Over the past few years, in-person sound baths had become an increasingly popular way to unwind from life’s challenges. With the arrival of COVID-19, we knew that sound therapy had a vital role in helping clients reduce anxiety and de-stress in a time of great uncertainty. However, with venues closed and lockdowns imposed, the only way forward for us was to offer sound baths online.
Sound therapy is not just a passing fad. It has in fact been around for thousands of years. Vedic scriptures from around 3,500 years ago refer to mantras for the body, mind and spirit. From Egypt, there are papyri over 2,600 years old with incantations to cure infertility and rheumatism. In sixth century BC in Greece, Pythagoras used specific chants to treat ailments of every kind.
Sound is one of the first senses to develop in the womb and often the last sense to leave. Sound isn’t experienced purely with your ears - your entire body is a great conductor of sound. Each part of your body has its own unique resonance which can go out of tune and affect other parts.
So, what is a sound bath? Well firstly - you remain fully clothed! Then you can either sit or lie down to enjoy the experience. Imagine you are in a wonderful warm bath, but instead of water, you are being bathed in sound.
What makes a sound bath different to just listening to other music is that a sound therapist will have the intent to create a therapeutic soundscape which will enhance your health and wellbeing. We combine vocal harmonies with percussion instruments such as gongs, Himalayan bowls and chimes to create a soundscape that enhances your health and wellbeing.
Each group of instruments has a particular effect on the human body. When they are used in specific sequences, you’ll become more relaxed, feel lighter and refreshed.
Research has shown that sound baths offer the following benefits:
• Boosts energy
• Reduces pain
• Helps relaxation
• Reduces stress
• Improves sleep
Clinical studies have shown that after a sound bath, the stress hormone cortisone is reduced, brainwave activity calms to meditation levels, blood pressure and heart rates reduce and potassium and sodium levels rebalance. We’ve had a few participants whose Fitbit activity showed they experienced deep sleep during a sound bath.
We’re currently offering sound baths online via Zoom which we call Sonic Tonic sessions. They have been much appreciated by our clients, many of whom have been shielding or acting as key workers.
Clients tell us they value listening in the comfort and safety of their own homes and have also been impressed with the sound quality when wearing headphones or using good speakers.
What has also been an unexpected bonus is the development of a supportive community where clients feel held in a safe space. Here’s a testimonial from one of our regular participants:
Really deep blissful session today. My back has eased so much as the week progressed and even managed an hour walk yesterday without feeling like I was bent over. Thank you Bea and David, I feel more relaxed and ready to take on another week of work – Helen
If you’d like to experience a Sonic Tonic session, get in touch using any of the methods below and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.