Sound Bathing
Take a bath in sound.
What is a sound bath?
A sound bath is a meditative practice in which resonant sounds are played, usually via singing bowls, that fill up a room and create a healing space. It’s called a bath because it’s truly an immersion in sound.
This practice is ancient, predating Christ, and is said to be linked to a decrease in disease through the ability of the sound waves to aid in healing. The instruments are able to produce deep, overlapping vibrations, which invite participants to enjoy a deep meditative experience.
Is there any research?
There are hundreds of studies showing the beneficial effects of meditation. While sound bath therapy is not as extensively studied, the benefits seen are immensely promising.
Research has suggested that the sound waves affect the nervous system and may:
promote spiritual well-being
decrease blood pressure
decrease heart rate
improve mood
decrease tension
decrease anger
decrease fatigue
and decrease depression.
In addition, sound baths do not require a lot of discipline or advanced meditative techniques, all you have to do is show up and listen.
It has been suggested by many studies that stress and related emotions of anxiety, fear, anger, etc., can have a negative impact on health. We live in a society that seems to be always “on”. We have busy, demanding lives, and many of us live in a “sympathetic state”, meaning the fight or flight nervous system is either constantly turned on, or easily activated.
This state of being has been shown to have a negative impact on the gut microbiome, encouraging the growth of unhealthy bacteria and increasing markers of inflammation. And as the skin is an outward manifestation of what’s happening inside the body, that inflammation may show as signs of acne, dryness, redness, rashes, abscesses etc.
Where can I find one?
Sound baths have become more popular over the years, and you can find one simply by googling ‘sound baths near me’.
And if you live in Maryland, in and around Baltimore and surrounding areas, check out the Sound bath offerings at Home Skin Care and Wellness! They are fabulous!
References
Goldsby, T. L., Goldsby, M. E., McWalters, M., Mills, P. J. (2017). Effects of Singing Bowls Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-Being: An Observational Study. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(3), 401-406. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871151/pdf/10.1177_2156587216668109.pdf
McDonough, M. (2017, May 3). What to know about ‘sound baths’, an ancient wellness practice gaining steam in the West. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/tune-in-and-chill-out-what-are-sound-baths-and-why-you-should-try-one/2017/05/02/e74c697c-2b7c-11e7-a616-d7c8a68c1a66_story.html
Watson, K. (2020, October 6). What Is a Sound Bath? Everything You Need to Know. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/sound-bath
Villines, Z. (2022, April 28). Sound bath benefits and how to try one. Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sound-baths