I just scored tickets for my fourth sound bath session, and I couldn’t be more excited! And YES, I said “scored tickets” as if these were coveted high priced tickets to a concert or sporting event. Last month I got waitlisted for the discounted sessions held at a community center near me. This time I set triple reminders so I could jump on the tickets as soon as sales started.
If you’ve never had a Sound Bath, you may be wondering what all the hoopla is about. Well let me share a little background about sound baths with you right now.
A SOUND BATH IS…
A sound bath is similar to a deep meditation session except you are literally “bathed” in sound the entire time. Instruments such as tuning forks, singing bowls, gongs and drums may be used throughout the session. It’s a relaxing experience that may facilitate improved energy, harmony and healing throughout the body and mind. After leaving my first session I immediately felt a physical difference in my body – I was standing taller and felt stronger. I’ve recently been battling a bout of sciatica, so I was very pleasantly surprised to feel a change in my posture after my first sound bath! Of course, I wasn’t instantly healed after just one session, but the positive effects lasted several days, and I knew right I would try sound bathing again!
HOW DID SOUND BATHS START?
Sound Baths date back to ancient civilizations however, there’s no definitive answer regarding exactly who, when and where the practice started.
According to researchers, sound healing is rooted in Tibetan, Egyptian and Indigenous cultures.
Today sound baths are used in many parts of the world. In the U.S. sound baths are generally provided by yoga teachers, energy healers, meditation practitioners even nurses. Training is obtained through mentoring, workshops, classes and ultimately certification is the path most practitioners follow.
Sound baths can be given in person, virtually, individually or in group sessions.
MY FIRST SOUND BATH EXPERIENCE
The session was led by a former emergency room nurse turned sound bath practitioner named Susan. She started us off with a brief Qigong, aka “shaking” session. Shaking loosens up the body and dispels stagnant energy. Videos showing how to do Qigong can easily be found on Youtube.
After Qigong, we sat cross-legged on our mats, which were arranged in a circular formation around the room. Susan encouraged us to verbally declare our individual intention for the session. Many people simply said they wanted relaxation or peace.
Following the intention setting we laid down on our mats and used a blanket or light cloth to cover ourselves and help induce a sleep like mode. Susan passed around a basket of silk eye masks and encourage using them to further enhance relaxation and reduce any distractions.
Susan began producing a harmonious wave of sound using the various instruments such as the symbols, gongs, drums and other tools mentioned earlier. Each time her mallet struck the gong reverberations of sound flooded the room. About mid-way through the session Susan wove her way around the room with a singing bowl and I heard it’s rich yet gentle ringing circling near my head. This induced a deeper level of serenity and inner peace not found in ordinary meditations. I found myself smiling uncontrollably and feeling undeniably happy as I drifted into a light phase of sleep.
After some time, Susan’s soothing voice guided us back to a state of awareness and we roused ourselves up and into a seated position.
In closing out the session we had the option to express what our individual experience felt like and if our intentions were met.
When leaving the sound bath session, I felt like I was floating on air. I entered the room feeling heavy and off balance and left feeling sure footed and light. That’s why scoring those sound bath tickets means so much to me.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SOUND BATH
Decide if you want a group or solo experience and whether you prefer to attend in person or virtually. Group sessions tend to cost less, so if you’re on the fence about trying a sound bath, you may want to go that route.
Although an individual experience is generally more costly, you will receive undivided attention and a targeted approach to any specific needs you’ve shared with your practitioner. The environment may also be enhanced with a massage table, candles or scented oils.
Usually, the practitioner will tell you what to bring to your session such as a mat, blanket, eye covering and water. In some circumstances these items may be provided so it never hurts to ask. I think it’s always wise to bring your own eye mask for sanitary reasons.
AFTER YOUR SOUND BATH SESSION
If at all possible, reserve some quiet time and take it easy immediately after your session.
Check in with yourself for several days after your experience and notice any differences in your mind, mood or body.
TRY IT AGAIN! I found my second session wasn’t as euphoric as the first, but the third and fourth sessions were pure bliss.
Note:
Research shows that sound baths should be avoided by people with anxiety, depression, tinnitus or epilepsy. This list does not represent all medical conditions that may not be compatible with sound baths.
A sound bath is not a substitute for medical advice. This article in no way represents medical advice. Do speak to your physician about a sound bath to determine if it’s right for you.