The word “sound healing” may seem a bit woo-woo and New Age-y (right up there with healing crystals). But, according to science, sound therapy really does offer some physical benefits.
It can help you relax and calm down, which in turn can lower stress levels, reduce pain, improve your mood and even boost your immune system. And since more than 90 percent of doctor’s visits are due to stress, it’s no wonder that many people are turning to sound therapy as an alternative treatment.
Basically, the concept behind sound healing is that every object in our universe has its own vibrational frequency—from a wineglass to your body. When you hear a sound, your brain waves synchronize with the frequency of the tone being played. This can alter your brainwave frequencies from beta waves associated with deep thinking and skepticism to the meditative trance-like alpha waves or the calming delta waves found in deep sleep.
Sound healing uses vibrational frequencies to restore the natural flow of energy within your mind, body and soul. This allows you to reconnect with your inner self, thereby boosting your immune system and helping to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. It’s also said to help with aches and pains, such as back pain, headaches and insomnia.
The best known form of sound healing is a sound bath, which can be done in a group setting at a studio or in your own home. During a session, you lie down on a mat or meditation carpet (comfort is key) and are “bathed” in therapeutic sounds from various instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, chimes, gongs, Native American drums, monochords, energy chimes and the voice. The music isn’t like the beats you hear at a rock concert or a symphony—it’s more of a wash of sound with noticeable resonance and overtones.
What’s more, the sound frequencies stimulate your cells to produce nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator that opens up blood vessels and helps regulate your blood pressure at a cellular level. That’s why you often feel so calm and peaceful after a session, as your blood pressure and heart rate return to their normal state.
While more research needs to be done, there’s growing evidence that vibrational frequencies can help alleviate certain ailments, including pain and nausea, lower blood pressure, and stimulate your body’s endocrine system. And, the good news is, you can easily integrate these calming sounds into your daily life. Just head to the internet and look up “sound healing” or “sound bath,” and you’ll find a multitude of free sessions online that are designed to soothe your senses. Or, you can invest in your own set of Tibetan singing bowls or tuning forks and create your own at-home sound healing experience. Just remember to listen with intention and allow the vibrations to carry you. You’ll be glad you did. What is sound healing
