WHAT HAPPENS DURING SOUND BATHS?!
A useful way to describe a gong bath is a that it provides an opportunity for a deep reset, with little or no effort on behalf of the person.
Gongs are in a category of musical instruments called idiophones, where after being struck, the vibration of the gongs and bowls, make additional sound vibrations onto themselves. This means that vibrations are making new vibrations on top of other vibrations, after each and every strike.
The human mind cannot predict the sound pattern and usually within a couple of minutes, the active Beta brain waves transition to a more predominantly Alpha to Theta brain wave range. The predominant feeling in a sound bath is often referred to as either a floating or sinking experience. Gongs and other sounds assist us in dropping into this meditative state.
It is not about doing, thinking, trying, or forcing more. It is about doing less. It is about the release of striving and trying.
The magic of the sound bath happens in the absence of doing, where we are completely relaxed to receive, to restore, and to reset.
When you let go of any doing, everything gets done! (Kamini Desai)
What Are the Benefits of a Sound Bath Meditation?
* Promotes relaxation and stress relief
* Restores vibrational balance and mind-body harmony
*Stimulates immune system and glandular functioning
*Encourages the movement of life force energy
*Can clear habitual negative thought patterns
* Supports deep, spontaneous meditation
* Can improve creativity, will-power and confidence
*Advances spiritual exploration and self-discovery
What Happens to Brain Waves During a Sound Bath?
Within a couple of minutes, through the use of gongs and other resonant sounds, we can see the transition of brain waves from the very active Beta waves associated with conscious, outward, focused communication to that of the Theta brain waves, which is the state associated with the benefits of meditation, creativity, deep relaxation, and other forms of healing. As you move into Theta your body thinks it will be asleep for 8-10 hours and kick starts the bioregulation of the body. Your immune system, digestion, other systems and organs are able to function more effectively as the body can focus on function and healing rather than thinking, reacting and surviving in Beta brainwave mode. Many people find it easier to achieve meditation during a Gong Bath than other relaxing settings, as the sounds played keep the brain engaged in Theta waves more easily, improving the chances of keeping the mind in a prolonged relaxed state to achieve the benefits.
Key Definitions
Resonance - the reinforcement or prolongation of sound by reflection from a surface or by the synchronous vibration of a neighboring object. Dissonance - a simultaneous combination of tones conventionally accepted as being in a state of unrest and needing completion. Entrainment -the act or fact of being drawn into a current or flow: the synchronization of different rhythmic cycles that interact with each other. Delta waves, which are between 0.5 and 4 hertz (Hz), occur during deep states of dreamless sleep. Theta waves, which are between 4 and 8 Hz, occur during light sleep or deep relaxation. Alpha waves, which measure between 8 and 12 Hz, occur when people feel relaxed and when the brain is in an idle state without concentrating on anything. Beta waves, which measure between 12 and 30 Hz, are the waves that occur during most conscious, waking states. It is a fast activity that signals attentiveness and alertness. Gamma waves, which measure between 25 and 100 Hz, are the fastest wavelength brain waves that are linked to activities such as learning, problem-solving, and information processing.
STRESS & SOUND
STRESS & SOUND
STRESS & SOUND
As we prepare the body for the sound bath, we strengthen our sensitivities to sound and our reaction to our fight or flight response. This lowers your stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, slowing down your heart rate, your breathing and lowering blood pressure.
ENERGY & SOUND
STRESS & SOUND
STRESS & SOUND
Sound is energy. According to physics, the definition of “resonance” is the reinforcement or prolongation of sound by reflection from a surface or by the synchronous vibration of a neighboring object. So as the gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls fill the room with vibration, they are encouraging our frequencies of our bodies to resonate at
Sound is energy. According to physics, the definition of “resonance” is the reinforcement or prolongation of sound by reflection from a surface or by the synchronous vibration of a neighboring object. So as the gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls fill the room with vibration, they are encouraging our frequencies of our bodies to resonate at these higher levels. This law in physics allows us to transform our state of energy to that of a more resonant state with the instruments and the other practitioners the room. Where there is frequency, resonance can be achieved to restore balance. The examples of tuning forks, metronomes, or other instruments who “entrain” themselves with the sounds of the other frequencies also works with the healthy frequencies of our body. Resonance also occurs during a Gong Bath and in other sound and vibrational therapy treatments. During a Gong Bath, areas of imbalance in your body will naturally resonate with the sounds played, restoring healthy vibrational frequencies in the body's cells, systems and chakras.
CELLS & SOUND
STRESS & SOUND
CELLS & SOUND
Sound baths are called baths because every cell of the body is bathed through the vibratory output of the gongs. As we are almost 75% water, and as water molecules are natural cohesive “clumping”, these vibrations work to separate and encourages the healthy cellular flow in our bodies. This encourages improved hydration, supporting DNA
Sound baths are called baths because every cell of the body is bathed through the vibratory output of the gongs. As we are almost 75% water, and as water molecules are natural cohesive “clumping”, these vibrations work to separate and encourages the healthy cellular flow in our bodies. This encourages improved hydration, supporting DNA and cellular regeneration.
Studies of blood cells before and after a sound bath reveal a huge transformation from stuck, and lethargic blood cells, to that which flow freely and independently.
