What is Sound Healing? an ancient practice for modern times

Can sound heal the body? Sound healing is growing in popularity, with sound baths popping up in yoga studios and retreats across the world. And for good reason. It’s been used to treat everything from low mood to insomnia since ancient times, with a whole host of other benefits reported in today’s world. But what exactly is sound healing, and how could it work for you? As a sound healer and guide, let me explain more…

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” Nikola Tesla, Engineer

Do Sound Healing Frequencies Actually Work?

If you’re wondering if sound healing frequencies actually work, then you’re in the right place. 

Crystal bowl and gong master Malbert Lee notes that: “The adult body is around 75% water, and water is a great conductor for sound vibration. When vibrations travel through the body, they promote circulation, energy flow and rejuvenation. The frequency of the sound synchronises with the brainwaves and activates de-stress responses in the body.”

Although the science around sound healing is still quite new, some of the benefits reported are lower stress, a reduction of pain, blood pressure, mood swings and even cholesterol. It is also widely reported to improve sleep.

Scientists are actively exploring this concept on our own wellbeing, as shown by this research study on PubMed Central® (PMC) which examined the effects of sound meditation, specifically with Tibetan singing bowls on mood, anxiety, pain and spiritual wellbeing. 

Sixty two people took part and compared to before the meditation, participants reported significantly less tension, anger, fatigue and depressed mood. 

Another interesting part of the study for sound healers and people interested in sound therapy sessions, was that participants who were new to this type of meditation experienced a significantly greater reduction in tension compared with participants experienced in this meditation. Evidence to suggest that sound could be beneficial for beginners to meditation.

So what is Sound Healing?

In a nutshell, sound healing is the use of certain frequencies and sound vibrations to induce healing responses within the body. 

Brainwave entrainment is when our brainwaves naturally fall in rhythm with the sounds around us and is used as part of sound healing to take us into a more relaxed state. 

If that sounds a bit complicated, let me explain more! 

During a normal day, our brain functions in something called beta state; it’s how we concentrate, stay alert and react to things in our environment. But sound and vibration can be used therapeutically to shift us into alpha (where we are more creative and relaxed), theta (where we meditate) and even delta, which is the state where we sleep deeply and the body repairs itself. 

These days, we tend to encounter sound healing in the form of voice mantra, chanting, gongs, crystal singing bowls, Tibetan singing bowls and tuning forks, to name but a few. Some people enjoy group experiences such as gong baths or crystal singing bowl sound journeys, and some prefer to invest in their own instruments for personal use, or use the services of a sound therapist.

What is the history of sound healing?

Although it might sound a bit New Age-y, the remedial use of sound vibration goes back millennia. Music and sound healing has been used for thousands of years in cultures all over the world, not only with crystal singing bowls, but through many other instruments for sound healing. 

The ancient Egyptians used something called toning, which was the manipulation of vowel sounds to produce a healing effect. Australian aboriginal tribes have played the didgeridoo as a sound healing instrument for more than 40,000 years, and in ancient Greece, music was used to treat mental disorders. 

Where can I try sound healing?

Sound baths and sound sessions take place in community centres, yoga studios, retreats, spas, online – even in nature. 

But it’s not just yoga studios, Madonna or Kendall Jenner that have embraced it, either; even the NHS has trialled music in the use of pain reduction, with very encouraging results. On a personal note, I was asked during the first lockdown to play an online sound bath for the patients of a doctors surgery in Richmond. They asked for more as they enjoyed it so much!

Of course, all of these facts are interesting to know, but you don’t need to be aware of any of them to appreciate just how powerful sound healing can be. If you’ve ever experienced the pure bliss of a gong bath, the heart-opening joy of Kirtan (group chanting) or the deep calm produced by a crystal bowl session, you’ll already be aware of its benefits.

What to expect from a sound bath or sound healing session 

Firstly, it’s important to know that water isn’t involved! You’ll most likely be lying down or sitting comfortably, while a sound practitioner guides you into relaxation to begin with before you’re bathed in healing vibrations from a variety of musical sound healing instruments.

As the sound waves wash over and through you, there’s nothing to do but listen and let receive the harmonic sounds throughout the session.

Each person is different and experiences sound healing in a unique way, because we’re all unique, but many people report feeling the sound in their body, experience deep relaxation, some fall asleep and others leave feeling a sense of peace and harmony. 

Ready to try sound healing?

I really can’t encourage you enough to find out more and experience sound healing for yourself. 

Take a look at my range of upcoming events if you’re keen to try sound healing. Or if you need a little more information before you try it, here are my top 10 reasons to attend a sound bath.