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Sound bath is an ancient sound-healing practice whereby the yogi relaxes in a reclining position – often supported in savasana (corpse pose) – and allows the healing sounds of traditional musical performances to bath over him/her.
Though sound baths may seem like a “new age” concept, the practice of healing bodies through sound is technically thousands of years old with deep roots in cultures across the world. This “spiritual, cleansing music” varies according to place and culture, but it can be as simple as chanting an om following your yoga session or as complex as an hour-long experience in a dedicated space with a sound practitioner.
In general, a sound bath is a meditative experience where those in attendance are “bathed” in sound waves. These waves are produced by various sources, including healing instruments such as gongs, singing bowls, percussion, chimes, rattles, tuning forks, and even the human voice itself. The music doesn’t have a catchy melody or rhythm like you’d experience at a rock concert or symphony, but instead is a carefully selected wash of instrument and voice with notable resonance and overtones.
During the sound bath, participants lie on their backs—sometimes referred to as the Savasana position in yoga—for the entire experience. The sound healing practitioner facilitates the experience, and sometimes the entire group participates with chants, mantras, or rolling oms. A guided experience like this generally lasts anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes. The general intention of a sound bath is to create a state of harmony in the listener by using sound to clear discordance from the participants’ energy fields. Among the benefits are relaxation, an increased sense of wellbeing, expanded awareness, and access to inner visionary experience.
In addition to helping the body relax, some healing sound practitioners argue that sound baths can potentially foster physical healing similarly to acupuncture.
If you go to an acupuncturist, you likely have energy blocked somewhere that the practitioner helps unlock. The sound bath is similar, but you’re using frequency and vibration instead of needles.
While it may sound “too good to be true,” corroborating data exists. Numerous studies have pointed to the therapeutic effects of music and sound therapy.
Sound therapy is deeply rooted in science and based on the principles of quantum physics and sacred geometry. There are hundreds of clinical trials and peer-reviewed white paper studies on the healing properties of sound. In fact, Western medicine uses sound waves on a daily basis in the form of ultrasound technology, which can be used to break up kidney stones among other things. With the exception of “counter-indicators,” or those who shouldn’t participate—such as someone who’s had a concussion—experts say that sound baths are great for any person who’s interested in experiencing one.
This is the beauty of sound baths; They are for everyone at any stage of their lives. Since you are lying in Savasana (or supported Savasana) the entire time, you don’t need athletic ability or flexibility to participate. In fact, sound baths are very beneficial for pregnancy, prehab and rehab, old and young, or people who are experiencing disease, illness and trauma.
Sound baths may be particularly beneficial to someone who has had a difficult time connecting with traditional meditation or yoga, but still yearns to experience similar benefits. This is especially true if you overthink or have excessive thoughts that make it difficult to meditate in a more traditional way. For a lot of people, it’s much easier to let go in a sound bath versus traditional meditation. I recommend people go when they feel like they need it. Ideally, you’d come every week, but especially when you’re experiencing overwhelming thought patterns or stress. Arguably, the best part is that you don’t have to do anything but show up in comfortable clothing and receive the sounds around you while lying peacefully.
Ultimately, a sound bath is a subjective experience and you can try out different sound baths to see what works for you. Ideally you should feel that the musician offering a sound bath has positive intentions of wellness, love, and healing. It is a unique experience that can’t really be compared to other therapies and potentially a wonderful supplement to any healing or wellness program.
Sound bath treatment should not be used as a substitute for the consultation of a physician or a psychotherapist. A person should always consult their doctor before engaging in complementary therapies.
Call today to schedule a private or group Sound Bath session!