[WHAT IS SOUND HEALING?]

If any of these terms sound familiar - sound healing, sound therapy, soundbaths, sound meditation, vibrational healing, gong baths, tuning fork therapy, singing bowl therapy, sound bowl therapy, Tibetan bowl therapy, Himalayan bowl therapy, crystal bowl healing, sound massage, sound medicine, immersive sound sessions, music therapy, or even vibrational therapy and frequency healing - then you’re in the right place. Whether you’re completely new to these terms or have heard them some / all before, we're going to break it down and explore what sound healing is all about!

Simply put, sound healing is the practice of using sound vibrations to promote relaxation, balance, and overall wellbeing. There are many different approaches, but the core intention is always the same: to use sound as a tool for physical, mental / emotional or spiritual healing.

Keep scrolling to read more about the HISTORY of sound healing, HOW IT WORKS, and the BENEFITS.

[HISTORY]

Sound healing is an ancient practice with deep roots across cultures worldwide.

Drumming for example, is one of the earliest forms, dating back to the dawn of human civilisation. From African and Native American tribes to Asian mystics, rhythm was more than music - it was a tool for healing, meditation, and spiritual connection. Even the Neanderthal flute, estimated to be 60,000 years old, was likely used in rituals or simply to bring joy.

Another example comes from the Aboriginal Australians who harnessed the vibrations of the didgeridoo to aid in healing broken bones. While for over 4,000 years, cultures in China, Tibet, and India have used chanting, gongs, and bells to restore balance and well-being.

The power of sound has truly shaped history - some of the world’s most iconic landmarks were designed with acoustics in mind. The pyramids of Egypt are believed to be vast sound chambers, Stonehenge was built to amplify resonance, and churches, cathedrals, amphitheaters, and stadiums have long been crafted to enhance and elevate sound.

Our understanding of the power of sound only continues to evolve. Take crystal singing bowls - discovered not in ancient ruins but in the 1980s, when quartz crucibles used in computer chip manufacturing were found to produce stunning, resonant tones. Recognizing their beauty, they quickly became a cornerstone of modern sound healing.

From ancient rituals to cutting-edge discoveries, sound has always been more than something we hear - it is a force for healing, transformation, and connection.

Notre Dame Monastry Choir, Paris, France

[HOW DOES IT WORK?]

VIBRATION . FREQUENCY . RESONANCE

Sound healing harnesses vibration, frequency, and resonance, through a process called entrainment, to restore balance in the body and mind.

Vibration refers to the back-and-forth movement of air molecules caused by a sound source, creating waves that travel through the air. These soundwaves are measured in frequency, which determines the pitch of the sound-low-frequency sounds (like deep bass) have slow-moving soundwaves, while high-frequency sounds (like treble notes) move much faster. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).

According to quantum physics, everything in existence is in a constant state of vibration, meaning everything - whether we hear it or not - creates some form of sound. The human ear can perceive frequencies between 16Hz and 16,000Hz, but other species, like dolphins, can detect sounds up to 180,000Hz. This shows us that just because we can't hear a sound doesn't mean it isn’t there.

Every object, including the human body and all of its' cells, has its own resonance, which is its' natural state of vibration. However, external factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and illness can disrupt these frequencies, causing the body to fall out of harmony. This imbalance can manifest as physical, mental, or emotional discomfort.

Sound healing works by using specially tuned instruments, played by a trained sound healing therapist, to produce vibrations that align with the body's natural frequencies. This includes frequencies associated with the physical body and also frequencies aligned to the body's chakras; energy points around the body (please click here to learn more about chakras). The sound of the instruments act as reminders for the body, encouraging it to return to their optimal vibrational state, it's resonance. This process is called entrainment.

ENTRAINMENT

Entrainment is where the vibrations of one object influence another to synchronise with it. Entrainment not only affects the physical body and body's chakras but it also works on a neurological level. Sound entrainment can influence brainwaves as they have their own electromagnetic frequencies. These shift based on activity, mental state, and external factors.

BRAINWAVE

STATES

Entrainment of brainwaves harnesses a humans ability to hear binaurally (to hear separately through each ear). Different frequencies played in a sound healing session are picked up independently by the ears and the brain calculates the difference between the two frequencies.

Through entrainment, the brain synchronises its brainwaves to match the difference. Taking you into a slower brainwave state (the aim is the theta state). The shift in brainwave state triggers a positive physiological response, releasing nitric oxide - a molecule that expands blood vessels, boosts blood flow, and influences pain signals.

BINAURAL

HEARING

[HOW DOES IT WORK?]

CYMATICS

When explaining the workings of sound healing you must also consider cymatics - the study of how sound and vibration become visible in physical matter. Essentially, cymatics reveals the physical effects of sound by showing it to the human eye.

Water, in particular, is a powerful conductor of sound, and extensive research has explored its response to sound vibration. When soundwaves interact with water, they create intricate geometric patterns. Just like the soundwave these patterns are not static, they move in relation to the specific sound and amount of vibration.

Now, consider this in relation to the human body. We know our bodies are roughly made up of 70% water - our blood, lymph fluid, and inter & intra cellular fluids all respond to sound in the same way.

During a sound healing session soundwaves ripple through the body causing these bodily fluids to move in specific patterns. This movement can stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation which has been linked to various health benefits, including pain relief, reduced swelling, improved joint mobility, and lower stress and anxiety levels.

[THE BENEFITS OF SOUND HEALING]

It's important to remember that sound healing affects everyone differently - no two experiences are ever the same. While it has the potential to offer the various benefits listed blow, the effects can vary from person to person. Sound healing is a deeply personal and subjective practice, meaning each session will be unique. While practitioners aim to create a relaxing and positive experience, some sessions may bring up emotions or release negativity, which might not always feel entirely calming. Whatever you experience though is happening for a reason - your body and mind are responding in the way they need to in that moment.

PHYSICAL

Lowers cortisol levels
Lowers blood pressure
Supports the body's natural healing process
Reduces pain
Reduces inflammation + swelling
Improves blood circulation
Relieves muscle tension
Improves joint mobility
Improves digestion + metabolism
Boosts immune response

MENTAL + EMOTIONAL

Attains theta brainwave state (deep meditative state of mind)
Reduces stress
Promotes better sleep + deep rest
Calms the nervous system
Helps stabilise mood + clarity of the mind
Develops resilience to deal with stressors
Enhances emotional regulation
Helps clear emotional blockages
(experience emotional breakthroughs)
Improved self-esteem
Positively affects creative abilities + creative concentration

SPIRITUAL

Attains theta brainwave state (deep meditative state of mind)
Balances chakras (clear energetic blockages)
Promotes sense of grounding
Helps to find inner peace
Conjures positive feelings of love
+ compassion for oneself and others