In a world that often leaves us feeling overwhelmed with little to no room for rest, participating in a soundbath may be the experience you’ve been looking for to transform how you experience inner peace. If you are new to the world of sound, this beginner’s guide is here to support your first sound bath experience. We will explore what sound healing is, how it works, the benefits, and provide you with practical tips to make the most out of your initial experience.
What is sound healing?
Sound healing is an ancient tool that can be traced back to ancient civilizations in India, Greece, and Egypt. These societies incorporated sound instruments, such as singing bowls, chanting, tuning forks, drums, and other sound methods to promote healing and for celebration or ritual purposes. Modern societies are remembering the power that sound has on the mind and body. Recent research has shown sound’s ability to promote deep relaxation and pain relief including reducing arthritis, increasing blood circulation, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, and improving anxiety and depression symptoms. As new research continues to unlock our understanding of sound, sound healing is expected to revolutionize the healthcare and mental health fields.
How does sound healing work?
The frequencies, tones, and vibrations from sound bowls and other sound instruments help provide a stable frequency for our active minds to attune to. Once our brain waves are synchronized with the frequencies from the sound instruments, it is then possible for our brains to shift from different states of consciousness. The average human operates from a beta state aka problem-solving mode that keeps our minds active. However, with compounded stress from everyday life experiences and past traumas, our minds (and bodies) become overactive and dysregulated. This leads to a cycle of increased anxiety, sleep concerns, dissatisfaction, low energy, and overall mind and body imbalances. When our minds and bodies interact with sound, it helps to shift us from our “normal” beta state to a “relaxed” alpha state, “meditative” theta state, or “sleep” delta state, thus leading to homeostasis or balance throughout the mind and body.
What are the benefits of attending sound healing sessions?
Attending sound healing sessions has been scientifically proven to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which allows the body to go into a “rest and digest” state. This state deepens relaxation and connection to the body, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and slows and synchronizes brain waves for better health and performance to restore harmony in the mind and body. Participating in group sound healing not only gives you the healing benefits of sound, but also experiences interpersonal resonance which increases intimacy, pleasant feelings, a sense of belonging, and mutual support.
How do I prepare for my first sound experience?
Participating in your first sound experience is exciting. If you are unsure of how to prepare for your first session, here are five tips to help make the best out of your first soundbath experience:
Safety first
Sound healing is a non-invasive, yet powerful tool and may not be suitable for everyone. Please consult with your doctor if you have any health conditions or illnesses that may be impacted by sound vibrations, such as sound sensitivities, heart conditions, pregnancy, etc.
Find a trained professional
Attending a soundbath facilitated by a trained or certified soundbath practitioner is highly recommended to ensure safety and effectiveness, including proper use of sound instruments, techniques, and knowledge.
What to bring
Starting with attire, wear comfortable clothing that supports movement and relaxation. Bring items that will help you feel the most comfortable as you will be lying down for 45 minutes to an hour. For example, a yoga mat, pillows or yoga bolster (to support your head, neck, or lower back), blanket, and an eye mask, are recommended to fully engage in the experience with limited discomfort. Also, drinking plenty of water before (and after) your soundbath experience allows sound vibrations to travel through your body more easily.
Stay curious
I highly encourage participants to embrace their curiosity when it comes to sound baths or sound therapy. It's completely okay to do your research, but I recommend having no expectations to limit attachment to a specific outcome for your first sound experience.
Soundbath Aftercare
Once you have completed your first soundbath, it is important to rise out of the experience slowly. Take your time and ease out of your position. Try some gentle stretches or maybe wiggling your toes and fingers to re-energize the body. Lastly, rehydrate and continue to rest throughout your day or night.
What participants are saying about sound healing with Healing Exchange
"I feel more connected to my body and ready to even talk or process things. I feel more grounded than when I walked in today. I enjoyed the experience so much and I would love to continue."
"I feel calmer, surprised at what I saw, my body feels like water. I felt like I slept but I didn't (rested)."
"I really enjoyed this experience – it was helpful to be guided with using an anchor word because my thoughts were definitely racing – but the meditative state I achieved was so nice."
Schedule your next sound healing service here.
Sources
Photo: https://choosemuse.com/blogs/news/a-deep-dive-into-brainwaves-brainwave-frequencies-explained-2