Although sound baths may appear a new concept, sound healing is a centuries-old practice with deep roots in many cultures. The “spiritual, cleaning music” can vary depending on your culture and location. It can be as simple as chanting an Om after a yoga session or as complicated as an hour-long experience with a sound practitioner.
We’ve provided expert guidance and explained everything you need to know to understand sound baths, their benefits to participants, and how to experience them.
What is a Sound Bath?
A sound bath, in general, is a meditative experience that involves using sound waves to “bathe” those present. Many sources can produce these sound waves, including gongs and singing bowls, percussions, chimes, rattles, and tuning forks.
The music is not a catchy melody or rhythm as you would hear at a concert or symphony, but rather a carefully chosen mix of instruments and voices with noticeable resonances and overtones.
“The sound bath intends to balance and change the energy of participants. You don’t want your sound bath to be dominated by a particular melody. Because the brain won’t recognize repeated beats, you shouldn’t repeat them. You want participants to release and the brain to let it go,” Tamalyn Miller, the sound practitioner at Naturopathica Chelsea in NYC, says.
What happens during a Sound Bath?
Participants lie on their backs during the sound bath–sometimes referred to as the Savasana position of yoga–for the whole experience, says Christina Resasco. She is a good healer and yoga therapist at Saffron & Sage, San Diego, California.
The sound healer facilitates the experience. Sometimes, the whole group joins in with chants or mantras. This guided experience usually lasts between 15 to 60 minutes.
After a sound bath, participants may be asked to slow down when changing to a seated position. After a good bath, participants may be advised to stay hydrated, get rest and relax.
The benefits of a sound bath
A sound bath’s purpose is to bring harmony to the listener through sound. It uses sound to remove discordance from participants’ energy fields. The benefits include relaxation, increased awareness, increased well-being, enhanced awareness, and access to the inner visionary experience,” states Seth Misterka, who co-founded the Crystal Sound Bath.
Some sound healers believe sound baths can help the body relax and promote physical healing. Miller compares the experience with acupuncture.
“If you visit an acupuncturist, you likely have energy blocked somewhere. The practitioner will help you unlock this energy. Miller says the good bath works similarly, except that you use frequency and vibration rather than needles. Naturopathic has seen patients experience pain relief in certain areas.
Although it sounds too good to be true, there is corroborating evidence. Many studies have shown that music and sound therapy can be therapeutic. 1
“Sound therapy is deeply rooted and based in science. It is based on quantum physics and sacred geometry. Resasco adds that there are many clinical trials and peer-reviewed white papers on the healing powers of sound. “In reality, Western medicine utilizes sound waves every day in the form of ultrasound technology. This can be used to break down kidney stones, among other uses.”
A Sound Bath may be beneficial for some people.
Except for “counter-indicators,” or those who shouldn’t participate–such as someone who’s had a concussion–the experts say that sound baths are great for anyone interested in experiencing one.
Resasco says, “This is the beauty and wonder of sound baths.” They are suitable for all ages and stages of life. You don’t have to be flexible or athletic to do Savasana (or supported Savasana) while lying in it. Sound baths can benefit pregnant women, those in prehab or rehabilitation, and people with illness or trauma.
She also said that sound baths could be especially beneficial for someone with trouble connecting to traditional yoga or meditation but still wants to enjoy similar benefits. This is especially true for those overthinking or having excessive thoughts that make it hard to meditate traditionally.
Miller concurs, saying it is easier for many people to let go of traditional meditation in a sound bath than conventional meditation. It is best to go whenever you feel the need. The idea is to go every week, but it’s best to do so when you feel overwhelmed or stressed.
The best thing about this is that you don’t have to do much other than show up in comfortable clothes and listen to the sounds around you while lying down.
How to Take a Sound Bath
There are sound baths in many locations in the country. You can also find “pop-up” sound bathes in parks and churches.
These events are often hosted by yoga and meditation studios, which is an excellent place to start your search. These opportunities will vary depending on where you live, but it should be easy to find one in your area.
Resasco recommends that you take a 1-1 sound bath experience if you have any specific injuries (physical or emotional). She says the different frequencies of sound healing instruments, such as crystal singing bowls or tuning forks, can affect other organs, emotions, and diseases. A good therapy session tailored to your needs can be a game-changer.
There are two options: purchase sound healing instruments or use your voice to create a good bath at home. Resasco says it may be easier to take in the experience when an expert guides you.
A sound bath recording can be a suitable medium. Misterka has many available on his website, and there are also many demanding apps.
Misterka says that a sound bath can be subjective and that you may try different sounds to find what works best. You should feel that the excellent bath’s host has positive intentions for healing, love, and wellness. This experience is unlike any other and can be used as a supplement to any health or healing program.
