What is a Sound Bath, and Why Would You Want to Take One?

Sound has traditionally been used for centuries as a healing tool. Many cultures have been using sound healing for thousands of years. Aboriginal tribes and Tibetan Monks often have their own sacred instruments. Including didgeridoos, drums, singing bowls played at ceremonies for different occasions.

To heal patients, Greek physicians tapped into the power of vibration through sound. It aided in digestion, mood and promoted sleep. The ancient Egyptians used music to heal the sick. Native Americans used a combination of chanting, singing and drums as part of their practices.

What is a Sound Bath?

A sound bath creates soothing, calming music with overlaying vibrations. Termed, sound bath, because you have the feeling and experience of ‘being bathed’ in sound. It’s hard to explain it without having fully experienced it. It is such a peaceful and calming state, much more calming and deeper than just listening to calming music.

In a sound bath, these overlapping vibrations can lead to a deeper state of relaxation. This means that the person is in the parasympathetic nervous system state which is often known as the rest and digest state. A greater state of relaxation as well as a state in which digestion can occur without the threat of danger.

 In today’s blog, I look at some of the benefits of Sound Baths.

What’s the difference between a sound bath and music therapy?

Typically, a sound bath is accompanied by a meditation. The music is almost always deep, overlapping sounds. This creates the feeling of 'being bathed' in sound.

 Music therapy on the other hand, can involve the participant playing the instrument, listening to different types of music and using the music as a way to process hard or stuck emotions.

With a sound bath, participants usually lie down on a Yoga Mat, with their eyes closed. Some sound bath events also include visuals like lights, nature videos etc. Different instruments can be used to make the vibrating sounds like Tibetan singing bowls, drums, crystal bowls and gongs. Generally, a session will last for around 60 to 90 minutes.

What are the benefits of Sound baths?

Stress is a contributing factor to most common diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and auto-immune conditions. Sound baths can be utilized as a way to lower stress levels. They are also a useful as a preventative and management strategy for chronic illness.

There are various benefits of Sound Baths including Emotional, Mental and Physical. I have listed some of the common ones below.

Emotional Benefits:

• Improved mood 

• Increased relaxation 

• Increased feelings of optimism and connectedness to others

• Less fear, anxiety, worry and overwhelm.

• Increase self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-acceptance.

• Improved resilience
  
  

Mental Benefits:

• Increased focus and productivity

• Increased memory retention and recall

• Increased creativity

• Improved problem-solving skills.
  
  

Physical Benefits:

• Reduction in pain

• Improved immune system.

• Improved breathing and ability to control heart rate.

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved sleep

• Improved libido
  

Several studies have also shown the positive effect of sound baths: 

• In one study, participants filled in a survey before and after a sound bath. After the sound bath they reported feeling less tense and anxious. With a more positive mindset after the sound bath.

• Another study looked at a sound bath with participants getting surgery. In this study, Tibetan singing bowls were used. Half of the participants were given headphones with music and half without. Anxiety was less in those who were given the headphones with music.

Who can benefit from a Sound Bath?

Everyone. The beauty of a sound bath is that everyone can benefit from it. The young, the older and everyone in between. Everyone gets something different from the sound bath experience and from personal experience, I find it is generally whatever you need for yourself at that point in time. Some people need the relaxed state after a busy week, others love the mental clarity that comes after the bath and some love that it helps move stuck emotions. It is whatever your body needs at the time. The beauty is that there is no doing either. Just lay back, close your eyes, and let the sound do its magic.  

So many positive benefits - emotionally, mentally, and physically in doing a sound bath.

I have had the pleasure of not only experiencing a Sound Bath first hand, but also co-hosting Yin Yoga and Sound Bath events here in Murray Bridge several times during 2022.

If you would like to know more about these events or are interested in hosting one in the future send me an email at hello@staybalancedwithsam.com.au

Sam