What is a Sound Bath?
A sound bath is a sensory experience (either private or in a group setting) where voice, music, crystal bowls, gongs, Tibetan bowls, chimes, bells and other instruments are used to produce sound frequencies, tones, and vibrations that help you reach a deep and meditative state of relaxation.
Alchemy crystal singing bowls, more than other instruments, can create binaural beats that affect our brainwaves. Binaurals are perceptions of sound created by your brain. If you listen to two tones, each at a different frequency and each in a different ear, your brain will create an additional tone. This third tone is called a binaural beat. You hear it at the frequency difference between the two tones. Binaural beats in the alpha frequencies (8-13Hz) can be effective in encouraging relaxation, promoting positivity, and decreasing anxiety. In beta frequencies (14-30Hz) they have been linked to increased concentration and alertness, problem solving, and improved memory.
Sound frequencies can have a soothing effect on the nervous system. Research has shown them to send signals to our body and brain to slow down our stress response. Healing sounds are able to naturally and effortlessly shift the mind out of an excessively busy, cluttered, and anxious state by helping regulate stress hormones. This helps facilitate a sense of calm, quiet, and stillness.
What Can You Expect From a Sound Bath?
You will simply be asked to sit or lie on a yoga mat in a warm, relaxing environment, listening to calming sound frequencies for the duration of the session. Often, the use of props (pillows, blankets, bolsters, eye masks…) make the experience extra nourishing, cosy and comfortable.
Unlike some other mindfulness practices, a sound bath doesn't require much mental effort aside from being open to listening to the sounds. Many people report feeling tingly sensations in the body, or heightened emotions; some say they feel the melting away of stress and tension. Many say they gain clarity or have deep introspection both during and afterwards. And it is almost guaranteed that a good night's sleep will follow a sound bath.
Because the deep relaxation can move us into the theta brainwave state, some sound bathers report feeling a sense of floating out of their bodies, whilst others, who move into the delta brainwave state, say they feel like they are entering a deep dream-like state, which is said to be a place of deep healing.
Note:
Theta activity has a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz and is classed as ‘slow’ activity. It is seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasising, and is a repository for memories, emotions, sensations.
In a delta state, muscle tone, pulse, and breathing rate decrease as the body relaxes even further. Delta waves are associated with healing and regeneration during our deep sleep cycles. A few minutes of allowing our brain to tune into delta waves can help to decrease overactivity and the stress of anxious thinking.
What Are the Benefits of a Sound Bath?
Sound baths have a meditative effect on anxiety and tension relief as the body shifts into the parasympathetic (rest and digest state) of the autonomic nervous system.
You may experience an alleviation of anxiety, stress, depression, and lowered blood pressure, pain management, improved sleep and help with other conditions where calming the nervous system can be beneficial.
Are Sound Baths Safe for Everyone?
Indeed they are! Although people who are sensitive to sound may find the sounds of some of the instruments too intense.
It is important to ground yourself before driving home. This could include drinking lots of water and stretching if you aren't feeling centred or alert.
At Yogavana:
There are regular sound baths - more often with Crystal alchemy bowls but also, on occasion, with guest teachers using Gongs and other instruments.
We always finish with a cup of herbal tea to ground ourselves and share experiences (totally optional) before leaving, and everyone leaves with a small snack, usually homemade and vegan.
See the ‘Book Online’ page of this website to book yourself onto one (or more) of these beautiful sessions.
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