Yoga Relaxation Music 101

When it comes to yoga relaxation music, many Western practitioners have relied on the talent of artists like Yanni, Dido, Ariel or Enya. Although these names would not be at the top of many traditional yoga music lists, they have allowed contemporary yoga practice to become infused with modern music alternatives.

Yoga as it is practiced in the U.S. today differs from the ancient Hindu spiritual practice. Today, yoga has become a fitness art that pays homage to age-old wisdoms while allowing for modern variation. A series of postures, breathing techniques and relaxation methods, yoga is now a popular way for the busy life to slow itself down.

Much of yoga music has its origins in Hindu sounds, though yoga itself is not intended to convert anyone to the Hindu faith. Yoga as a spiritual rite has been practiced since about 1500 B.C. in India, and most people use it as a path to enlightenment. In the Western World, however, the practice has been primarily connected to fitness. Westerners engage in yoga as a series of postures that are intended to increase stamina, flexibility and strength. It is also known to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, decreasing levels of stress and tension.

Most who practice yoga in the U.S. would not recognize the names Kali Durga or Shakti Ma as music artists. The music these and similar artists produce seems to be a mixture of traditional Indian instruments (the sitar, flute, tabla, sarangi, santoor), melodic chanting and reverent lyrics. This kind of music has been used for centuries to assist Hindu worship and for less longer to aid in relaxation for yoga.

Yoga relaxation musichas become a word with broader reference than it was decades (or even centuries) ago. Rather than strictly requiring a listener to focus on Hindu-inspired melodies that help project Hindu imagery, yoga has opened its borders to some musical tastes of the American public. Such versatility has enabled the practice to become much more than an ancient Hindu practice. It is now a universal language for learning to be spiritually healthy and relaxed.

Modern yoga practice has no requirement for ancient sounds. The focus should be on the kind of soothing music that helps you best relax. The shift in focus was necessary in the U.S. because of the sheer numbers of people who now practice this ancient spiritual art. According to the “Yoga in America” study released in 2008 by the Yoga Journal, more than 15.8 people in the U.S. practice yoga. Of non-practitioners, 18.3 million Americans admit an interest in practicing yoga. Additionally, Americans spend an estimated $5.7 billion annually on yoga products - which include music.These statistics support the trend for Americans to seek music alternatives more closely connected to their own cultures and our own modern times. Some who practice yoga have turned to classical music, New Age, alternative jazz, fusion and sound artists, and pop artists with uplifting lyrics. Yoga has been able to catch on as a health trend because it has been flexible and inclusive enough to allow for personal choice in practice.