5 Things To Know About A Sound Bath Before Trying It, Like The Fact That It Isn't Actually A Bath
When I think of the term "sound bath," I automatically think of my sh*tty shower radio that plays aggressively mediocre music while I'm trying to relax in the tub. But "sound bathing" as a totally real, ancient, alternative healing practice would honestly never have crossed my mind — until now, that is. For real though, what is a sound bath? Well, for one thing, it has nothing to do with your favorite Lush bath bomb, I can tell you that much.
The first time I participated in a sound bath myself, I was enamored, pleasantly surprised, and TBH, I didn't even know I was "sound bathing" in the first place. My yoga instructor started playing music with Himalayan singing bowls (they're basically large bowls that create sweet sounds and sonic waves when you come in contact with the rim) while we were laying in savasana, and the experience was incredibly captivating. But I wouldn't have had a clue it was known as a sound bath until I did some research.
Sound bathing goes as far back as the times of ancient Greek philosophers, who used the frequencies as a form of medicine to treat a myriad of ailments. The waves of sound (which are produced by Himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls, gongs, biosonic tuning forks, shamanic drumming, and more) are said to calm the nervous system and balance the subtle body. The subtle body refers to energy that vibrates throughout the innermost layers of the body, beyond what we typically only physically conceive of the human body. Yeah, we're getting deep here, fam.
In addition to balancing the subtle body, this holistic practice of sound bathing has also been known to work wonders for stress relief, insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, and even depression.
So, now that you know you won't be taking a naked dip in some bubbly, scented goodness, here are five things to know before you reap the extensive benefits of bathing in the sound.
01You Will Literally Feel The Sound In Your Body
If you've ever been to a concert with strong vibrational waves of sound, bumped the speakers up super high on a car ride, or, you know, attended any basement frat party ever, you know how the bass can literally feel like it's vibrating through your very being.
The power of sound can create a completely full-body experience. Some people say that certain frequencies emitted during sound baths can bring the physical and subtle bodies into harmonious balance.
So, breathe deeply, and let the sound permeate your innermost self.
02You Might Feel Like Laughing, Crying, Or Sleeping
Sound baths are becoming so popular because they're such an effective way of releasing emotions trapped deep within the subtle body.
Your body, mind, and spirit contain all of the energy you've collected from past experiences, and adding deep, permeating sounds to these energetic frequencies shake things up at the root level.
You might feel overjoyed one minute, and sad or uneasy the next. Simply observe these feelings without judgment, and let your breath guide you through whatever's happening.
TBH, you might even fall asleep during a sound bath! It's all good, just try not to snore, fam.
03You Don't Have To Have Previous Meditation Experience
Newbies might be wary of trying out a sound bath because they've never meditated in any capacity. However, we all have a relationship with sound in some way, and prior meditation experience isn't necessary at all when it comes to trying a sound bath for the first time. First-timers are sure to reap just as many benefits as those who regularly go to sound baths.
Plus, there's no discipline required to participate in a sound bath (besides the ability to lie still and relax). Sound bathing might even be a great first step if you're looking to embark on or deepen a meditation practice.
04It's Not A Musical Performance
Sound bath healers are practitioners, not performers, so don't expect to jam out during a session.
In fact, there are no structural aspects (like rhythm or beat) whatsoever in sound bathing, according to MindBodyGreen. Rather, it's more of a shift in consciousness and a chance to unplug from reality. The result of a proper sound bath is the calming and silencing of the constant chattering in your mind.
This allows for a shift in your brain waves from an active state to a relaxed, blissful, and totally dreamlike state. Sounds like actual paradise, amirite?
05Each Sound Bath Experience Will Be Unlike The Last
Sound bathing is truly unique because each experience or meditation you attend will be different than the last. It all depends on what you're surrounded by, the energy in the room, and how you're feeling on that particular day.
No matter what, though, each sound bathing experience is sure to contribute to your personal growth, transformation, and self-awareness.
Sit back, relax, breathe, and fall in love with the sound.
