6th/JAN/2023

What does a typical session look like?

Sessions vary greatly depending on the practitioner and the objective. Many people start with easy breathing techniques, which can assist to calm the mind and shift attention to listening. Participants sit or lie down in a comfortable position for sessions like sound baths and vibrational treatment, maybe adding an eye mask or blanket. Bowls are frequently positioned on the body and all around the head.

Yoga and tai chi are examples of more active experiences. In one-on-one sessions, sound therapists are more likely to modify their approach based on verbal and nonverbal client feedback, concentrating the sound on parts of the body that require greater assistance with relaxation. According to Auster, a session may take anything from 20 minutes to two hours or even more.

What kinds of sounds are used?

Auster claims that the purpose of sound baths and sound therapy is to cultivate the listener's intention and receptivity rather than focusing on any one sound or collection of sounds. Tibetan sound bowls, crystal bowls, gongs, tuning forks, chimes, and the human voice are examples of common instruments used in sound therapy. Additionally, pre-recorded sounds like white noise, background music, or guided directions are an option. The appropriate instrument, tone, and frequency depend on the session's goals.

The best sounds, according to Milosavljevic, "if relaxation is the goal, are ones with depth and slow melodies, as well as tunes with lower frequencies and slow transitions." White noise, which soothes the nervous system and can lessen physical pain, is a continuous feature of natural noises like rain. On the other hand, you can choose steady, cheerful, and upbeat music to boost energy and focus.

How does sound therapy feel?

Derek Hofmann, senior director of spa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, said that the ultimate goal of sound therapy is "balancing and repair, yet we have seen emotional release of all types, such as crying, ecstasy, laughter, and even fury." This treatment brings emotions to the surface, therefore it's common for hidden emotions to surface soon after a session, however it could take up to a day for you to experience the emotional impact.

What benefits does sound therapy have?

According to Milosavljevic, there is a wealth of convincing evidence that supports the use of sound therapy to treat both physical and emotional pain. In one study, University of California researchers discovered that using Tibetan bowls to aid in meditation significantly reduced tension and rage, especially in those who were new to the practice. Another study, concentrating on fibromyalgia patients, found that low-frequency sound therapy dramatically lengthened the time that participants could sit and stand without experiencing discomfort.

The advantages of sound on health are also supported by meta-analyses. The use of binaural beats as a method of reducing anxiety has been supported by evidence from 30 different studies, according to researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany. Additionally, researchers from McGill University found that playing and listening to music is associated with enhanced general mental and physical health after reviewing 400 studies. Admittedly, sample sizes for particular research are frequently low. However, almost all of them show tangible outcomes. While sound therapy doesn't work for everyone who has intense pain or stress, it is unquestionably helpful, according to Milosavljevic.

Reference

https://www.prevention.com/health/mental-health/a30986834/what-is-sound-therapy/