A sound bath is a healing and relaxation technique during which participants are “bathed” in sound. Participants are typically fully clothed, and no water bathing is involved! Various instruments are used to produce specific sounds, chosen to bring clearing, peace, or energy to the clients.
What Instruments Are Used?
Almost any instrument can be used as part of a sound bath experience. The human voice is common, as are singing bowls, gongs, drums, chimes, and bells. Occasionally animal voices are included, as are harps, organs, and a whole host of electronic devices. Sounds and music may be recorded or played live, and are frequently a mix of both. While live sound may seem preferable, including recorded pieces can help bolster a solo artist or ensure thorough sound saturation in a large space.
Will I Have to Perform or Play?
Absolutely not! If chanting is included, it may help you reap all the benefits of your sound bath if you participate, as discussed in this article from Buddha Weekly – don’t worry, it’s about the science, not promoting Buddhism. But the instructor, leader, or guide will usually play any live music. These instruments may seem simple, but using them just right to produce the intended tones does require some know-how. Your “job” will be to relax, to listen with an open mind, and to maybe move into some restorative yoga positions, depending on the session.
What Do I Wear?
Something comfortable! Sound bath require little or no movement or effort on the part of the participants, so your best fitness gear isn’t necessary. Since you will be lying still for most or all of the experience, you may wish to dress in layers – whether it’s just cold in the winter, or the air conditioning kicks on and blows on you in the summer, layers can help. (Prior to COVID, I would have suggested that most indoor sound bath locations would have blankets to offer. With mandates causing changes to how we operate, many studios may not have those options available. You should always feel free to bring your own blanket!)
What Should I Bring?
Yourself. Maybe some water if you like to have it handy.
(As above, COVID has brought different rules. Please bring your own yoga or fitness mat. If you do not have one, a folded blanket can be substituted. Call ahead to see if items like bolsters or blocks will be provided. If not, you should be made to feel free to bring your own IF you have them. They are not necessary at all, but can aid in your comfort. Rules about shared food have curtailed some of the infused waters or teas that might have previously been made available, so bringing your own water is probably a plus.)
Is A Sound Bath a Religious Ritual?
Nope! OK, let me back up. Sound baths, in general, have a history all over the globe. A sound bath is not inherently linked to ANY specific religious or spiritual path.
With that said, religion can be part of a sound bath. A Christian church may offer a sound bath with a focus on listening for inspiration from God. A Buddhist temple may offer sound baths that bring focus to mindfulness or another part of spirituality. someone with a Hindu background (or many others) may include ideas of chakras as energy points.
Unless you have requested otherwise, a Prayana sound bath will not be connected to religion. We may reference energy points, but those are physical places on the body with which sound resonates. Meditation will be referenced, but may always be replaced with prayer if that is what your path indicates.
Because of this, I know of no specific path that is violated by attending a non-religious sound bath. While many religious systems tend to eschew different forms of energy healing, sound baths use physical sound waves, just as an herbalist uses physical plants. You are encouraged to have your religious leader contact us directly with any concerns. Open communications allows for full understanding for everyone, including us!
OK, But What Is The Point?
The point is physical relaxation, mental detox, and lasting increases in mood, deep sleep, and mental clarity. Sound baths include the benefits of a normal meditation practice, and kick it up a little, if you will. The music, instruments, or voice add a physical dimension, seemingly causing the body to find peace, even if the participant is not meditating, or is sleeping!
Seriously? I Don’t Buy That.
You are not alone. In fact, a few short years ago, I’d have said the same thing! And some scientists thought so, too. Turns out, lots of studies have been done on the matter.
Sound comes from sound waves. Sound waves are physical vibrations of particles. We usually think of sound waves as vibrations that occur through particles of air, though they can move through all kinds of media. The vibrations occur in a pattern that, when graphed, looks like a wave.
Bear with me – I’m getting there!
These waves stimulate your mind and body in specific ways, depending on both the frequency of the sound wave and its combination with other waves. A specific chord on the piano may sound very pleasant, unless a single note is added to make it spooky, clashing, or sad. Sound baths are similar, in that specific sounds are used to stimulate both body and mind.
A much longer and more science-y explanation can be found in this well-written article from Fair Observer.
Is It Worth My Time?
I happen to think so, but you can find lots of different experiences online. Some are super-positive, while some bloggers hated every minute. Almost all of them say that giving it a try was worth it in the end, because even something that doesn’t work for you can help you discover what CAN!
If you discover sound isn’t your thing, talk to your coach! This is really important information as we work to find your path with you. Tactile (touch) meditation, movement meditation, Reiki, tapping, recitation, and loads of other options for wellness and healing are available to you. So try a sound bath when you get the chance, and let your coach know what you think!