The importance of Sound Therapy
"Everything in Life is Vibration," Albert Einstein.
Our universe is constantly in motion and vibration. Even seemingly stationary objects vibrate, oscillate, and resonate at various frequencies, including every part and system within the human body – vital organs, glands, tissues, bones, nervous system, and more.
Certain vibrations can elicit responses in objects with similar frequencies, thanks to the principle of sympathetic resonance. When the ‘energy flow’ – known as Qi in Chinese Medicine or Prana in Indian Philosophy – is obstructed or restricted, its resonant frequency loses harmony, leading to stress and illnesses. The body’s resonance frequencies or patterns change during sickness. However, the body-mind can potentially adjust and realign itself to a state of harmony through sound resonance.
Sound healing has been used in various forms for thousands of years to enhance well-being, through making music, chanting mantras, singing, drumming, using the gong, singing bowls and other types of sound instruments. The benefits of sound healing therapy include physical and emotional healing; restored energy circulation, improved self confidence and self esteem; improved sleep and relaxation; increased focus and productivity.
Sound has enormous power. According to ancient Indian belief, it has the power to create an entire universe. In the beginning there was sound, which reverberated as Om (Aum), and from that sound everything came into existence. Aum is actually the shortest, albeit the most important mantra. The humming sound is a gateway to the energy. When we chant Om we plug this energy into our body. The voice is a powerful instrument and fantastic tool in sound therapy and regular chanting plus voice toning practices will open up the energetic points in our body (chakras) and create natural vibrational healing.
As a sound therapist, I utilize various instruments (mentioned above) to restore healthy vibrations to the body. Among these instruments, the gong has the most powerful impact. The gong bath, a form of sound therapy, is gaining popularity as a therapeutic practice, and I have personally witnessed its remarkable healing abilities. But what exactly is a gong bath, and what are its benefits? Gong baths are sonic journeys and a form of inactive meditation where one immerses oneself in vibrations. The deep sound and vibration of the gong can penetrate all areas of the body. It is used to address energy related to depression, anxiety, and negative thinking patterns that affect overall well-being.
Let’s delve deeper into the profound healing effects of the well-played gong on various levels:
- Physical The gongs have a rejuvenating effect on the physical body, resonating with sound during the gong bath. This serves as a deep massage on a cellular level. Sound waves induce a relaxing response by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, restoring body balance through sympathetic resonance. The gong’s vibration can alleviate physical pain and detoxify the body.
- Mental The sound of the gong can lower brain waves and entrain theta waves associated with meditation, allowing the mind to rest, relax, and connect with the present moment.
- Emotional/Feelings The gong’s rich layers of overtones have a clearing effect on emotional issues suppressed in the body. Sound vibration can disrupt limiting thought patterns and have a profound effect on the heart chakra (the 4th energetic center in the body), opening the heart to experience true love. The gong’s sounds can also draw out negative emotions, leaving one with feelings of peace, calm, contentment, deep silence, insight, acceptance, and non-judgment after a gong bath.
- Spiritual Sound healing with the gong can help us realise our true essence through connection with our energy. The chakras and energetic lines in the body (nadis in Indian philosophy, meridians in Chinese medicine) are balanced. Gongs can also be used to induce an altered state of consciousness, leading to deep relaxation similar to a trance-like state.
"Sound is the medicine of the future," Edgar Cayce.
Sound healing offers a significant alternative to traditional medicine and its reliance on pharmacology, although sometimes unavoidable. Sound can be used preventively, offering a natural approach to treating pain and illness. Sonic “vitamins” received by the body can improve our health or balance deficiencies caused by stressful living. Regular sound baths can help elevate happiness within ourselves
Karolina Kozera. Sound therapist and yoga teacher.
Resources:
Gong Conciousness. Self healing through the power of sound. Jain Wells – Phd.
Sound healing with Gongs. A gong book for beginners. Sheila Whittaker.
Vibrational Sound Healing. Take your sonic vitamins with tuning forks, singing bowls, chakra chants, angelic vibrations, and other sound therapies. Erica Longdon