We already know that music can have a huge impact on our mood. Fast beats energize us and motivate us to exercise, slow songs make us feel listless and depressed, and soothing music helps us fall asleep.
And isn’t music a collection of sounds? Sound has vibrations and affects us on a neurological, physiological, and biochemical level.
Sound healing is an ancient practice that harnesses the power of sound vibrations to promote healing and relaxation.
If you’ve come across the concept of sound healing, or are considering having a session, you’re probably wondering what sound healing involves and what you can expect.
At a glance
Sound healing is an ancient wellness practice for healing, relaxation, and self-care. In a sound healing session, you lie down in a cozy and comfortable environment, close your eyes, and concentrate on the sounds coming from musical instruments such as chimes, gongs, and singing bowls.
Sound vibrations have a great effect on our mind and body. Research shows that sound healing can slow down your brain waves and put your body into a very relaxed, dream-like state. It may also help with certain physical and mental health conditions.
What exactly does a sound healing session include?
Sound healing sessions are often referred to as sound baths, due to the idea of bathing your body in sound.
“A sound bath is a deeply immersive, whole-body listening experience that uses sound and simple mindfulness techniques to bring about a gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative process for the mind and body,” says Sound Therapist, Meditator says teacher and author Sarah Auster. “Sound Bath: Listen to meditate, heal, and connect.”
Sound healing sessions can be done privately or as part of a group. Each person sits or lies on a yoga mat or meditation carpet. Your therapist may provide you with an eye mask, neck pillow, cushion, or blanket for your comfort.
Auster explains that during a session, the therapist guides the therapist to focus on sounds such as the therapist’s voice, breathing, and various instruments that produce overtones.
- chime
- tuning fork
- Gong (a session using only gongs is known as a gong bath)
- shruti box (a small instrument powered by a bellows with a reed)
- Himalayan singing bowl (metal bowl)
- Crystal singing bowl (crystal glass bowl)
- monocord
It’s not a melodious sound like music, so if you’re expecting a harmonious symphony, you’ll be disappointed. However, the sound is very powerful, and if you concentrate, you can not only hear it, but also feel it.
Sound healing often brings a deep sense of relaxation, but in some cases it can be quite intense. You may find yourself feeling happy, angry, sad, or upset about the thoughts and memories that come to mind. It’s completely okay to cry during the session. In fact, it can be very cathartic.
Sound healing is an invitation to a deeper state of consciousness, where you disconnect from external stimuli and focus on what is happening within yourself.
—
Sarah Auster, Sound Therapist
Each session lasts up to 1 hour. After your session, your therapist will instruct you to sit in a comfortable position and drink water to stay hydrated.
How does sound healing work scientifically?
Sound affects us on an elemental level. In fact, research shows that sound is made up of vibrations that affect us at a cellular level and affect the functioning of our brains, nerves, muscles, and organs.
For example, hearing fingernails squeak on a chalkboard makes my teeth grind and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Meanwhile, a loud crash startles us and we jump in fear. But the sound of the waves soothes us, and the melodic chimes make us feel good. These reactions include neurological, physiological, and biochemical reactions within the body, as our minds and bodies synchronize to the vibrations of sound.
Sound healing aims to harness the power of these sound vibrations to bring about relaxation and healing.
A 2020 review notes that sound therapy can significantly alter your brain waves, changing their excited waveforms to very calm ones. When our brain waves slow, Auster says, we shift from an active state to a more relaxed, dream-like state.
In this condition, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure decrease. This allows your immune system to function more efficiently, reduces stress hormones, and triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in your brain, Auster explains.
What does sound healing do?
Research shows that sound healing can help with:
- anxiety
- depression
- stress
- Malaise
- chronic pain
- cognition and memory
- overall mental and spiritual well-being
Sound healing can also be a form of self-care. According to Auster, sound baths are a great way to relax, decompress, and connect with the present moment by focusing on listening.
Taking a break from screens, the news cycle, work, and family obligations and basically going into “do not disturb” mode and exposing yourself to sound can help calm your body and mind.
—
Sarah Auster, Sound Therapist
Why is sound healing so popular today?
Sound healing is a form of therapy that appears to have been practiced by nearly every ancient civilization.
Today, it is gaining popularity due to the growing interest in holistic and alternative wellness practices around the world. As with many alternative therapies, the big advantage is that it is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to improving health and well-being.
Moreover, new research also helps us better understand it and its benefits.
Most importantly, it is a calming and calming experience. Our lives can often be stressful and chaotic, so being able to relax, meditate, connect with yourself, and release pent-up emotions can be truly refreshing and rejuvenating.
Safety considerations and guidelines
Below are some guidelines to help you practice sound healing safely and comfortably.
- Consider your options: It may be helpful to look into the different types of sound healing sessions to see what they include. Learning about the different methods and techniques used during a sound bath can help you decide which one is right for you, Auster says. Even if you don’t have to meet in person, you can attend his live sound healing sessions online or search for pre-recorded programs.
- Please consult your health care provider. If you have concerns about your health or physical and emotional safety during a sound healing session, Mr. Auster recommends speaking with your health care provider before attending a session.
- Find a qualified professional: It is important to work with a qualified practitioner who has the type of healing experience you are seeking. Auster suggests asking the practitioner about their training, background, and the types of sessions they conduct. “If you have any specific questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your practitioner prior to your experience.”
- Comfortable clothing: Comfort is the key to relaxing during your session. Auster recommends loungewear and other comfortable clothing. If items such as blankets, cushions, and eye masks are not provided, you may also bring them to your session.
- Make sure it’s a safe environment. Make sure you are comfortable with the sound therapist and the environment. Auster says it’s important to be in a safe environment during this experience, as sound can have a profound effect on the nervous system, which can be both harmful and beneficial. states.
Remember that your sound bath experience is very personal to you, including your emotional state that day, past traumas, and lifelong memories, Auster says. “Each sound bath is also different depending on the person facilitating it.”
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