Sound and Vibrational

Healing

Music can have a major impact on our mood. Fast beats pump us up and motivate us to work out, slow songs make us feel wistful and melancholic, and soothing music helps us drift off to sleep. Sounds have vibrations that affect us on a neurological, physiological, and biochemical level. Sound healing is an ancient practice that harnesses the power of sound vibrations to promote healing and relaxation. If you’ve come across the concept of sound healing or if you’re thinking of doing a session, you’re probably wondering what it involves and what to expect. Sound vibrations have a pretty powerful effect on our minds and bodies. Research shows us that sound healing can slow down our brain waves and put our bodies in a very relaxed, dreamlike state. It may also be able to help with certain physical and mental health conditions. Sound healing sessions are often referred to as sound baths because the idea is to bathe in the sounds and let them wash over you. “A sound bath is a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience that uses sound and simple mindfulness techniques to invite gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative processes to the mind and body,” Sound healing sessions can be private or as part of a group. Each person sits or lies down on a yoga mat or meditation carpet. The therapist may offer you an eye mask, neck pillow, cushion, or blanket, to help you get comfortable. Over the course of the session, the therapist will guide you to focus on sounds like their voice, your breath, and a variety of overtone- emitting instruments, such as: • Chimes • Tuning forks • Gongs • Himalayan singing bowls (metal bowls) • Crystal singing bowls (crystal/glass bowls) While sound healing often creates a deep sense of relaxation, it can sometimes get pretty intense. You might find yourself feeling happy, angry, sad, or upset about the thoughts or memories that come up for you. Sound healing is an invitation into a deeper state of consciousness, where you unplug from external stimuli and focus on what’s going on within you. It is a beautiful way to move energy through your body, release emotions, let go and come back to balance. Research shows us that sound healing might be able to help with: • Anxiety • Depression • Stress • Fatigue • Chronic pain • Cognition and memory • Overall mental and spiritual well-being Sound healing is an ancient wellness practice for healing, relaxation, and self-care. A sound healing session involves lying down in a cozy and comfortable setting, closing our eyes, and focusing on sounds made by music instruments like chimes, gongs, and singing bowls.