Have you heard of the term Sound Therapy? It’s what its name suggests — a kind of therapeutic practise that involves using sound, for its many benefits to promote better well-being.
Typically, it uses sounds, music and instruments played masterfully to produce an environment that soothes.
This therapy is based on the theory that our bodies emit a kind of vibrational energy. When this energy is out of sorts or out of balance, our physical and emotional health are affected.
When we expose ourselves to these therapeutic and high energy sound waves, it helps to restore healthy balance to our bodies.
Some Benefits of Sound Therapy
The benefits are many folds, and some include:
- Lowering stress levels
- Decreasing mood swings
- Lowering blood pressure
- Lowering cholesterol levels
- A method to deal pain
- Lowering the risks for coronary artery disease and stroke
- Improves quality of sleep
My interest piqued, I decided to find out more from a practitioner who conducts sound bath therapies, an ancient wellness practice.
Stephanie Looi, founder of Sound by Stephanie, is a gifted and intuitive sound therapist and a bach flower remedies practitioner.
Obtaining her master’s teacher certification in Tibetan Sound Healing in India, she helps her clients through sound meditations designed to release physical tension, restores sleep and balances the nervous system.
What’s a Sound Bath Session Like?
A sound bath session is usually conducted in a group or done one to one. It is typically conducted in yoga studios, wellness centres, community centres, and even at festivals. For one to one sessions, it can be done in a clean, personal space.
These days, there’s also a demand for sound baths to be conducted in corporate office spaces. There’s really no restrictions to where it can be done, as long as participants are able to lie down comfortably during the session.
During the session, a certified sound healer or therapist will play not just one but several soothing sounds. Different sound therapists also use different instruments.
Some of the instruments used are Asian gongs, Western gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, crystal singing bowls, wind chimes, chakra chimes, hang drums, and more.
No matter the method and instrument used, all therapists share the same goal — to leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed after the session. It is also the hope of the therapist that every participant reaps the intended benefits.
Some Feedback From Participants
Many clients have benefited in different ways. Some found relief from physical pains they have been suffering from. Some have found that it helps them to cope with negative thoughts and gain clarity of mind as well as controlling stress-inducing factors.
For example, people who are under medication and treatments such as chemotherapy have found that sound therapy helps them to calm down.
They also experience a deep sense of tranquillity, sleep better and can handle their treatments with a strengthened and a renewed sense of determination and hope.
They also feel that the session has brought about positive mental and physical activeness in them.
What Can I Expect to Happen During a Session?
Sound bath is a personal journey. Each person has a different experience. Some fall into a deep sleep, some will go in and out the alpha and theta stage.
I have people telling me that their head hurts from a certain sound or frequency; some see colours, visuals, etc. It really is an individualistic experience.
During the session, you’ll be lying on the ground or a mattress with your eyes closed, and embrace total relaxation. Some cushions and pillows can be placed under the head, shoulders and legs to provide extra comfort where necessary.
A regular sound bath session lasts somewhere between an hour to an hour and a half. Some session can even last for three hours.
You need to be dressed comfortably, without any jewellery or metallic accessories like a watch. All electronic devices should also be turned off during the session.
Is it Suitable For Everyone And Are There Any Side Effects?
Yes, it is suitable for anyone, but I wouldn’t recommend it for pregnant women in their third trimester and children below seven years old.
Again, this is very much based on the therapist, and the type of therapy being conducted. Most times, it is safe and suitable for all.
Some people find the sound bath challenging initially. Some may feel agitated or frustrated in the first 20 to 30 minutes.
During this time, they may be trying and working very hard to clear their minds, but to no avail. However, the key is for you to focus on the sounds, your breath, and simply being present.
This way, you will likely experience some level of relaxation, even if you don’t reach a meditative state. You will be able to notice the difference after the session.
Even then, the “after” effect is also subjective. It varies from person to person and also based on your mental state, energy level and even mood at that time.
Having said that, these sessions do not pose any danger nor does it present any harm.
My Take On Sound Therapy
A mummy’s job never ends, from the break of dawn right to the end of the day, stretching late into the night. All the preparations for our children, helping them manage their day-to-day routines, on top of managing our own responsibilities.
Stress levels sometimes peak during busy weeks. We are sometimes more laden with stress at home! What I find most appealing for me is the promise of a relaxed state during a sound bath.
And if it helps me sleep better, it’s an added bonus, although that depends on whether I’m getting sufficient sleep to begin with. So yes, I would love to give it a go and experience something new.