What Yoga Music Is Called And Why

If you’re just learning the basics of yoga or are planning to teach classes in your own studio, you may be considering what music to use during your classes. While there are many options to choose from, it’s important to know how they impact your flow or your yoga class. What is yoga music called, and why? 

Yoga music is typically called “Nada yoga”, which means “union through sound vibration”, because of the importance that sound and vibrations have on the body while practicing yoga. While this is the original version of yoga music, more modern takes on the genre are typically New Age, instrumental, Indian and ethnic, “Chill Out”, or ambient and nature sounds, depending on what you choose. 

What are the benefits to using music in your yoga classes? What kind of music should you use? Can you mix it up with other genres? Read on to find out more about how you can integrate a creative musical choice into your yoga routines or classes. 

What is yoga music called?

The original version of yoga music is called nada yoga, which comes from the Sanskrit for “union through sound vibration”. In yoga, the “nada” is what is considered vibrational frequency, which is what connects your self to your physical body. 

But it’s not just music. It encompasses so much more—like responding to the sounds that your body makes, the music of the objects around you, and all the different sensory items you can feel when practicing yoga. It is used as a part of yoga, not just an additive, and has been a very integral part of the practice since its inception. 

While this is the original, what can you expect now? There are so many options for you to choose from, including genres such as New Age, instrumental music, Indian and ethnic choices, or even more ambient and nature sounds. 

In addition, more and more people are using more upbeat music for their yoga flows. While they don’t typically just turn on the radio and listen to mainstream popular music, you can find appropriate yoga music that is more fast paced. Typically, if you want a faster tempo, consider looking at ethnic music with percussion. 

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Why is music used in yoga?

For many who live in that yoga lifestyle, there are many reasons to use music when practicing. Because the focus of yoga isn’t just to complete a pose or learn how to stretch properly, music can have a deep impact on that part of your routine. Yoga is about finding that point where you can push aside all your mental chatter and distractions and connect to your body. In many cases, using music can help you achieve that. 

There are many benefits to using music with your yoga routines. It starts by setting the mood. If you’re trying to stay focused, like the purpose of yoga in the first place, having the right sort of music for your yoga routine can help your brain turn off to the outside stressors and turn on to your focus on yoga. Consider how a faster paced song can set your running speed when you’re going on a run. Just like that, music can set the pace for your yoga routine. 

Because of the physiological effects of music on the body and what that can do for you, it can also help reduce your anxiety and let you relax—which is another key part of yoga. If you can get yourself calmer just by putting on the right music, you can bring that stress down and focus more on the task at hand. 

Music also can help you get healthier. How? Music—and using the right music for the right moments—can help you combat stress. Lowering stress can help you with your digestion, circulation, respiratory system, and your energy, which you need during your yoga flows. 

Not only does it help physically, but music especially helps when you’re working with a group of people. Even if it’s not your favorite type of music, everyone can share and connect through music and what it does. You are all a part of the same tempo when you’re taking a class with music, and that means something not just emotionally, but physically. 

There are also several types of yoga, including Vinyasa yoga, that links your breath and your movement. One great and easier way to make that happen is to link it also to a musical beat. Music can help you create a more functional flow to your yoga routine when you practice this style. 

Why should you use a particular genre of music for your yoga?

But why is a certain type of music used in yoga? Why can’t you use any type of music? It comes down to flow and to distractions. That Top 40 list can easily distract you from the task at hand and the constant switch between beats and musical types can pull aware your focus. By using a particular genre, you can curate the sounds that you’re listening to when you’re trying to meditate, and you can’t do that with a radio. 

It’s also meant to calm and soothe. Choosing the wrong music means you’re not getting the most out of your yoga flow or routine. That’s why it’s incredibly important to choose the right music. You wouldn’t listen to slow, meditative beats when you’re on a run or in the boxing gym—making sure you find the right music that works for you is what matters most. 

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What specific genres should you use for yoga practice?

As mentioned before, there are many options for musical genres that you can use during your yoga practice. The main one—and the most popular—is mediation music. Finding a playlist of calming, ambient, or nature tracks can help you stay focused.

Other popular genres include Traditional Indian or ethnic music. If you’re looking to stay within the very traditional practices of yoga and want to use traditional music, consider talking to a yoga instructor who is well versed in the music used by authentic yogis. They can lead you to the right tracks and artists that would best suit you. 

Classical music is also a great option for those practicing yoga. While all artists can be considered, try looking for more calming pieces of music or those can inspire or create a thoughtful practice, like an Impressionist artist such as Debussy or an emotional composer like Stravinsky. Make sure you listen to the pieces beforehand, though, to make sure that they fit along with your potential flow. 

While popular music may not be your best bet for all types of yoga Vinyasa flow can benefit from using alternative music. The best way to include this into your faster yoga practices are by finding or making a playlist of the same artist. You can maintain a common thread throughout your entire practice while not changing the beat and the style too frequently. 

Music can be found throughout our day to day lives, and it can be brought into your yoga routine in many beautiful ways. Focusing on choosing the right music doesn’t have to make or break your yoga flow—make sure it works best for you and it is something you enjoy. You can’t enjoy your yoga flow or meditate if you’re listening to a music that will distract you or upset you. The best way to make your yoga flows work is by finding something that you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to break from the pack, either—if you find your best moments are when you’re listening to Taylor Swift or Beyonce, don’t think you have to stop! Lean into it and experience your best yoga meditation through their lyrics and beats. You are the most important decision maker when it comes to choosing your yoga music!

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