Sound For Healing – Relax, De-Stress and Feel More Balanced
Sound for healing may seem a little woo-woo and New Age (think crystals and chanting) but it's actually been used by ancient cultures like the Aboriginal peoples in Australia and Tibetan monks for centuries. It's also a growing wellness trend that's being backed by scientific studies linking certain sounds to different moods and health benefits. From binaural beats to music therapy, sound can help us relax, de-stress and feel more balanced.
The basics: Sound is made of vibrational energy and everything in the universe vibrates at different frequencies, including you. Each frequency is associated with specific emotions, such as anger, anxiety and fear. You can experience sound healing on a 1-to-1 basis with a practitioner or attend a group event, such as a sound bath. During the session, you lie down and are exposed to vibrations from musical instruments, such as tuning forks and crystal bowls. You may be encouraged to move around or even sing, though many participants remain still and quiet.
You can also practice simple sound healing at home, with a singing bowl, for instance. You can also chant the word AUM, or listen to calming music that you find soothing and relaxing. Some practitioners recommend adding certain sounds that are known to promote relaxation and well-being, such as ocean waves or wind chimes to your playlist.
During a sound healing session, the vibrations from the musical instruments travel through the air and into your body, where they resonate and balance your chakras. The vibrations also stimulate circulation, helping your muscles to relax. They're especially good for releasing blocked emotions, such as anger and frustration.
The sound frequencies also trigger your brain to release dopamine, which is a feel-good neurotransmitter that reduces stress and boosts the immune system. In addition to these physical benefits, the meditative nature of sound healing can help you focus on your breath and let go of negative thoughts and emotions.
Some types of sound healing instruments include a tambura, which has four strings and produces a rich, resonant harmonic tone. The flute is often played in a sound healing session as its sound is soothing and entrancing. Gongs and chimes are also commonly used in a sound healing session to add depth, power and energy to the experience.
Another type of instrument is a tuning fork, which consists of two prongs that are tuned to a particular frequency and when struck create a high-pitched note. A tuning fork can be lightly placed on the body over certain acupressure points to receive both the vibration and the healing effects. Alternatively, a Rainstick is tipped over to produce a soft, gentle and soothing sound. All these instruments are available for sale on Amazon and you can also learn how to play them yourself by watching videos on Youtube. If you're a beginner, it is advisable to seek out a professional sound healer and have a session with them. There are plenty of qualified practitioners out there.Sound for healing