Are you looking for a method of relaxation that goes above and beyond what your typical bath provides? If so, you should consider getting a sound bath.
Sound baths refer to a type of meditation. They are rituals that involve chanting, areothermic sound, and mindful breathing. As you might recognize, sound baths contain many of the same components as a yoga class.
While this ritual is a spiritual technique, it was first observed in the west within the last 40 years. If you have never tried a sound bath, keep reading to discover its key benefits and why you should consider getting one.
What Is a Sound Bath?
If you want to understand what a sound bath is, you’ll need to have an idea of what a sound bath is not. It does not involve water or a bathtub.
A sound bath is instead about surrounding your body with many kinds of sounds. This helps participants to shift their mental states so that they feel more relaxed.
If you participate in a more traditional sound bath experience, you should expect to hear various Tibetan singing bowls as well as other similar instruments that make sounds after being struck by mallets.
In fact, it is not uncommon for people to use as many as thirty different Tibetan singing bowls in a sound bath.
Some sound baths are group experiences. But it is also possible to give have your own sound bath by playing music from a playlist.
Where Do Sound Baths Come From?
People often make the mistake of thinking that sound baths originated in Tibet because many people who offer sound baths play Tibetan singing bowls.
But sound baths are not as ancient as many people think. People have only been offering sound baths for several decades.
The Benefits of Sound Baths
Since sound baths are a relatively new phenomenon, there have not yet been very many studies that have investigated the benefits of sound baths.
But one study which was conducted in 2020 found that people who participate in sound baths tend to experience more positive emotions.
People are also less likely to be in negative moods after they have sound baths.
It is also important to know that sound baths can help to decrease your heart rate and to make you feel more relaxed.
This is why it is a good idea to participate in sound baths if you are trying to overcome conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Where Can You Have a Sound Bath Experience?
It is easier to have a sound bath than you might think. Here are some of the most common ways that people experience sound baths.
Attending a Sound Bath Event
All that you need to do to find out about sound bath events in your area is search online for local events and sound bath practitioners. If you live in a city, you might even be able to attend a sound bath meetup.
Sound bath practitioners don’t need to have any special qualifications or training. This means that anybody can claim that they are a sound bath practitioner.
Therefore, you should make sure that a sound bath facilitator has lots of good reviews and recommendations before you go to one of their sound bath events.
Most sound bath events take place at yoga studios, wellness centers, temples or in workshop spaces. There will probably be yoga mats, mattresses and pillows to lie on.
Some sound bath events have as many as fifty participants. But it is also possible to attend sound bath events with as few as four participants.
One-To-One Sound Baths
Many people choose to attend private sound bath events. Some people choose to only bring their friends along and others choose to go by themselves.
One-to-one sound bath events are very similar to public sound bath events. The main difference is private sound baths are smaller.
At Home
Even though it is possible to create your own sound bath at home, it is not as beneficial as attending a group sound bath because there won’t be anybody there to guide you.
To perform your own sound bath, you will need to have relaxing instruments such as tuning forks, Tibetan singing bowls, and wind chimes.
You can also play recorded music if you have high-quality speakers.
Before you start a sound bath, you should make sure to set an intention. You should also try to breathe slowly and deeply. Consider doing a short meditation to help yourself relax.
The Differences Between Sound Baths and Music Therapy
Music therapy is a general group of practices that involve playing music in therapeutic settings. Trained music therapists offer music therapy sessions.
They play music to help their patients to express themselves, make sense of difficult feelings, and improve their memory.
On the other hand, sound baths tend to be more spiritual. People who participate in them usually want to embrace more holistic approaches to wellness.
A sound bath facilitator will use vibrations and sounds to help their patients to relax and become aware of different parts of their bodies.
Many sound bath facilitators also offer guided meditations and yoga.
Understand the Benefits of Having Sound Baths
There are many great reasons why people choose to have sound baths. They can help you to relax, process difficult emotions, and treat conditions such as PTSD and depression.
If you are a Veteran who is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or who is recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, Operation Red Wings Foundation can help you. Don’t hesitate to apply for one of our retreats today.
