Masuru Emoto of Japan demonstrated that water molecules are actually affected by sound and our intention. He had taken photographs of how chanting had made water molecules look like snowflakes where before they had looked like mud. The moon also has an effect on water which can be seen as high tide on a full moon night. As the human body consists of more than 70 per cent of water, it is no wonder that the various phases of the moon can greatly influence us! Studies have found that the lunar cycle is correlated with hormonal changes in insects, fish and birds. The biological rhythms in the human body is closely linked to nature and hence too the lunar phases in particular full and new moon phases.
Vedic Chanting or chanting of ancient Sanskrit slokas has in recent times seen a revival mainly because there is no doubt in peoples minds that the combination of sound, breath and rhythm coupled with intonation of the tongue and different mouth movements has many benefits. It has both psychological and physiological effects on the body.
Chanting certain mantras puts pressure on tongue, vocal chords, lips, palate and other connecting points in the body. For example, the Om chanting which is widely practised in all Yoga Traditions can be broken down into the Aaa , Uuu and Mmm sound. The Aaaa sound is normally felt in the abdominal region whilst the Uuuu sound in the region of heart and lungs. The Mmmm sound at end of the Om chant is easily felt in the throat and head region. Hence the various vibrations felt in different parts of the body come together when we chant the ancient primordial sound Om. This helps to balance the energies, raise the energy from down to up and gives a harmonious and centred feeling to the individual.
Reciting these ancient chants during the New Moon greatly calms the mind as it clears the mind completely, making it a very effective form of meditation.
Ones breathing slows down and inevitably the heart rate too.
Headaches and migraines have also been known to, at most times, magically disappear after the chanting session.
As a result some people have reported increased bursts of energy after a chanting session as the rest and relaxation obtained can motivate one to think more creatively and engage better in problem- solving. The vibration from the mantra stimulates a gland called hypothalamus. It is responsible for the regulation of many body functions including immunity and some happy hormones. The happier you are the stronger your immunity.
We can conclude therefore that Practicing chanting during the New Moon helps the body to align itself more with nature. Where most of us live very unnatural lives ie. we constantly stay up late in the night to work or study and stay for long hours in air-conditioned environment, New Moon Chanting helps to put our biological clock back in tune with nature.
