What you need to know about a Sound Bath
Sound baths are waves of soothing, echoing sound, a meditative practice involving the use of resonant music, this practice has been around for centuries. Common instruments used during a session are Tibetan singing bowls, Crystal singing bowls, ocean wave sounds, bells, chimes and even a human voice however, I have attended sound bath circles where they mix Native flutes, guitar, Peruvian charango, Australian didgeridoo and other shamanic instruments. It’s a truly amazing experience!
You may wonder, where did sound healing originated? Well, according to a Buddhist nonprofit, the origins of both singing bowls and sound baths are unclear.
How does a sound bath work?
The instruments create an immersive sound that fills the room and the body, aiming to help people relax and let go of stress, anxiety, or other worries that may plague your mind.
People report feeling deeply relaxed after sound baths. I incorporate sound in most of my sessions. The reason? It’s a way of grounding and to be present, feeling the vibrations connects you with your body straight away.
People claim that sound baths can trigger “sound healing.” Sound healing has been a practice by many cultures for thousands of years!
The practitioner will use one or several instruments to create soothing, overlapping vibrations, these vibrations lead you deeper into a state of contemplation or relaxation, shutting off your body’s fight-or-flight mode – we like that!
At the end of a session, the practitioner will guide you back to a feeling of awareness before concluding the sound bath session.
You may wonder, how is this different to just listening to nice relaxing music?
In summary, a sound bath typically complements a guided meditation. A sound bath is a method for alleviating anxiety, calming the nervous system, and clearing your mind of distracting thoughts as you establish a deeper connection with your own body.
The energetics of sound healing
According to conventional sound-healing beliefs, the true healing potential of sound lies in the "miracle tone" of 432 hertz (Hz). This specific frequency represents a healing soundwave that can be produced by tuning crystal bowls. (Frequency denotes the rate of vibrations occurring per second within a sound wave.)
Sound healers swear by the magic of these frequencies. They say these special vibrations can get our chakras all in line and even heal the body on a cellular level. It's not just about the 432 Hz, there are many different hertz levels that can be potentially healing including The Solfeggio Scale, which is used in Gregorian chants.
Can this replace meditation?
For some people yes. A sound bath can be easier than other meditative practices because it doesn’t require a lot of discipline or patience to learn how to do it, all you have to do is lay down on your mat or bed, listen and relax.
Are you suitable for a sound bath session?
A person might be a good candidate for sound baths if:
they feel comfortable meditating or would like to try meditating
they are interested in group meditation
they are realistic about what sound baths can and cannot do
Now, some people may not get on well with sound baths, if you:
find intense sounds stressful or overstimulating
have noise triggers
have hearing aids, as the sounds may be uncomfortable
have a mental health condition may want to speak with a doctor before trying a sound bath, as they can be intense experiences that bring up both pleasant and unpleasant feelings.
Are there proven benefits to sound baths?
Lets read some interesting studies about sound healing and its benefits:
Exploring the healing power of singing bowls: An overview of key findings and potential benefits
Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study
The human health effects of singing bowls: A systematic review
Impact of Himalayan Singing Bowls Meditation Session on Mood and Heart Rate Variability
To keep in mind!
Sound baths aren’t a replacement for medication or therapy with a licensed mental health provider when treating anxiety or depression.
The primary result of this practice is deep relaxation, making it a worthwhile addition to your treatment as a complementary option.
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