Haven Yoga Meditation explains what a sound bath is, and the unique benefits of experiencing them.
There are many different ways in which a person can embark on their holistic healing journey. A practice that is becoming increasingly popular in facilitating this journey is the participation in sound bath healing sessions to promote relaxation, improve well-being and promote general healing. If this sounds like something you may be interested in exploring, continue reading to uncover what you need to know about sound baths.
What is a sound bath?
A sound bath is a full-body, meditative experience where those participating are “bathed” in resonant sounds created by various healing instruments. This practice is typically facilitated by a sound healing practitioner and requires those participating to lay down on their backs to listen and immerse themselves in the healing sounds.
What are the benefits of sound baths?
The key benefits of sound baths are relaxation, an increased sense of well-being, and an expanded awareness of your surroundings. In addition to helping the body to relax, some healing sound practitioners believe that sound baths foster physical healing*. Studies have supported the therapeutic effects of sound therapy and the benefit that it has in improving a person’s mood, as well as how the practice can result in physical changes and promote healing**.
What instruments are typically used in a sound bath?
Several different healing instruments can be used during a sound bath or sound healing session. Some of these include chimes, gongs, drums, tuning forks and various types of singing bowls, such as crystal bowls. Sound healing practitioners, including in our sessions at Haven, will often use a combination of these instruments throughout their sessions to achieve varying depths of sound and vibration.
Where can I experience a sound bath?
There are several ways in which someone can experience a sound bath. The most common way is to attend a guided group sound bath session at a local practice or event led by a sound healing practitioner. A guided session usually lasts anywhere from anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. At Haven Yoga and Meditation, we offer hour-long sound healing sessions which include a guided meditation by experienced instructor, Jane.
It is also possible to conduct your own adaptation of a sound bath at home by playing a recording on good-quality speakers, or by using your own sound healing instruments.
*Very Well Mind – What is a Sound Bath? The Healing Power of Sound – https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-sound-baths-4783501
**International Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research – Impact of Himalayan Singing Bowls Meditation Session on Mood and Heart Rate Variability – https://openaccesspub.org/ijpr/article/1282
