Sound baths may seem like a “new age” concept, but the practice of healing the body through sound has technically been around for thousands of years and is deeply ingrained in cultures around the world. A sound bath is a meditative experience in which participants are “bathed” in sound waves. These waves are generated by a variety of sources, including gongs, singing bowls, percussion, therapeutic instruments such as chimes, rattles, tuning forks, and even the human voice itself.
This “spiritual, cleansing music” varies by location and culture, but can be as simple as chanting a song. ah It can be as complex as an hour-long experience after a yoga session or in a dedicated space with a sound practitioner.
This music doesn’t have the catchy melodies and rhythms you experience at rock concerts or symphonies. Instead, it’s a carefully selected wash of instruments and voices with notable resonances and overtones.
The real purpose is to change and bring balance to the energy of the participants. During a sound bath, you don’t want to get carried away with the melody. You don’t want to repeat things because your brain doesn’t want to register the beat of repetition. Instead, we want participants to release, and we want their brains to release as well.
What happens during a sound bath?
During the sound bath, participants lie on their backs. This is also called a “sound bath”. savasana Christina Lezasco, sound healing practitioner and yoga therapist at Saffron & Sage in San Diego, California, adds about the whole yoga experience:
A sound healing practitioner facilitates the experience, and sometimes the entire group participates in chants, mantras, and rolling oms. These guided experiences typically last between 15 and 60 minutes.
After a sound bath, participants may be advised to move slowly when transitioning to a sitting position. Other advice after a healthy bath is to stay hydrated, rested, and relaxed.
What does a sound bath do?
“The general purpose of a sound bath is to create a state of harmony within the listener by using sound to remove dissonance from the participant’s energy field. Among its benefits are relaxation, a sense of well-being, and These include elevation, expansion of consciousness, and access to inner ethereal experiences,” says Seth Misterka, co-founder of Crystal Sound Baths in Los Angeles.
In addition to relaxing the body, some healing sound experts claim that sound baths can promote physical healing. Miller likens the experience to acupuncture.
“When you go to an acupuncturist, there’s a good chance your energy is blocked somewhere, and the acupuncturist can help clear it. Sound baths are similar, but use frequencies and vibrations instead of needles. ,” says Miller. “With Naturopathica, we’ve seen people feel things loosen up in certain areas of their body and literally feel the pain go away.”
You may be thinking, “I can’t believe this is true,” but there is data to back it up. Many studies point to the therapeutic effects of music and sound therapy.
“Sound therapy is deeply rooted in science, based on the principles of quantum physics and sacred geometry. There are hundreds of clinical trials and peer-reviewed white paper studies on the healing properties of sound,” Lezasco added. . “In fact, Western medicine routinely uses sound waves in the form of ultrasound technology, which can be used specifically to break up kidney stones.”
People who should not take a sound bath
Aside from “disprovers” and people who shouldn’t participate, such as people who have had concussions, the experts we spoke to say that sound baths are a popular choice for people who are interested in experiencing a sound bath. He said it was great for everyone.
“This is the beauty of sound baths,” Lezasco says. “These are beneficial for anyone at any stage of life. As you’re lying down, savasana No athletic ability or flexibility is required to participate (or while supporting Savasana). In fact, sound baths are extremely beneficial during pregnancy, pre-hab and rehabilitation, young and old, people experiencing illness, disease, and trauma. ”
She added that sound baths can be especially beneficial for people who have had limited access to traditional meditation or yoga, but are still eager to experience similar benefits. This is especially true if you’re overthinking or overthinking, making it difficult to meditate in a traditional way.
Miller agreed, saying: I recommend going when you feel the need. Ideally, you’ll come weekly, especially when you’re experiencing overwhelming thought patterns or stress. ”
The general purpose of a sound bath is to create a state of harmony within the listener by using sound to remove disharmony from the participant’s energy field.
Perhaps the best part is that you don’t have to do anything other than show up in comfortable clothes and listen to the sounds around you while lying peacefully.
How to experience a sound bath
Sound baths exist in brick-and-mortar locations across the country, and there are also “pop-up” sound baths installed in parks, churches, and other shared spaces.
Yoga and meditation studios often host these events on a regular basis, which is a great place to start your search. Where you live will determine how plentiful these opportunities are, but it’s generally not too difficult to get involved locally.
Resasco highly recommends a one-on-one sound bath experience, especially if you are looking to target a specific injury (physical or otherwise). she says: “The different frequencies of sound healing instruments such as tuning forks and crystal singing bowls affect different organs, emotions, illnesses, diseases, chakras and traumas. Sound therapy sessions individually tailored to your needs Receiving it brings about great change.”
You also have the option of purchasing sound healing equipment or creating a sound bath in your home using your voice. However, Resasco points out that the experience may be easier to enjoy with the guidance of an expert.
The different frequencies of sound healing instruments such as tuning forks and crystal singing bowls affect different organs, emotions, illnesses, diseases, chakras, and traumas. Receiving a sound therapy session that is individually tailored to your needs can be transformative.
To put yourself in a happy mood, consider listening to a sound bath recording. Misterka offers some on his website, and there are also a number of sound bath apps.
“At the end of the day, sound baths are a subjective experience, and you can try out different sound baths to see what works for you,” says Misterka. “Ideally, you should feel that the musicians providing the sound bath have positive intentions of health, love, and healing. It can be a great supplement to your health program.”