‘Bathing’ in a pool of sound can have a profound effect on your health

Article Source: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/bathing-in-a-pool-of-sound-can-have-a-profound-effect-on-your-health-20190703-p523r0.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

Accessed from the world wide web at 09:00 hrs on 04.07.19.

So what is a sound bath? “Immersion in beautiful sounds and vibrations created by musical instruments and voice that can facilitate balance and well-being for your body, mind and spirit,” explains Millar, who calls it a “relaxing, meditative experience” that can lead to healing and self-discovery.

Sound baths are not a new phenomenon. Millar says they can be traced back to at least ancient Egypt. Yet, she says, they’ve seen a recent rise in popularity, partially relating to our increasing desire to tap into consciousness, as well as growing interest in alternative health remedies.Research backs the healing ability of sound, with a study in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine in 2016 finding a “significant difference” in mood, tension, anxiety, physical pain and spiritual wellbeing in response to singing-bowl sound meditation.

Meanwhile, a 2014 paper in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that blood pressure and heart rate responses were “enhanced” by Himalayan singing bowls before a directed relaxation. And using sound as therapy makes sense. After all, we all have favourite tunes we wallow in during turbulent times, and there’s nothing as life-affirming as letting yourself go at a concert or music festival.Millar agrees that music can be more than just enjoyable but says the difference with sound baths is the intention: when you combine sound with positive intention, healing can occur.

And the sound offered at such a place is organised and harmonious, with the added benefits of gentle physical vibrations. “Such sound has a literal physiological effect on your physical body as well as your emotions, your mind and your spirit,” she says. “So every single level is being affected by those sound waves.”One of the parts I enjoy most is the lack of instructions. We’re not told we have to do anything in particular during our session; we don’t have to prescribe to any philosophy.”It’s not like you need to be convinced of anything,” Millar explains. “You just hear and receive the sounds, you experience them, you have your own unique experience to it.”

And that experience turns out far better than I’d hoped. After bathing in a kaleidoscope of sound, I emerge feeling calm, nourished, serene. Yes, it’s deeply relaxing, but I can see how it could be therapeutic, too.