Believe it or not, sound turned my world upside down and began a transformation into the person I am today. In 2018 I was suffering both physically and mentally. Everything felt in flux. I wasn’t eating or sleeping well. I was anxious and panicky all the time. I felt like my life was out of my control. I learned in time that many of these symptoms were due to imbalances at the core of my body. My energy was not flowing properly. My cells were sick. I was stuck.
On a particularly challenging day I saw a posting for a donation based “sound healing” meditation. I knew nothing about meditation and had only a vague idea of what sound healing was, but I showed up. I sat among strangers and followed a guided meditation which led me to let go of the outside world and “open myself to the healing vibrations”.
An hour and a half later I was sold. After laying still and bathing in the vibrating sounds of the Tibetan Bowls, I felt rejuvenated, safe and rested. I figured it was just relaxing and that the tones had sounded beautiful so that must be why I felt so good. But there was a lot more going on in that room than I thought… Science was afoot!
Tibetan Bowls have been used for thousands of years for their ability to heal and balance both mind and body. They are carefully tuned to “speak” to the energy centers or “chakras”. (Learn more about chakras by reading our blog here. Today, there are many practitioners who offer sound healing as part of their holistic practices.
How does it work?
To understand sound therapy, one must first understand that the human body consists of cells which generate energy. Your body is made up of particles which are in constant motion. Your cells (and the cells of every living thing) are vibrating at a specific frequency RIGHT NOW. The human body functions best when it maintains an ideal frequency. If the frequency drops we start to experience imbalances in health, mood, behavior and mindset.
Tibetan Bowls are produced to balance the body’s energy and to return the cells to optimal levels through the process of entrainment.
Entrainment means that when you are near a frequency, your cells will begin to vibrate at the same level to match that frequency. If you have ever been walking next to someone and unconsciously start stepping in the same pattern as them you have experienced entrainment. Your body matched your walking rhythm with that of your companion.
It’s a cool phenomenon that only humans are capable of. This means that when you are bathed in healing sound, your cells copy the vibrations and fall into ideal alignment.
Delta state rest
The sound sequence I experienced in 2018 is an ancient sequence which (when played properly) causes the body to drop into a delta state of rest. This is the same state your body is in when you sleep. During this state the body begins its most effective cellular repair. 45 minutes of delta-state sound healing is similar to a full night of sleep. We all know how important sleep is!
Benefits of Sound Therapy
Balancing of the chakras (energy centers)
Deep relaxation
Better sleep
More stable mood
Greater clarity of mind and ability to focus
Increased ability to meditate
Healthier body function and flow
Less stress and anxiety
Promotes feelings of safety and wellness
What to expect
I have experienced both group “sound baths” and individual sound healing sessions. Both are great ways to experience Tibetan Bowls.
In a group setting you may be asked to sit or lie down while a practitioner plays a set of bowls to “bathe” the group in sound. In this setting you benefit both from the vibrations of the bowls and the resounding “group energy” in the room. Your cells also entrain to the vibrations of other people (this is why some people are said to have good or bad vibes). This group energy is very powerful.
In an individual session, bowls may be placed directly on your body at the energy centers or near any point of pain. Feeling the vibrations of the tones directly against the body is a more direct path to entrainment of the cells. The vibrations are pleasant and the practitioner is able to adjust the tones to be more or less intense depending on your needs.
How to benefit best from sound healing
Come to a sound healing with an open mind.
Refrain from caffeinated beverages the day of the healing.
Set an intention before your session (I wish to feel more relaxed, I wish to boost my immune system).
Wear comfortable clothing.
Leave cell phones and other distractions behind.
Local Resources in the Bay Area for Sound Therapy
Mindful Ways to Wellness - Offering individual and group sound healing
The Collective St. Pete - Offering sound baths and other wellness classes
Awakening into Wellness - One on one sound sessions and other services
Gopali Imports - Local source to purchase Tibetan Bowls. Offers sound healing training and certification.
Sound saved my life that day. I was in a rough place. That first sound bath led to me attending on a weekly basis. I became interested in other holistic healing methods. I started seeing a nutritionist who helped me get my diet under control. I started making connections between my behavior, my mindset and the feeling of being imbalanced. I got better.
Eventually I learned to play the Tibetan Bowls myself. The experience of creating that healing energy field for others was beautiful. I have created a 2 part recording which you can listen to for free at any time: Body Scan and Breath Awareness and Tibetan Bowl Sound Healing.
Open your mind and heart to the amazing capabilities of sound. For more holistic wellness information keep coming back to The LooM. We are here to inspire, educate and support you.
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