How Sound Baths Heal
The power of sound for the mind & body
Last week I attended my first sound bath, on the beach might I add. It was a beautiful setup right by the ocean with crystal bowls and a large metal gong. I was happy to see a crowd of around 20 people there, mainly women, of all different ages. I have done many yoga classes, meditations, and breathwork sessions but not a class specifically revolving around relaxing to the sounds of different instruments.
What is a sound bath?
According to Sara Auster, sound baths are ”a deeply-immersive, full-body listening experience that intentionally uses sound to invite gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative processes to NURTURE YOUR MIND AND BODY”.
They don’t produce “music” in the way you may be thinking. They radiate different frequencies of sound, lulling you into a trance-like state. Crystal bowls are the most common instrument used in sound bath sessions. Depending on their size and shape, each will emit a different type of sound.
During one of these sessions, you lay on your mat or blanket as if you were in Shavasana at the end of your yoga class.
The benefits of sound baths
Research has shown sound baths to decrease levels of depression and anxiety, as well as physical pain. One study found those that were skeptical of the sound bath to have the most profound changes in their emotional state. This study also found the sound bath to be most beneficial for those ages 40-59. (I’m hoping to bring my mom along for next week’s, she fits both the skeptical and age categories 😉).
Another study found that one session was able to decrease blood pressure, even more so than silence. So, as you can see, something as simple as sound can have a therapeutic effect on the body. The teacher said that the gong acts to stir up stagnant energy within your body and then the crystal bowl cleanses it away like a wave. Some participants can still feel the effects 72 hours later!
My experience
I found myself in a sleepy trance-like state the whole time. Sometimes I thought I was fully asleep but other times I was asleep yet aware. You find yourself thinking but only noticing your thoughts rather than letting them control your emotions. This is the goal of a true state of awareness- to notice your thoughts but not let them control you! Now, if only we could bring this feeling to everyday moments. I think that is the ultimate goal of any practice like sound baths, yoga, breathwork, or meditation.
If you have no idea what noticing your thoughts even means, I highly recommend reading The Untethered Soul. This book taught me all about awareness and how our consciousness is not what we are thinking. It quite literally changed my life and how I view my own internal state.
When I awoke from the sound bath, I felt like I was high on life, as cheesy as that sounds. Your senses seem heightened and your mind feels so clear. I also awoke to the most beautiful sunset on the beach.
Needless to say, I will be going back to sound baths on the beach every Tuesday while I am in New Jersey. It was so relaxing, helped me enjoy nature and the present moment, and got me out of my head and into my body.
Where to find a sound bath near you
I highly recommend looking for a yoga or meditation studio near you. While events like sound baths are typically less common, a studio will usually hold them once a month or so for members to enjoy. You can also just google “sound bath” and the city you live in. You’d be surprised how many places do them!
Here are a few online resources to check out:
✨ On-demand sound baths along with meditation resources
🌙 Sleepy time sound bath
🥣 Crystal singing bowls
🌳 Restorative sound bath with Zee (signup event)
Let me know if you’ve ever done a sound bath or if you are planning to do one, and your thoughts by leaving a comment below!
Sending love & gratitude,
Madison