There’s a lot of buzz about sound healing of late. Mental and holistic health awareness is on the rise, and people are looking for ever more alternative ways to enhance their physical and mental well-being.

While the concept of sound healing goes back thousands of years ago, as far as ancient Egypt when it’s been known to be used as a therapeutical and ritualistic practice, today sound healing is slowly finding mentions and adoption in the alternative healing space. According to Nikola Tesla, who happened to meet India’s renowned spiritual leader Swami Vivekanand on a chance meeting in the USA in the 1940s, all universe is about ‘energy, vibrations and frequencies”, almost as a nod to the universal power of sounds – both we hear and the ones we don’t.

So, what is Sound Healing?

Simply put, Sound Healing refers to a ritual of an acoustic sound concert called as a “Sound Bath” in the form of a meditation meant to encourage self-healing. It is based on the idea that sound can have a profound impact on the human body and mind. Researchers have long known the benefits of certain sounds, vibrations and sound frequencies on not just human, but plant and chemical well-being. A viral video recently showed sand forming various formations based on different frequencies of sound alone. In another, a whole concert was organized for 2290 plants in Barcelona! The theory of Sound Healing holds that there are thousands of frequencies and humans only hear above and below a certain threshold. Sound healing helps to harness those frequencies to fix our “pranic energy” and help relieve humans of various ailments and diseases. While more scientific research is needed to validate those claims, its benefits on deep relaxation and going deeper into our mind are worth a merit.

Sound bath process

Sound healing techniques often involve the use of various sound-producing instruments, such as singing bowls, tuning forks, gongs, drums, and even the human voice, to create soothing and harmonious sounds. Though recorded music and sounds could be used, it’s unheard of and the sessions are mostly acoustic.

What are the benefits of Sound Healing?

According to available research on the internet, sound healing has the following benefits:

1. Resonance: Sound waves have the ability to resonate with different parts of the body, including cells, tissues, and organs. By producing specific frequencies and tones, sound healers aim to stimulate positive responses in the body’s natural energy systems.
   
2. Frequency and Vibration: Every object, including the human body, has its own natural frequency. Sound healing practitioners believe that exposing the body to certain frequencies can help restore balance and harmony within, leading to a sense of relaxation and well-being.
   
3. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Sound healing sessions often induce a state of deep relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. The soothing sounds can calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of peace.
   
4. Energy Alignment: Sound healing is sometimes used to balance the body’s energy centers, known as chakras in some holistic traditions. Practitioners use specific sounds and frequencies to help clear energy blockages and restore energy flow.
   
5. Meditation and Mindfulness: Sound healing can enhance meditation practices by providing a focal point or a means to reach a meditative state more easily. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of some sound instruments can help quiet the mind.

Sound healing sessions can take various forms, including individual or group sessions, and they may be conducted in a dedicated healing space or integrated into other wellness practices.

How was the sound healing session for me?

For me personally, the idea of lying down in a pitch dark room, disconnected from technology, other people and the noises in my own mind set the tone for a great session to be with my thoughts for a while. Then, as the sound healer’s practice began, it began to draw me into a trance-like state. The afteraffects of the singing bowls and its enduring “hummms” was like a massage for my mind.

As the minutes rolled, there was a different combination and permutations of sounds, their lingering effects as well as vibrations of my own rhythm that together put together a rather interesting sensation.

I wouldn’t say it was 100% relaxing, but according to the practitioner, it’s not supposed to be. Many people find sound healing to be a relaxing and therapeutic experience, but its effectiveness may vary from person to person. Some people felt a mild headache during the session which I was told is normal. “Some people react differently to the sounds. It’s almost like their inner issues and ailments get a shock, but with regular practice, they start to fall in place and “draw out” of the body.” said him. Some people end up falling asleep as was clear from the sound of snores coming from one end of the room, adding to the cocktail of sounds during the session!

Where to experience Sound Healing sessions?

Many places offer sound healing events, either as a standalone activity or in conjunction with other modalities. Rishikesh also offers sound healing teacher training courses that can help you learn to become a healer and start your own courses.