Despite the fact that Sound for healing might seem like a new age fad to some, there are actual scientific studies out there that show some of the benefits of this practice. These studies demonstrate that music, voice and specific instruments can create a meditative state in the listener and can help reduce stress levels. In addition, they can also aid in balancing the body’s chakras (energy centers) and even help relieve pain.
The theory behind this is based on the principle of resonance and entrainment. Every organ, bone, and cell in the human body has its own resonant frequency. If one of these frequencies is out of tune it can affect the whole body. Through the use of music, specifically resonant frequencies, the body can be brought back into harmony.
In this way the body can naturally heal itself without the need for medication or surgery. This is an ancient practice that has been used by many different cultures throughout history and even as recently as the Gregorian chants of monks which were believed to have certain blessings for those who listened to them.
These days, there are many different types of sound healing practices. These range from a person sitting in their own home listening to an online recording, to a session with an experienced sound healing practitioner. The goal of the sessions is to bring the listener into a meditative state and to relax their mind and body. They may feel a release of emotional turmoil, experience a reduction in physical pain and even see images or have memories come to them while they are resonating to the sounds.
There are a wide variety of instruments that can be used to provide the therapeutic sound vibrations needed for a Sound for healing session. Some of the most popular are the Tibetan singing bowls, the crystal bowls, the gong, the monochord, energy chimes and the voice. Some practitioners also incorporate percussion instruments such as rattles, drums and shakers to help start and end the session and to provide a deeper level of rhythm and depth to the experience.
Another form of Sound for healing is a gong bath. This is a deep meditative sound therapy experience that can be done in a group setting and uses a combination of all the instruments mentioned above as well as the voice. A gong bath can last from 30 minutes to up to a hour and is very relaxing.
Other types of sound for healing include tuning forks and binaural beats. Tuning forks are handheld instruments that have two prongs that are tuned to a specific frequency. When the forks are touched against the skin they send vibrations to the cells in the body and open blocked energy channels. Binaural beats are created by playing two tones at different frequencies and are very effective in reducing stress and increasing relaxation. They can also help you focus and improve your concentration.