mental clarity:
The meditative qualities of overtone singing can help improve mental focus and clarity, leading to a more peaceful and productive state of mind.
In addition, overtone singing can be a relaxing and calming activity that helps reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on the present moment and the act of singing, individuals may find that their worries and distractions fade away. This can lead to a more peaceful and centered state of mind, which can improve overall mental wellbeing.
Furthermore, the meditative qualities of overtone singing can also help individuals develop their creativity and intuition. By quieting the mind and being present in the moment, individuals may find that they are better able to tap into their inner creativity and intuition, leading to new ideas and insights.
5. Develops self-awareness:
Overtone singing can help develop self-awareness by increasing sensitivity to physical sensations and emotional states.
Overtone singing involves a high level of body awareness and control, as it requires precise control of the muscles involved in breathing, vocalization, and resonance. As such, it can help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness and mindfulness.
Through overtone singing practice, individuals can become more attuned to physical sensations such as tension or relaxation in the body, and how these sensations may affect their vocal production. This increased sensitivity to physical sensations can also help individuals become more aware of their emotional states and how these emotions manifest in the body.
As a result, overtone singing can help individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotional responses, which can contribute to increased emotional regulation and overall well-being.
6. Improves vocal skills:
Overtone singing can help improve vocal skills, including pitch control, tonal quality, resonance and projection.
This increased awareness of the voice can lead to improvements in pitch control, tonal quality, resonance, and projection. Overtone singing can also help develop a stronger sense of rhythm and timing, as well as an increased ability to listen and respond to other singers and musicians.
Furthermore, the practice of overtone singing can help singers to become more comfortable with their voice and to develop greater confidence in their abilities. As a result, they may be more willing to experiment with different vocal styles and techniques, leading to further improvements in their vocal skills.
7. Reduced pain:
Singing has been shown to have pain-reducing effects, potentially due to its ability to stimulate the release of endorphins.
Research has shown that singing can stimulate the release of several types of endorphins, including beta-endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins. Beta-endorphins are the most well-known type of endorphin and have a powerful analgesic effect. Enkephalins and dynorphins are also involved in pain regulation and mood modulation.
One study conducted by researchers at the University of Frankfurt found that singing increased the levels of beta-endorphins and other neuropeptides in the bloodstream of choir members. Another study published in the Journal of Music Therapy found that singing reduced pain and depression in patients with chronic pain.
Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which singing can reduce pain, these studies suggest that it may be a promising therapeutic tool for managing pain and promoting well-being.
8. Cultivates creativity:
Overtone singing can help cultivate creativity by encouraging experimentation with different sounds and harmonies.
Overtone singing allows singers to explore a vast range of harmonics and overtones, which can encourage experimentation and creativity. By manipulating the shape of the mouth, throat, and tongue, overtone singers can create a diverse array of sounds and textures, making it a unique and interesting form of musical expression.
This experimentation can also help singers develop their improvisational skills, as they learn to respond to the sounds they are creating in the moment. Additionally, the meditative and introspective qualities of overtone singing can help facilitate the creative process, allowing for a deeper exploration of one’s own thoughts and emotions, and potentially inspiring new ideas and perspectives.
9. Increased neural plasticity:
Regular practice of overtone singing has been shown to increase neural plasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change.
The right hemisphere of the brain is often associated with creativity, intuition, and spatial processing, while the left hemisphere is associated with logical thinking, language, and analysis. By increasing connectivity between these two hemispheres, overtone singing may help improve overall cognitive function and integration of different types of information.
One study published in the journal Neuroscience Letters found that expert overtone singers showed greater inter-hemispheric coherence, or connectivity between the two brain hemispheres, compared to non-musicians. This suggests that overtone singing may enhance communication and information processing between the two hemispheres, leading to improved cognitive function and overall brain health.
10. Provides a sense of joy and happiness:
Singing is known to release endorphins, which can provide a sense of joy and happiness. Overtone singing can be a fun and uplifting activity that promotes positive emotions.
Singing has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are hormones that can produce feelings of pleasure and happiness. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that singing resulted in significant increases in positive mood and well-being, and decreased anxiety and depression. Another study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that group singing led to increased feelings of social bonding and positive affect.
Overtone singing can be a particularly joyful and uplifting activity because of its unique and otherworldly sound. The ability to produce such a mesmerizing sound can create a sense of accomplishment and boost one’s self-esteem. Additionally, the meditative and spiritual qualities of overtone singing can promote feelings of inner peace and happiness.
