Whether you’re a believer or not, there’s no denying that our bodies respond to sound. From singing bowls and gongs in yoga studios to binaural beats on your favorite music app, we are surrounded by sounds that have the potential to transform us. And while some of this may sound a little woo-woo and New Age-y (right up there with healing crystals), the truth is, there’s real science behind this trend.
As it turns out, everything in our world emits a vibration—a frequency that corresponds to the shape and size of the object. This includes our own bodies, which are 75% water and therefore great conductors of energy. Each organ in our body has its own resonant frequency, and when one is off it can affect the entire system. Sound healing uses sound to re-tune the organs and the entire body back into harmony.
It’s no wonder that for thousands of years, every major religion has incorporated music and sound into their practices. Music and sound can help rewire the brain, reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure. It can also boost serotonin levels, making you feel calm. In fact, over 90 percent of doctor’s visits are related to stress and sound healing can help reduce this by relaxing the body and quieting the mind.
This technique can be used in conjunction with other modalities like massage and acupuncture, but it’s particularly useful on its own. For example, some practitioners use sound to aid in visualization and meditation, helping you tune into the higher frequencies of your intuition and the Universe for guidance on your life’s path. Others, such as the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, incorporate classical music to help explore personal growth and transformation.
Another way that sound can be beneficial is through chakra balancing. Each chakra corresponds to an emotion, and a sound practitioner can use various instruments, including singing bowls, crystal bowls, glasses and tuning forks that vibrate at specific frequencies when struck to release the associated emotions. For example, a singing bowl that resonates with the heart chakra can release feelings of guilt and fear.
These frequencies can also affect a cellular level by stimulating the production of nitric oxide, which helps to relax and expand blood vessels. Ultimately, this creates lower inflammation and a calming effect on the body, which is ideal for pain relief.
Sound therapy can be done alone or in a group, and sessions range from 15 minutes to several hours. It can even be done from home, with just a pair of headphones and some of your favorite soothing sounds. Regardless of what your preferred modality is, the benefits are many, and can be felt by everyone.
If you’re ready to experience the power of sound healing, book a session with Deb!