About Sound Bathing
What is Sound Bathing and What to Expect
Sound bathing is the technique of playing a variety of instruments, such as singing bowls (Tibetan and crystal), gongs, chimes, various styles of drums, rattles and crystal triangles to create waves of sound that wash over the body and mind. The creation of these sounds produce tones, frequencies, and vibrations that can either help to relax the nervous system or to stimulate it, depending on the person's needs. With that being said, don't expect to hear a melody that you hear at an orchestra, but rather tones that can range from feeling soothing or make you feel uneasy. How the energy or vibration of the sound is experienced in the body may be indicative of it flowing through or being blocked within the body. Lastly, know that each sound bath is a unique experience which brings a variety of experiences as you float in and out of different states of mindfulness and as the body responds to the various sounds of the instruments. It is encouraged to pay attention to any visions your have during a sound bath because as they say in the sound industry, "Visions are how your soul speaks to the mind."
History and Science of Sound Healing
From time immemorial sound has been used by sages, priest, prietesses, healers, rishis,and medicine men and women from all over the world for holistic healing, for meditation and for a deeper connect with the spiritual realm. Ancient civilizations, and even today, recognize sound as that which created the universe. Psalms 33:9 captures this, "For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm." Sound has been used in rituals, ceremonies, rites of passage, meditations, celebrations and healing philosophies as far back as the dawn of man.
Everything is made up of energy, vibration and frequency producing an endless universal sea of sound. Some of the sounds are audible, others are not. Whether or not we can hear or feel sound waves doesn't matter because they produce a cause and effect, not only on us humans but in everything around us. Soundwaves are continous and ubiquitous. The sound vibrations of sound healing instruments permeate deep into the tissue. This helps to improve blood circulation, metabolism, regulates muscle tension and deeply stimulates the nerves system and muscles tissue. Also, the regeneration and repair mechanisms in the body are stimulated. Sound healing is both activating and relaxing, thus refreshing for the mind and body. Sound vibrations have an oscillating effect on the cells; alternating compression and relaxation of cell, sort of a form of massage at a cellular level.
What to Bring to a Sound Bath
- For a group sound bath, bring a yoga mat, camping mat or soft blanket to lie down on, or sit on during the session. You may also sit comfortably in a chair or zero gravity lounger, if lying down is not option. Note, these will not be needed for an individual session.
- Pillow for the head and maybe an extra blanket(s) to cover up with to stay warm, or to help you feel safe and secure, if needed.
- Layers! Your body temperature typically lowers during the session and while in deep relaxation, so you may want to have layers of clothing; t-shirt, sweatshirt, sweatpants, socks, etc....you know your body, come for comfort to stay cozy.
- Water! Come well hydrated. The body is 70% water and sound vibrations increase in water, so it is suggested that coming hydrated before a sound bath will further enhance your experience of being washed with sound.
- Lastly, come with an open mind and a curious heart to help make the most of your sound bathing experience.
Benefits
- Has shown to help reduce symptoms caused by many health conditions, such as anxiety, PTSD, dementia, cancer, behavioral and psychiatric disorders and much more.
- Lowers stress, blood pressure, even cholesterol levels
- Improves sleep quality
- Deep relaxation
- Relieve tension and pain
- An energetic deep tissue massage from the sound vibrations traveling through the body.
- Creates an overall feeling of well-being; balanced and refreshed.
- Helps balance the Autonomic Nervous System; calming the Sympathetic Nervous System, yet stimulating the Parasympathetic Nervous System.
Contraindications
- Pregnant women, especially during the first 12 weeks, should be careful when participating in any form of sound healing, particularly avoiding any sound instruments being placed directly on the body.
- Anyone with serious mental health issues should always consult their doctor before receiving sound therapy.
- Those with sound-induced epilepsy should always consult their doctor to ensure it is safe and are in no harm from seizures caused by healing sound vibrations.
- Those with an implanted heart pacemaker, stent, or shunt, should always keep sound instruments at a minimum distance of 20 cm, and never have them directly on or near metal implants.
- In case of nerve damage one should avoid sound healing on that part of the body.
- Do not place any instruments near open wounds or scars that are not yet healed.
- Those wearing hearing aids may want to consider turning them off due to sound interference.
Reference:Sound Healing Academy
Photos by:Matthew Phillippi Photography