Music or sound healing is the practice of using different sounds to improve your physical health and emotional wellbeing.
More relaxed, less stressed, connected to your creativity and ready to take on whatever may arise, this is what people say about after experiencing a sound bath or sound healing session.
To understand what a sound bath is, it’s important to address what a sound bath is not: A sound bath does not involve water or a bath tub. Instead, a sound bath “surrounds” your body with different sounds, resulting in a shifted mental state that many proponents feel can be relaxing in a way that’s similar to meditation.
“A sound bath is where you immerse yourself in sound frequency. Sound all around you creates a ‘bath’ of visceral sound where you can feel the frequency of sound in the deepest parts of your body.”
Many cultures have used music and singing to heal the body and spirit since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians believed musical incantations could be an effective way to treat illness. Native American tribes also believed that certain sounds had healing powers. In the ancient Indian practice of nada yoga, yogis use sound vibrations to calm the mind and release stress. Tibetans have been using these instruments, considered sonic frequency technologies, for more than 2,000 years.
What are some potential benefits of sound baths?
"Improved sleep, less chronic pain and blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and a lower risk of heart disease are all advantages of sound healing."
Deep Relaxation - When you listen to soothing sounds, your body releases endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and norepinephrine. These feel-good chemicals make us happy and help move us out of a fight or flight stress response. They also reduce blood pressure and heart rate, which promotes deep states of relaxation.
Better Sleep - Listening to soothing music before bedtime can make us sleepy and can improve sleep quality. This is because the relaxation response is triggered by slow brain waves, such as those produced by deep meditation. Listening to relaxing music before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. And since sound therapy reduces stress, it can help you wake up feeling refreshed.
Pain Relief - When we suffer from physical pain, our brains send signals to our bodies to stop producing certain hormones. Since these hormones cause inflammation in the body, they can actually worsen the pain. But when we listen to soothing music, our brains release endorphins, which block the effects of these inflammatory hormones and helps relieve pain.
Sound Healing with Angela?
I like to invite guest to set an intention, take a moment to prepare for the time together, even set a prayer. This might be something as simple as to recharge, rejuvenate, go with the flow of a guided meditation, or to dive into the subconscious to get past a certain mental block or issue. There are no “rules” to experiencing a sound bath. Some people may close their eyes and lie down, others may sit cross legged, or others may walk around the room depending on the situation.
Within the sound bath, the sound isn’t necessarily the “music” you’re used to hearing. Instead, it may be different tones and frequencies which can help lead you to a meditative-like state. Emotions are likely to arise, that is normal and perfectly safe to express. Sound bath experiences may last between 60 and 90 minutes, but there may also be shorter or longer experiences.
A personalized session begins with an introduction to the client’s health concerns, followed by a guided meditation that will help you relax and receive the healing vibrations. A recording of the session may be made for you on request. A group experience will be more like an acoustic sound concert in a small public space. Instruction will be provided on how to best receive and work with this practice. Group healing sessions can also provide a social experience to fulfill your needs for spiritual or healing community.
I invite guest to bring their specific comforts needed for their body to relax. A journal is nice to capture the essence in writing. Often people will express having transformational experiences.
Suggestions to bring to a Sound Bath:
Yoga mat, blanket and extra support pillow
A water bottle, also a good idea to come hydrated, since sound travels better through water!
Comfortable clothing, something you can stretch and move in
If you are tight in the lower back, hips, or legs, have an extra pillow or cushion
Journal and pen or pencil
Your own comforts needs
Sheepskin is a delightful for a natural barrier against the earth.
After the sound bath, you may feel dreamy or relaxed. Take the time you need to “come out” of the sound bath. It can be a good idea to have a sound bath at night and then go to sleep without focusing on screens or devices.
Sound baths are wonderful for most people, although we acknowledge everyone is different, if you have tinnitus or epilepsy it's best to avoid sound baths where gongs are used. Most advise you avoid sound baths during your first trimester of pregnancy.
Remember there are many different ways to use sound as a healing modality. You might listen to music while you work out, or play relaxing sounds during meditation. Some people prefer to listen to nature sounds, such as birds chirping or waves crashing. Others enjoy listening to classical music. Whatever type of sound appeals most to you, make sure you find a way to incorporate it into your daily routine.
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” ~Tesla