A sound bath is a meditative experience that is said to have healing benefits. Attendees are “bathed” in sound waves produced by various sources, including healing instruments such as gongs, singing bowls, percussion, chimes, rattles, tuning forks, and even the human voice itself.
Apart from the sounds being pleasurable to the ear, in the same way, music is, sound baths can also be a relaxing experience.
The sound bath seeks 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 and an increased sense of wellbeing.
In addition to helping the body relax, some healing sound practitioners argue that sound baths can potentially foster physical healing. Some have likened the experience to an acupuncture session where instead of needles, one uses the frequency and vibration of sound.
Sound baths can be construed as a form of sound therapy which is rooted in science. Modern medicine does use sound waves daily in the form of ultrasound technology which can be used to, among other things, break up kidney stones. When viewed from this perspective, the idea that sound baths can have tangible physical benefits beyond relaxation does not sound that unbelievable.
Sound baths are usually held face to face, commonly in yoga studios. With the ongoing pandemic, they can also be done online. The participant lies on the floor or a yoga mat, with cushions and a blanket for comfort and usually with their eyes closed while the sound therapist plays his or her series of instruments to create the healing sound waves.
Even if one is dubious about its healing benefits, it will still be a relaxed way to spend some time with no harm done. 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.
As a point of caution though, someone who’s had a concussion should probably not participate in one. As always however, all readers are advised to seek professional medical advice.
