Sound baths are popping up everywhere. Unsurprising given the beauty and benefits of the experience: being bathed in sound as you lay down, relax and listen with your full body.
There’s a lot of variation in what is called a sound bath, but the therapeutic ones use singing bowls and gongs. These instruments create droning sounds which help brain waves slow into Alpha, Theta, and Delta waves, i.e. the subconscious, dream states, and deep relaxation. Studies show they reduce tension, anger, fatigue, and cortisol levels. Other commonly-sighted benefits include: heightened creativity, lucid dreaming, and entering flow state.
READ MORE: A beginner’s guide to attending your first sound bath
Proponents of sound baths claim that the vibrations produced by singing bowls and gongs can have a profound effect on the body, mind, and spirit. The vibrations are believed to help the body release tension, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a state of deep relaxation.
The soothing sounds are believed to heal the body by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating the body’s rest and digest functions. This can help slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce levels of stress hormones in the body.
The relaxing sounds help quiet the mind, allowing practitioners to let go of negative thoughts and emotions and enter a state of deep relaxation. This can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of inner peace and calm. The meditative state induced by the sounds is thought to allow practitioners to tap into their inner wisdom and gain a greater sense of connection with the universe.
Overall, sound baths are a gentle and effective way to promote relaxation and wellbeing. By using sound to influence the body’s nervous system and quiet the mind, they can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of inner peace and calm. Whether used as a standalone therapy or as part of a holistic wellness routine, sound baths can be an incredibly powerful tool for healing and personal growth.
