Shamanism, often considered the oldest of the healing professions, makes use of the voice, the drum and the bells to communicate with the spiritual world, seeking its positive healing energy for the patient. The human voice is the most common medium used to summon the spiritual worlds.

In our Native American cultures, specific ‘songs’ are used for healing and these are passed down from one generation to the next. Each culture, having its own traditions, also has its songs.

When you first hear a shaman’s song, you can’t help feeling that all the words sound the same. Much of this may be due to imitation in movies and television shows. The standard song seems to be “Ah Hey Ya” or something similar to “Ye Ha No Ha”. Close listening reveals that the sounds are the vowel sounds of A, E, IO, and U. During the singing of these sounds; the sound of each vowel is lengthened and sung with a specific intention: the intention of curing a sick patient. Each vowel has its own meaning.

As tradition dictates, all four directions are recognized. The vowel A represents the Earth and refers to the North direction. E represents the air and the direction of the east; I represents fire and the south direction, O represents water and the west direction. The vowel of O represents ether and significantly refers to being. Once the four directions and the ether are recognized, the vowel sounds change in use and meaning. The vowel sound A is for purification, while I emphasizes our relationship to all things (living and non-living), E brings a connection to the spirit world, and U brings the shaman into the presence of spirit. Or invoke the idea of ​​innocence.

During the song, the shaman can accompany himself with a drum beat or a rattle. A helper can beat the drum or shake the bells. During this time, the shaman can dance around the patient.

Thanks to modern science, we have a better understanding of what the physical aspects of sound have in humans. All things are simply vibrating molecules. When we are sick, those vibrations get out of sync. The shaman and his song and his drums connect with that vibration and realign the natural harmonics of the body; thus, allowing him to heal himself.

Norman W Wilson, Ph.D.