Vibration affects everything. It’s everywhere and it affects everything. That is according to Sally Phillips, a sound bath meditation guide. In the words of Sally, many of nature’s audible sounds (like birdsong, wind, waves and the rustle of leaves) have a calming effect on our nervous system. They oscillate at a gentle vibration, or hertz level, which makes us feel restful.
However since the rise of the smartphone and the TV, it has left us less opportunity to tune into natural vibrations. Which is why sound baths and its practice has grown in popularity as an antidote to calm the mind. Women’s Health spoke to Sally from Sound Meditations about what they are, what an experience looks like and the effects it has on the body.
What is a sound bath?
“A sound bath is an immersive, full body listening experience that gently invites you to use sound and stillness as a way of connecting to your inner and outer worlds,” says US Sound Practitioner Sara Auster.
It’s essentially a meditative practice that involves sounds and music that “bathes” a person with the purpose to help relax, relieve stress and calm the nervous system. During a session, a series of sounds are introduced from a variety of overtone playing instruments, tuning forks, chimes, crystal and Tibetan singing bowls. While resting on a mat, singular sounds are presented in a well-timed, peaceful manner giving the ears, mind and body space to hear and feel the effect of the tones.
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What is a sound bath experience like?
Sound bath experiences will differ between different practitioners. There is no prescribed length for a sound bath. Some people find 30 minutes sufficient to receive a benefit, and some sound baths go for hours in a fully immersive experience offering the time and space for people to do deep, internal exploration and healing.
Based in Bondi in Sydney, Sally offers a number of different sound bath experiences including guided chakra meditations, pure sound and gong baths, post-menopausal sound meditations, and more.
Do sound baths really work?
“Several recent medical studies have shown that sound baths decrease levels of tension, anxiety, anger, depression and confusion. There are measurable benefits on emotional and physiological health from sound baths,” Sally says.
She goes on to explain tests have shown positive mood changes, heart rate variability and improvement to overall wellness. Not too dissimilar from yoga or breathwork, sound baths can make you feel better and more balanced. However, keep in mind it can only work if you keep an open mind.
What happens to your body after a sound bath?
Generally, the effects are felt in the initial hours following a session where you can feel calmer and more present. Some people can take hours or even days to process the effects of a session – particularly if the session triggered an emotional response or release, Sally explains.
“It is important to give yourself time and space to process a session and not rush back into electronics as usual. For those who have never tried to meditate or have trouble turning off a busy mind, sound baths can be a gentle introduction,” she says.
Is it OK to fall asleep during a sound bath?
Absolutely! Your session is yours to experience so you may feel most comfortable if you’re laying on your side, your back or sitting upright. If it involves gently falling asleep, then it’s completely normal. It may also be a totally normal reaction to cry during a sound bath.
How to do a sound bath at home?
It will often involve a practitioner leading the meditation session and creating the sounds with different instruments. However, you can recreate this experience in your home. Begin by choosing a quiet spot in your home where you can draw the blinds or dim the lights. Set the mood with candles or incense and get comfortable with a yoga mat or some cushions. Feel free to experiment with different objects like bowls and spoons to create sounds or look up some meditative sounds on Youtube. Once you’re all set up, close your eyes and enjoy.
Make your own sound bath
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