Sound is said to be used throughout he history since ancient times, around 40,000 years ago as a therapy to heal the body, mind and soul. Some people believe that it originated from Australia, some believe it to be Greece, while others argue that it originated from Tibet. Sound is said to have miraculous healing effects on your body and mind.
What is Sound Therapy ?
Sound therapy involves healing of body, mind and soul with the help of sound waves created through specific instruments such as singing bowls, temple bells and percussion instruments. It is done by an expert by producing controlled sound frequencies, in a relaxed environment, through the appropriate device. This may also include meditation and visualization along with sound healing.
The session is carried with the participant either sitting or lying down. Vibrations are also used, as they are applied directly to the participant’s body with the help of a particular instrument. Some sessions require the participant, either to participate by singing or playing an instrument or just by remaining quiet and relaxed.
Benefits of Sound Therapy :
Sound is very effective on one’s body so it is used as a popular means of alternate medicine. Also, some people use sound healing regularly as it develops the power of the body to heal itself naturally. As Sound healing involves soothing music, it makes us feel good, thus, maintains the blood pressure and the heart rate resulting to complete relaxation.
Listening to music has another big effect; it releases endorphin hormones in the body, which help relieve pain resulting due to any physical injury. Also, soothing music reduces our stress, relaxes our body and mind, thus giving us a good quality sleep and a better quality of life in the long run. In addition to it, Sound therapy is also used to cure sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders.
Sound healing has another miraculous effect, it successfully cures depression and anxiety, along with, disorders such ASD, OCD and PTSD.
Types of Healing Sessions:
There are various kinds of Sound healing sessions available; some of them are :
- Sound Bath: It involves the person lying down and listening to echoing sounds and happens usually in a group with the help of singing bowls. It is called a Sound ‘Bath’ because a person immerses himself into sound just as he immerses himself into water in an actual bath.
- Chanting/ Kirtan: This usually involves chanting the name of God repetitively, which can be done alone or in a group. This a powerful tool to enter the state of consciousness where you are protected from excessive thoughts by returning your mind back to the chant if it wanders.
- Vibracoustic therapy: As the name suggests, this involves the use of vibrations, as they are passed from a device to the participant’s bed or chair where he/she can feel them.
- Sound Journey: Participants are taken to an inner journey with different kinds of instruments that help them to relax and to explore their subconscious minds.
- Acutonics: This involves placing an instrument, mostly tuning forks, directly on to acupressure points or trigger points which are connected to chakras throughout the body, to relieve tension. This releases blockages and brings harmony inside the body.
Sound Healing Instruments :
- Tibetan Singing Bowls: These are metal bowls, which when rubbed along the edge, create a harmonic tone.
- Crystal singing bowl: These ones are made of quartz crystal and create a clearer tone when rubbed.
- Dorje Meditation Bell: It is either ringed or hit with a wooden mallet, which when ringed creates a thunderbolt sound, known as Dorje.
- Tuning Fork: It is two branched fork which produces a long sustained, consistent pitch and can also be applied directly to the body.
- Gong: It is a circular metal instrument which appears like a plate, which is stuck in the middle and produces resonant and echoing sound.
