Singing and especially singing in a group has been anchored in human cultures since time immemorial. Songs are sung for a variety of occasions, in times of joy and sadness.

Music is very direct because the auditory nerve is connected to the limbic system. This area of the brain is responsible for the processing of emotions. Among other things, it regulates the secretion of endogenous hormones, such as endorphins. In addition, the limbic system influences the body’s unconscious vital functions, such as the regulation of blood pressure, heartbeat, respiration and digestion.

When we hear music, an immediate effect occurs. Heart rate variability (the ability of an organism to alter the frequency of the heart rhythm) can be improved and the respiratory rhythm significantly reduced. Especially the singing of simple songs like mantras leads to a slowing of the breathing. The result is a relaxation effect, the so-called “relaxation response”. Our stream of everyday thoughts is interrupted and the so-called “flow” creates a state of detachment from otherwise present thoughts. The soothing effects of lowering the heart rate and respiratory rhythm make mantras particularly suitable for being integrated into children’s yoga exercises. The children can concentrate better on the exercises.

The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian scholarly language. Its original meaning is ‘yoke’ or ‘union’. Hatha yoga is a path of yoga that combines both physical exercises (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayamas) and meditative elements. It should help people to balance body, mind and soul.

In the mid-19th century, yoga found its expression in its modern form, as it is still taught today in Western European societies. Western-oriented Indians combined traditional teachings with Western theories of psychology and physiology as well as spiritual beliefs.

In contrast to the usual symptom treatment of illnesses in this country, yoga focuses on a holistic aspect of healing. It deliberately raises the question of what the symptom appears to convey. Then you work on solving the problem instead of removing the symptom without understanding it.

Therapeutic effects that can be achieved by practicing yoga on a regular basis, for example, a better ability to concentrate. This is facilitated by the sometimes complex movements and the integrated breathing exercises. Strengthening the muscles and improving blood flow and flexibility are other positive effects that the continued practice of hatha yoga can have.

In the long run, the practice of yoga exercises and the associated conscious breathing techniques will have a calming and balancing effect on the entire organism. For this reason, yoga is also very useful for the prevention of diseases.