Sonic Self-Care Solutions
By Jeannie Smith, BCTMB, CCH, MMP, CPLC, TAM
Sound moves us. Sound also moves our energy system. Sound and frequency cannot be seen with the eyes or felt with the physical body, but they can have an effect on the person as a whole. Using the frequencies of certain sounds can affect the energy system of the human body: mentally, physically and emotionally.
A soundbath or soundscape is an ancient practice of using sound to bring deep states of relaxation and healing and deep meditative states in which a person can immerse themselves into the sounds of instruments such as Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, gongs, chimes, drums and the voice to illicit a healing outcome for the participants. Some of the more advanced sound therapists take extensive training to understand the principles behind what notes and frequencies affect the mind, body and spirit to achieve healing outcomes. These types of sonic events, with highly trained practitioners can take you on an immersive healing journey that can be both healing and transformational.
Why would a person want to go to an event such as a soundscape? We are all looking for transformation, to improve our lives. One of the things that is important for a person to do on a regular basis is Self-Care. We have to make sure that we take care of all aspects of our being, physically, mentally and emotionally. A soundscape can work on all of these aspects by relaxing the physical body, settling the mind and also allows an opportunity for emotional clarity and resolution by having the participants set an intention before the soundscape begins, to frame that intention in a positive light and to visualize that the healing has already occurred. Participants are encouraged to use active listening rather than passive listening, engaging with the body, mind and emotions and observing what the sounds might bring to the surface for them.
The process of a soundbath is to begin with relaxing sounds to slow the brainwave pattern from beta, to alpha, to theta, to delta – the four main types of brainwaves.
Brain waves are electrical impulses that flow through the brain, creating patterns of activity. They are measured in cycles per second, or hertz (Hz).
* Beta Waves (12-30 Hz): Alert and wakeful, observed in frontal lobe
* Alpha Waves (8-12 Hz): Relaxed and calm, occipital lobe
* Theta Waves (4-8 Hz): Meditation and creativity, temporal lobe
* Delta Waves (0.5-4 Hz): Deep sleep, unconscious, parietal/frontal
This may be induced with a guided meditation, singing bowls or a monochord. In doing so, this will help to facilitate a change when dissonant sounds may be introduced later, such as a gong or other types of sounds to clear stuck energy from the person’s body, mind and energy field or biofield. From there, harmonizing sounds are introduced that integrate a new pattern of being for the attendees. Grounding sounds such as a drum or voice will bring people back to the present moment and allow them to offer feedback on their experience if they wish. With this type of soundscape, you embark on a journey of sound that will not only create periods of deep relaxation, but this process is proven to be a highly effective form of vibrational energy medicine. Rather than providing sounds as a performance, the intent of this type of soundscape is meant to promote healing outcomes.
What are the benefits of a sound bath?
* Improved sleep-many participants report improved sleep patterns with regular sound bath attendance as the soothing sounds promote deep states of relaxation.
* Stress and anxiety relief-the resonant frequencies interact directly with our human biofield by shifting the nervous system from a state of “fight or flight” to a state of rest.
* Enhanced mental clarity and focus-by clearing away brain chatter and improving concentration and focus
* Deepened self-discovery and spiritual insight-some participants experience profound epiphanies during a soundscape
* Physical healing and pain relief-by stimulating circulation and enhancing the immune response
* Emotional release and healing-sound baths create a safe space for healing and emotional release as the powerful sound waves help to heal past traumas or process grief.
If you are thinking of attending a soundscape, it is good to know what to expect. You may want to bring a pillow, blanket and mat so that you are comfortable on the floor. A sound bath can be a deeply personal experience. Some people enter a meditative state very quickly, while others may focus on the physical sensations of the sound waves moving through their bodies. Others my experience a tingling sensation or a feeling of buoyancy. There may be a period of silence toward the end of the soundscape for integration and reflection. After a soundscape, you will want to follow similar after care routines as you would with manual therapy as energy can move in a mental, physical and emotional way.
Here’s what people are saying about their soundscape experience:
“This truly is a life changing event. I believe that sound has the ability to heal body, mind and soul.”
“I work as a firefighter and my job can be really stressful at times. Coming to these sessions really helps me to focus and ground again. I feel a sense of peace again and want to carry this peace with me in my occupation.”
“As we moved through the session, the variety of sounds stimulated several emotional reactions to come to the surface to be cleared.”
“I’m leaving knowing what to do about an issue that is challenging me.”
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