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Sound and mood -

If you’ve ever put on a playlist to help pump yourself up before the gym, or listened to whale sounds to help you relax before bed, you’ll know that sound can affect your mood.

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Different effects -

Whether sounds are energizing, stressful, or sleep-inducing, they have the ability to affect humans on a neurological, physiological, and biochemical level.

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Introducing sound healing -

Sound healing is an ancient healing practice that harnesses the power of sound to promote relaxation and healing. It is sometimes referred to as "taking a sound bath."

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What it involves -

In a nutshell, sound healing involves lying down in a comfortable room and listening to different sounds made by instruments such as chimes and gongs.

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Dreamlike state -

Sound healing has been shown to slow down our brain activity and put us into a dreamlike state. It may even help with certain health conditions.

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The main aim -

The main aim with a sound healing session is to ‘bathe’ in the sounds and let them wash over you, hence the name "sound baths."

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How it works -

The sessions can be carried out individually or as part of a group, and usually the therapist will provide a yoga mat or ask participants to bring their own.

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Beginning the session -

When you enter the room for your session, the therapist will ask you to sit or lie down on your mat. They may provide you with an eye mask, neck pillow, and/or blanket.

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Listening to the sounds -

Over the course of the session, the therapist will ask you to focus on their voice, as well as on the sounds made by various instruments, such as chimes, tuning forks, and gongs.

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No music -

The sounds do not produce a melody, so you will be disappointed if you are expecting to hear music. However, the sounds are very powerful and can often be felt as well as heard.

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Bathing in sound -

As you bathe in the sounds and your mind and body sync with the vibrations, several neural, physiological, and biochemical reactions will take place in your body.

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Cellular level -

Indeed, research shows that sounds can affect us on a cellular level, impacting brain, nerve, muscle, and organ function.

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Intense experience -

While sound healing can produce feelings of relaxation, it can also get quite intense. You might feel angry, sad, or upset about the feelings your session brings up.

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Okay to cry -

Remember, it is okay to cry during your sound healing session. In fact, it can be quite cathartic.

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Ending the session -

The session will usually last around one hour, and at the end your therapist will encourage you to sit up and drink some water, to keep you hydrated.

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Mental health -

Research shows that sound healing can be used to help with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as physical conditions, such as chronic pain.

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Self-care -

Taking a sound bath is also a great way to practice self-care–it enables you to relax, unwind, and focus on the present moment.

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Ancient practice in modern times -

For this reason, the ancient practice of sound healing is now more popular than it’s ever been. With all the stresses of modern life, it is a great way to relax and decompress.

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Holistic wellness practice -

Another reason that sound healing is growing in popularity is the general move towards holistic, alternative wellness practices around the world.

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Superior form of therapy -

Sound healing is non-invasive and drug-free, which puts it above other forms of therapy in the eyes of many.

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Top tips -

There are certain guidelines to follow to ensure you practice sound healing safely. Firstly, be sure to explore your options.

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Consider your options -

Not all sound healing sessions are the same, and it is worth shopping around for a session that uses methods and techniques that are right for you.

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Consult your healthcare provider -

Secondly, if you have any concerns about how a sound healing session may affect you mentally or physically, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.

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Consult your healthcare provider -

As previously mentioned, sound healing sessions can bring up some quite intense emotions, and it is worth considering what this might mean for you.

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Shop around -

Next up, be sure to shop around for a qualified practitioner who has experience providing the kind of healing that you are personally seeking.

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Shop around -

Try to ask your potential practitioner about their training, background, and the type of sessions they conduct, as well as ask any specific questions you might have.

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Dress comfortably -

When it comes to attending your session, make sure to dress comfortably. Remember that comfort is key if you want to get the most out of the session.

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Dress comfortably -

Wear whatever you feel best in, and consider taking an eye mask, blanket, and/or neck pillow to the session, if they won’t be provided.

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Be in a safe environment -

Finally, make sure you are in a safe environment. It is essential that you are comfortable with the sound therapist and the environment.

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Be in a safe environment -

Sound healing can affect your nervous system in profound ways (not all of which are positive), so it is important you are in a safe environment during the experience.

Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Healthline)

See also: Inspiring temples of the world

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