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The term sound bath might leave you believing that this is a modern age concept used to heal the mind, body, and soul. However, sound bath therapy has been around for thousands of years and is utilized by ancient cultures worldwide. Despite this being a thousand-year-old practice, the term sound bath leaves many wondering just what exactly it is and can they benefit from it? The answer, in short, is yes. Not only can this experience help you tap into knowing and understanding your innermost self, but it can inspire internal transformation.
What is a Sound Bath?
Sound baths are an ancient form of meditation that involves various ambient sounds. The sessions are led by a qualified instructor who will implement and use multiple sounds and techniques. Such sounds include crystal bowls, gemstone bowls, cymbals, and gongs - this form of therapy relies on different frequencies to help guide and enhance your meditative experience. It is also why having a trained instructor is vital for the session to be successful. You may also incorporate various yoga poses or lay on your back to attain the best experience; it is really up to you and your instructor. You might be wondering by now, how is this different from other forms of meditation?
Sound Manipulation
Sounds created through the therapy instruments help activate the brain’s alpha and theta. These brain areas are associated with deep meditative and peaceful states linked to reducing stress and anxiety. When two tones are played together at slightly different frequencies, this is known as binaural beats, and they send vibrations through the body, which stimulate the nervous system. Utilizing binaural beats has been shown to potentially decrease acute preoperative anxiety as well as mild anxiety. The sound vibrations could also enhance specific physiological and psychological effects. Listening to the frequencies and feeling the various vibrations in a sound bath can decrease blood pressure and heart rate responses and restore and enhance your respiratory system.
Tune Out Your Thoughts
These healing sounds give you something else to focus on other than your thoughts. Moving away from your thoughts helps you reach a more profound meditative state - your mind becomes clear and uninhibited from thinking about your daily stressors. Achieving such a meditative state can be difficult for many individuals; however, sound enhancement helps even the most difficult mediators reach the desired state. So, if you struggle to achieve a meditative state, you might try a sound bath.
When you can clear out your mind, you can reset into a more peaceful and more apparent thinking state. During this state or reset, you attain the ability to reconnect with yourself. The vibrations also help you expand upon your consciousness and stimulate your mind to take on the next day's challenges. The process helps recover the mind and body.
Achieving Balance
In life and recovery, balance truly is the key. Being able to sync your mind, body, and soul is not only rewarding but also a transformative experience. When you have balance, you can move and operate with purpose and meaning and without conflict from within. Sound bath therapy can help you reach this desired balance, helping you become more relaxed and focused.
Since you will be relaxed, your body creates a more comfortable and secure feeling. Such comfort helps your mind and body communicate with one another. Through this, you will begin to regulate your breathwork and exist at the moment. Attaining awareness of your mental and physical state and realizing your place at the moment can enact profound feelings, therefore bringing a great sense of harmony upon you.
Is a Sound Bath For You?
Sound baths are a great experience for anybody wanting to try them. They are also beneficial for you at any stage in your life. You don't need any other abilities but your openness and willingness to get the best experience offered by a sound bath. If you yearn to achieve the highest self-connection level but struggle with yoga and other forms of meditation, a sound bath might be the best option for you. It is also helpful if you struggle with overthinking or have excessive thoughts during meditation.
Since we live in uncertain times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you don't need to go somewhere to have a session physically. Certain Telehealth and other online services provide sound therapy sessions where you can work with a professional instructor from your own home. However, you might want to arrange a comfortable space free from distraction and maybe a good pair of headphones for the best results.
Transformation happens when you are open to change and growth. Continuing to resist or work with practices that don't work for you will only leave you frustrated and second-guessing your recovery. At START UP Recovery, we put one's ability to transform themselves above everything else - we believe that self-transformation offers us the best potential for sustaining life-long recovery and success. However, it all begins with recognizing that you need help and then taking action. With both inpatient and outpatient options, START UP Recovery is here and ready to help you rebuild your life into the life you deserve. We do this by working with you and connecting you with others that can continue to help you challenge yourself and grow. Remember, your recovery and the pursuit of your best self should always come first. To learn more, call START UP Recovery today at (310) 773-3809. Start your journey to transformation today.