For thousands of years sound has been interwoven into humanity’s psyche as a means of healing, understanding and transforming the body, mind, heart and soul. Whether through the mantras of the Hindi’s, the Icaros of various Indigenous peoples from Central and South America or Pythagoras’ interval and resonance, the ancient art of sound healing has been passed down from generation to generation. Today, scientists are catching up with this ancient wisdom, codifying the power of music and sounds for physical healing.
The science behind this is based on a principle called sympathetic resonance, where vibrations in one object cause vibrations to occur in another, like instruments in an orchestra. Every organ and bone in the human body has its own resonant frequency, similar to a musical instrument. If one of these frequencies is out of tune then all of the others are affected. The use of sound in sound healing brings all frequencies into alignment, promoting health and avoiding the need for drugs or surgery.
During a Sound Healing session you lie on a mat or meditation cushion – comfort is key – as the practitioner plays different sound instruments and you ‘bathe’ in the vibrations. You can expect to experience deep relaxation, a sense of well-being, increased concentration and an overall feeling of peace. Some people report having visions and great ideas, some feel time slowing down or goes very quickly while others simply drift into a dream-like state. Whatever your experiences a session can be life changing and can provide you with the tools you need to make a difference in your daily life.
There are many forms of sound healing, and all of them can have positive effects on your wellbeing. Some are more focused on the physical healing, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, while others are more concerned with the energetic balance of your chakras and clearing blockages. However, all of these methods are effective at reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that using audible sound and music can stimulate the production of “feel good” chemicals in the brain, boosting mood and releasing endorphins to reduce pain.
For those interested in becoming a sound healer, there are a number of certification programs available. Some are offered online, while others incorporate hands on instruction from a trained instructor. These courses teach the fundamentals of resonant healing, how to use different instruments and techniques and how to create a healing environment. The benefits of this holistic approach to wellness are endless. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find the sounds and music that work best for you. Just put on your favourite playlist and let the healing begin..