What Are Sound Baths & Why Are They Becoming So Popular?

Have you heard of sound baths? If not, you certainly aren’t alone, but this alternative healing practice has become even more popular in recent times. A sound bath provides you with a way to quiet your mind and provide stress relief through what is a meditative listening experience.

Before you write this off as some crazy practice, this can actually be traced back to the Greek philosopher, Pythagoras. He used sound as a form of medicine to treat a variety of ailments that people faced. That’s really the theory behind the sound bath practice that is available today.

So, what exactly is a sound bath and how does it work? And what benefits can it actually provide? Keep reading to find out what you need to know!

What is a Sound Bath?

During a sound bath, you’ll be required to lay on the floor. You can use either a pillow or yoga mat to get yourself into a comfortable position. A musical performance will then be played using a variety of instruments. Some of the most common instruments for this practice include crystal bowls, Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, flutes, tuning forks, shamanic drumming, and chanting.

While the music is being played, you are expected to relax and just allow the sound to wash over you. It’s designed to be meditative, allowing you to quiet your mind and relieve any feelings of stress you may be experiencing. It’s a great way to get in tune with yourself and your body in the process.

As you listen, you’ll do some light breathing exercises, much like you would in a typical meditation or yoga session. In many practices, aromatherapy is also used to provide a true sensory experience. This will help you to relax your mind and body and promote feelings of calmness.

What Are the Benefits of a Sound Bath?

“Sound affects us on a deep physical and psychological level, and has the impact to change the state of our minds. Sound baths allow you to dive into a deeper state of meditation, the sound produced from the instruments used produce a frequency and a vibration that can actually change our brain waves. The best part is that you don’t have to be a seasoned meditation practitioner and/or yogi to experience the profound and positive benefits of a sound bath, all you need is an open mind,” Celeste Cusumano, the founder of Asana Soul Practice.

So, what does that mean for you? If you’re someone who has struggled to get into the right mindset during a standard meditation, you might find a sound bath beneficial. The music is designed to be calming and soothing, which prepares your mind to go into a meditative state. It should help you easily achieve a sense of relaxation and stress relief.

Typically, a sound bath lasts for a full 60 minutes. During this time, it allows your body and mind to become completely relaxed. Thanks to the light music and breathing exercises, you’ll be transported to a stress-free state. This is helpful for quieting a busy mind. You’ll likely notice you have a better night’s sleep after completing a sound bath. It can even help improve your memory and increase your emotional intelligence.

Not only that, but sound baths have been said to be beneficial for treating a variety of more serious ailments. People have turned to them to treat anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and for pain management. If you struggle with any one of these issues, you might find regular sound baths provide some relief for you.

Could a sound bath be beneficial for you? If you’re interested in alternative healing practices, this is one option to consider. It just might be the solution you need to cure whatever is ailing you!