Sound for healing may seem a little woo-woo and New Age-y (right up there with crystals), but it’s actually quite scientific. It is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years, and modern research supports what the ancients knew: music and sound can affect the body in very profound ways.
For example, the type of sounds you hear throughout the day can have a huge impact on your mood. Loud, chaotic music can leave you feeling anxious or stressed, while soft, tranquil melodies have the opposite effect. It turns out that music can actually stimulate the brain to produce dopamine, a hormone that reduces stress and promotes feelings of wellbeing.
As we continue to look back to the ancients for wellness solutions, we’re seeing an increasing number of people turning to sound healing, which is an easy, natural and effective technique for promoting health, reducing stress and anxiety and improving sleep patterns. It’s also a wonderful tool for relieving pain and balancing the mind, body and soul.
A session will typically consist of lying on a mat or meditation carpet – comfort is key – while the practitioner plays various instruments around you. The vibrations emitted from these sounds, which include Tibetan bowls, tuning forks, gongs and drums, can be felt all over the body. As you relax, your body will enter a meditative state that has the potential to release blocked emotions and encourage emotional healing. The vibrations can also help to ease and relieve physical pain and discomfort, with studies showing that specific frequencies of sound can actually alleviate some types of chronic pain.
The power of the vibrations lies in a phenomenon known as resonance and entrainment. When an object vibrates it can entrain other objects to resonate at the same frequency. The same is true for our bodies; every cell, organ and bone has its own resonant frequency which, when exposed to certain frequencies, can be encouraged to shift into a more harmonised state.
These vibrations can also help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to relax the body, reduce blood pressure and slow heart rate. They can also induce theta brain waves which are associated with deep relaxation and can aid sleep.
The experience of a sound healing session will be different for everyone; some will feel very relaxed and peaceful, while others will see visualisations or have emotional breakthroughs. It’s important to note that all sessions are tailored to your specific symptomatic state.
