Sound healing uses instruments, tones, and sonic vibrations to balance the body and mind. It can promote deep relaxation, nervous system rebalancing, emotional release and more. It is said to help clear energetic blocks and balance the chakras. It is also used to encourage meditation and mindfulness. Some say it encourages a trance or altered state of consciousness that can bring about tingling sensations, visualisations and the feeling of weightlessness. Each experience is unique for everyone.
In recent years, science is beginning to recognise some of the benefits of Sound Healing and research is showing that it is actually quite effective. For example, listening to music or sounds produces “feel good” chemicals in the brain that have been found to reduce stress levels. In addition, sound can cause physical changes in the body. For instance, the gong has been shown to stimulate a “healing resonance” in the cells of our body and can even induce cellular regeneration.
The use of sound as a healing tool dates back thousands of years. From the mantras of the Hindus, the Icaros (medicine melodies) of various indigenous peoples, to Pythagoras’ use of interval and frequency, it is known that sound has the power to heal.
While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, most practitioners agree that a session is beneficial because it shifts our bodies out of the “fight or flight” mode and into a parasympathetic state. In this mode, our blood pressure and heart rate decrease, cortisol levels are reduced, and our immune systems are more active.
During a sound healing session, you lie down on a yoga mat or a comfortable seated position and your practitioner plays various instruments. Often the sessions are customised to suit your needs so if you’re looking to relax your practitioner may play Tibetan bowls, whereas if you’re trying to energise you might get the gong.
For those who don’t feel comfortable with a practitioner, there are many binaural beat apps out there that can provide the same effect. However, for the best results you should try and visit a trained sound healing practitioner so that they can create a tailored experience for you.
In a private session you will be asked about your symptomatic state and your intention for the sound healing treatment, which can include calming, energising, grounding or clearing blockages. You can also discuss any physical or emotional issues you would like to address in the session. Many find that after a few sound healing sessions they begin to see long term positive changes in their lives and issues that may have seemed dramatic or urgent start to resolve themselves naturally.