For thousands of years, people have used sound to aid in healing. The vibrations of musical instruments, for instance, were thought to help with digestion, alleviate mental disorders, and promote sleep in ancient Greek medicine. The ancient Egyptians, meanwhile, believed that musical incantations could heal the sick.
Even though a modern sound bath won’t cure your common cold, studies indicate that it may have some positive effects on your physical and mental health. What you need to know about the practice is provided below.
What is a Sound Bath?
Participants in a sound bath often lie on the ground as a practitioner plays a range of sounds on various musical instruments to induce a calming, meditative state.
The majority of sound baths mix a variety of instruments because each gives off different frequencies or vibrations.
You may hear:
-Metal singing bowls
-Crystal bowls
-Chimes
-Tuning forks
-Gongs
-Drums
You don’t need to have any prior meditation experience to attempt a sound bath, even though it is intended to put you into a deep state of meditation. The relaxing benefits are beneficial to everyone.
Sound bath benefits
Practitioners say that the benefits of sound baths include:
-Deepening relaxation
-Lowering stress and anxiety
-Improving mood and well-being
-Improving sleep
-Heightening focus and energy
-A feeling of rejuvenation
Although these are common benefits, different people react to sound baths in different ways. For example, one person might feel especially relaxed, while another might feel a boost of energy.
What to expect during a sound bath
Sound baths can come in a variety of formats, lengths, and locations. For instance, some sessions take 60 minutes, while others may go for 90.
Sara Auster, a sound therapist and meditation instructor who offers sound bath training through the Auster Sound Method, claims that sound baths can also be held in a variety of locations, including museums, music festivals, and meditation centers. For a sound bath, you don’t need any particular clothing or tools, but you should wear comfortable clothing.
Practitioners frequently advise bringing yoga mats, blankets, cushions, eye pillows, or other comforting items. The advantages of a physical sound bath session can be achieved with virtual sound baths as well. The encounter won’t be precisely the same, though, because if you are in a room with musical instruments, you experience the vibration that comes off of them, Price says.