A blissful way to end a Day!
For almost all of human history, music has been used for healing. From everything to Aboriginal didgeridoos, to African drumming, to Tibetan singing bowls, the evidence of the therapeutic effects of music is found all over the globe. More recently, towards the end of the 19th century, the healing powers of sound began to make its way into mainstream research. Since then, studies have suggested that music can alleviate symptoms of stress, lower blood pressure, and active the parasympathetic nervous system – responsible for rest, recovery, and a healthy digestive system.
What is a Sound Bath?
Essentially, the purpose of a sound bath is to guide the participants into a deep meditative state, where they can access deeper states of consciousness. Normally, you will be invited to lay down in a comfortable position, supported by cushions and blankets. Then you are enveloped in sound – this can be through the use of singing bowls, gongs, didgeridoos, drums, and occasionally recorded sounds.
Most of us find meditation increasingly difficult, we are constantly bombarded with distractions, both internal and external. Sound baths use note and frequency to take your mind away from thought. The sounds create vibrations throughout your body, guiding you deeper and deeper into the meditation.
How does it work?
Sound baths have been said to aid with insomnia, indigestion, anxiety, chronic pain, and even depression due to the effect they have on the frequency of the human body. Normally, we are in a beta state (alert, reactive, concentrative) and sound baths can helps us move into alpha (creative, relaxed) theta (meditative), and even delta (deep sleep, restoration, healing). Even just entering into the alpha state from the usual beta state can leave us with a feeling of relaxation and clarity.
Due to the changes in vibrations of the body in sound baths, the music is said to effect the subtle body. The Subtle body refers to the energetic layers around and inside our physical bodies, beyond what we typically perceive when we think of our physical being.
What to expect?
Prepare to Feel the Sound in your Body – During a sound bath, the power of the notes creates a full-body experience. Remember to take deep breaths as you feel the music resonate through your physical and subtle being.
It Can Ignite Emotion – Sound baths can be a highly effective way of releasing emotion trapped inside the body. You may feel like laughing, crying, or even fall asleep! Whatever reaction you have, trust that it is exactly what your body needs to do.
Do Not Expect a Musical Performance – In sound baths there is no rhythm, beat, or melody. In fact, there is almost no structure at all. Instead of a spectacle, sound baths offer us a chance to achieve deep healing and unplug from reality in a safe setting.
Each Time Will be Different – Every sound bath session will offer a brand new experience. The surrounding, energy in the room, and how you are feeling that day, all play a role in the outcome – and journey – of the meditation. Each experience will allow you to dive deeper into self-awareness and transformation.
It does not matter if you are new to meditative practices or are already an avid explorer of your own mind, sound baths will envelope you in a different manner of self-awareness and understanding. When attending a sound bath session, remember to relax and breathe, stay open, and enjoy the experience.
Check out our monthly Sound Bath Meditation with Tom Toher!
