Music Therapy: The Power of Sound Healing
Everything around us is an alchemical process. Everything in our bodies is shifting and reacting to the energetic frequencies surrounding us, and we have the power to radically transform that. And just like that, it makes sense that sound frequencies also has the potency to impact how we feel.
Ever noticed how certain songs and types of music often bring up specific types of emotions and sensations - sadness, joy, sometimes even nostalgia. Sound healing is no different.
What is sound healing?
Sound healing is an ancient healing technique, that uses tonal frequencies to bring the body into a state of vibrational balance and harmony.
These vibrations/frequencies are often created using vocals, instrumental like gongs, Tibetan singing bowls and even tuning forks. However, if used with proper intention, almost any instrument can be used in sound healing.
Crystal bowls are seemingly the most the popular, as they are tuned into the notes of the seven chakras, while using a gong also helps release tension in the body and regulate the nervous system.
So How Does It Work?
During a sound healing session, often known as a “sound bath,” you are invited to lie down on the floor/yoga mat, a bolster and sometimes a blanket, and simply embrace, listen and “bathe” in the soothing sounds and vibrational meditative acoustic sound concert at hand.
Attuning with the power of the breath, these sound frequencies work simultaneously to slow down our brain waves into a deeply restorative state, which activates the body’s system of self-healing.
Sessions vary from just 15 minutes to several hours, utilising various instruments to even using your own headphones in your private sanctuary. However regardless of the time and place, the result should be the same, an overall feeling of relaxation and contentment.
If you find it difficult to meditate, sound healing can often be less challenging as listening attentively to the sounds helps keep your mind occupied, making it easier to enter a deep state of calm.
Think of it as “entrainment” music for your mind rather than “entertainment,” - sound healing has the advantage of befriending a noisy and overactive mind!
Sound Healing History
While sound healing has grown in popularity most recently, it is a healing modality that can be traced back many centuries. Some studies show sound healing can be traced back up to 40,000 years - from Indigenous Australian cultures using the digiridoo for healing and story telling, to Tibetan singing bowls and even the sound chambers created by the ancient Egyptians in the pyramids.
What Are Some of The Benefits?
1
It’s relaxing!
While it might sound a little woo-woo to some, if you take nothing else from a sound healing session, relaxation on its own is well worth the hype. With our full-throttle schedules and life challenges, taking a moment to deeply relax is a universal benefit for all!
When you are calm and rested, you suddenly feel yourself having more energy, patience and overall understanding (or maybe that’s just me).
2
It boosts your health & supports overall well-being
Using the power of vibration and frequency to regulate our nervous system, overall benefits can include improved sleep, reduction of stress and an improvement in general wellbeing.
Sound healing can help clear the mind and lead to a renewed sense of calm, happiness and purpose. It can also help you feel lighter, brighter and these “floaty feelings” or altered state of consciousness can help you with an overall mental refresh.
3
It can help clear energetic blockages
Some people can experience a healing during sound therapy, as the sound vibrations open, clear and balance their chakras, releasing stuck energy.
You can sometimes feel physical sensations such as tingling in your hands or feet, even a hot or cold sensation. Simply breathe into these notions - the moment is perfect without buying into the story or labeling them. Focus on the breath, and allow these feelings to pass.
BRB, going to plug my headphones in and take a sound bath!
Still doesn’t sound like your thing? Here are other ways to practice mindfulness (that doesn’t involve meditating!)