Benefits of Sound Healing

If you have never experienced the power of singing bowls, seek it out, find a practitioner, it is worth your time. Various terms are used to describe a session with a Sound Healing practitioner, such as  “sound bath” or “sound meditation.” Regardless of the terminology used, the purpose is the same. Sound healing is an immersive experience designed to bring a person to a relaxed state of mind through sound waves. Not only do you hear the sounds, you can feel the sound waves as they engage your nervous system and energy centers, bringing a sense of calm to your mind and body.

What are the benefits of a sound healing session? A study done by the University of California, San Diego Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health shows participants reported a reduction in tension, anxiety, and depressed mood, while spiritual well-being increased following the sound healing session. Participants aged 40 to 59 years experienced the largest reduction in physical pain and participants aged 20 to 39 years experienced the most significant change in tension. In another study, results showed playing a single Tibetan (or Himalayan) singing bowl decreased blood pressure and heart rate more than silence alone when conducted immediately prior to a guided visualization.

From the perspective of a Sound Healer, Cathy Jones, a Health Matters First retreat facilitator, she explained…..

Why did you add this healing modality to your repertoire?

What kind of feedback do you get from participants?

I personally, did not want the session to end. I will continue to use sound healing as part of my self-care plan. 

If you are seeking a supplement to boost your meditation practice or just looking for an alternative type of stress management, check with your local yoga or meditation studios who often host sound healing sessions. You may also find a solo Healing Arts practitioner in your community that offers sound healing as one of their healing modalities. 

1 Goldsby TL, Goldsby ME, McWalters M, Mills PJ. Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jul;22(3):401-406. doi: 10.1177/2156587216668109. Epub 2016 Sep 30.

2 Landry JM. Physiological and psychological effects of a Himalayan singing bowl in meditation practice: a quantitative analysis. Am J Health Promot. 2014;28:306–309