The Ancient History of Sound Healing

While the scientific evidence supporting sound healing is only now coming to light, we have intuitively used sound for therapy, healing and its wellbeing benefits throughout history. The playing of crystal singing bowls and the concept of modern-day sound baths have been built on a rich history across cultures of using the frequencies and vibrations of sound to provide comfort, emotional support and even physical rebalancing. 

Understanding the various ways in which sound healing was used in the past can help us add depth to our sound baths and practices today. So, here are some interesting examples of sound used for healing from history. 

Sound healing across time and cultures

Sound healing refers to using the frequencies and vibrations of sound to create a positive impact, whether mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually. It can take many different forms as you’ll see in the examples below. 

Ancient Greece

The Ancient Greeks studied maths, music, the human condition and much more. So it’s no wonder they came to the realisation that sound could be healing. They mostly used musical instruments to enjoy the therapeutic properties of sound, particularly flutes and lyres. Even Pythagoras believed that sound could be used to restore harmony in the human body and mind. So much so that he prescribed music like medicine. 

Australian Aborigines

We’ve all heard of the Australian Aboriginal instrument, the didgeridoo. The proper name is the yidaki. But did you know it was used for sound healing? It’s one of the world’s oldest instruments and was used in ceremonial dancing as well as to aid the healing of ailments. The low frequency creates powerful sound vibrations that we can feel, especially when the end of the instrument is placed close to the body. This takes the body into deep relaxation and sets off healing processes. 

Ancient Egypt

The Ancient Egyptians were another civilisation that appreciated and utilised the power of sound for healing and harmony. They used their voices to produce healing vibrations. Mastering a technique called toning, they created powerful vowel sounds with their voice and breath alone. It’s even theorised that the shapes of pyramids were used to reverberate the sounds of healing chants. 

Shamans

Shamans have historically created soundscapes that take people into different states of consciousness where they can harmonise and heal. It’s not far off modern-day sound baths as we know sound can change our brain waves, take us into unconsciousness and in turn, set off healing processes in the body. They traditionally relied on rhythmic drumming, rattles and chants to help people drift into a trance and restore and rebalance. 

Classical music

In the modern day, many studies have explored the beneficial effects of listening to classical music. They have been able to track positive changes in stress levels and cognitive function as well as overall health and wellbeing. This thinking was coming about in the Renaissance as influential figures like Leonardo da Vinci studied sound waves and the harmony of the soul, crucial to our understanding of sound healing today.

The proof of the healing power of sound is not just in modern scientific studies but how it has been explored and relied upon by many cultures across time. What I have listed here is only a starting point. I find it fascinating and it inspires me to think about how I can combine sound and ceremony to add even more powerful healing rituals into my sound baths. 

With crystal singing bowls as the basis, there’s the potential to layer different instruments and introduce new healing vibrations. It’s something that has been on my mind for a while and I have plans to help you with soon. Watch this space! Be the first to hear the news by joining the waitlist HERE.

For now, if this has inspired you to explore sound healing and how you can use this ancient practice to support your wellbeing today, book a free discovery call, listen to the sound library beforehand and then in the call, I can help you choose the right crystal singing bowls for you.