Learn the Science Behind Mantra and How it Works

Aug 13, 2020 / Mantra

“It is the universal code behind language and therefore behind human communication.”
– Yogi Bhajan

New to the world of Kundalini Yoga? When you first begin, you will hear two common words: mantra and naad. Put simply, ‘mantra’ means sacred sounds while ‘naad’ means ‘essence of all sounds’. Using chanting within your practice is a core part of your journey.

Naturally, when you first start to use mantra, you will reap benefits. You may experience blissfully clear moods and happiness after you have completed each session. This transformation could lead to some valid questions. How does mantra work and what’s the science behind mantra? Here’s everything that you need to know.

The 84 Meridian Points of the Mouth

“There are eighty-four meridian points on the upper palate of a human’s mouth.”
– Yogi Bhajan

Before we can understand how mantra works, we need first to talk about the meridian points in the mouth. Yogi Bhajan taught that there were 84 different pressure points in the upper part of the human mouth. These are located on the gum behind the teeth. You can easily feel these points for yourself by running your tongue over the area.

When we practice mantras in Kundalini Yoga, our aim is to stimulate these pressure points. As we do so, they stimulate our glandular system and can elicit feelings of joy, bliss, happiness, and clarity. When you first start out on your yogic journey, you will begin to use mantras in your practice. The emotional transformations you experience are due to the meridian points and the stimulation each word or chant gives them.

How Does Mantra Work?

“The tongue stimulates those meridian points, and they in turn stimulate the hypothalamus which makes the pineal gland radiate.”
– Yogi Bhajan

Now that you are familiar with the notion of the 84 meridian points, we can look into the scientific reaction that happens during mantra. As each of the points are stimulated by your tongue, the hypothalamus is also stimulated. In turn, this moves the pineal gland to radiate and means that the complete glandular system secretes. This unique and remarkable reaction allows humans to experience feelings of true bliss.

“It is a scientific and direct way to unite the finite with the Infinite Consciousness.”
– Yogi Bhajan

Whenever you are reciting a Kundalini Yoga mantra, relax and let the words wash over you. It does not matter if you know the significance of the phrases. The words will be effective all the same. However, understanding their meaning as you chant them will only strengthen their power. When you first start out, you may find it difficult to maintain your focus for the entirety of a mantra session. However, as you practice this chanting, you will find that the emotional and spiritual benefits come naturally.

Use Mantra in Your Personal Practice!

Ready to experience bliss and clarity of mind? Getting started with mantra is the answer. Fortunately enough, there are many types of mantra that you can use in your sessions or personal practice. Take the time to browse the options and use the ones that work for you.