Building recovery sessions into your routine is well worth the effort but what if you’re one of the many who struggle to switch off? Try sound bathing.
The trick to relaxing is to focus on a distraction through which relaxation becomes a by-product.
Sound bathing is a great example, an ancient practice that uses various instruments and sounds while you simply let the music wash over you.
Typically, a practitioner or a group of musicians play a variety of instruments, such as crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, gongs, chimes, drums or other instruments that produce soothing and resonant sounds.
Benefits
Sound bathing offers many potential benefits including:
-Allowing your body and mind to unwind and release tension.
-Helping to calm your nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.
-Facilitating a greater sense of mindfulness, helping you to be more aware of the present moment.
-Releasing energy blockages and promoting a sense of emotional balance.
-Before bedtime it can help you to unwind and so aids in improving sleep quality.
It’s important to remember that in this domain there is no ‘one size fits all,’ personal experiences with sound bathing can vary widely so you may need to experiment to find what type of session works best for you.
How does it work?
The principles behind sound bathing are rooted in the concept that everything in the universe, including our bodies, is in a constant state of vibration. The vibrations created by the instruments have the potential to impact you in the following ways:
Resonance – The sounds produced can create vibrations that resonate with the body’s own natural frequencies bringing the body into a state of balance and harmony.
Entrainment – Certain sounds can influence brainwave patterns, potentially guiding the brain into more relaxed states, such as alpha or theta brainwave frequencies, which are associated with deep relaxation.
Energy – Sound vibrations can help to clear energetic blockages within the body, encouraging the smooth flow of energy and promoting a sense of well-being.
But how do you know if sound bathing is for you? No problem, here’s how to create your own DIY taster session at home.
-Ensure the room is warm, quiet and dimly lit (finally, a use for those candles you were gifted!) Noise-cancelling headphones can be a great help.
-Sitting comfortably is okay but better yet lie down. Similarly, eyes open is okay but closed is usually better.
-Begin by taking long, deep breaths and try to feel your body and mind slowing down.
