Sound Bath Meditation: A Spiritual Experience for Everyone to Enjoy
A sound bath is a form of relaxation that uses sound waves to help clear your mind and ease stress.
Summary
The first time I ever participated in a sound bath was while living in Redondo Beach, California, in 2019. I had heard about the practice before but was completely ignorant about what to expect from this meditative experience.
A “sound bath” was offered once a week at the beachfront yoga studio I was a member of, and one evening I decided to give it a go.
Regardless of who you are, I’m certain stress is affecting your life in some way, shape, or form. I frequently deal with stress by not dealing with it- I keep pumping and pumping on until I’ve hit a 6-foot cement wall. I needed to incorporate some self-care into my life.
Thus, I tried a sound bath. Spoiler alert: I loved it!
Sound baths have become popular in recent years as a way to promote relaxation and healing. The experience is like no other and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
In this post, I’ll share my personal experience with sound baths, explain what they are and what to expect before and after attending one, and highlight some of the benefits that come with this type of meditation.
If you’re curious about giving sound baths a try, keep reading!
What is a sound bath meditation?
Though the therapeutic use of sound baths may seem new, the idea of sound healing is actually thousands of years old, stemming from many cultures throughout the world.
A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants are submerged in sounds produced by healing instruments such as gongs, singing bowls, chimes, or tuning forks.
This type of meditation aims to ease the body’s central nervous system and disperse any negative energy or energy blockages. It’s typically connected with certain emotions, feelings, and conscious and subconscious thoughts.
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It has similiter effects to your typical yoga practice, without the long poses or exercise component. In a sound bath, you will most often lay on the floor in Savasana (corpse pose) while listening to the sounds of the instruments.
Some sound baths may have you participate with chants, mantras, or oms. A sound bath aims to help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
What to expect
Here’s what you’ll expect when attending a sound bath.
During: When I walked into my first sound bath session, I walked into my open, empty yoga room and found a spot on the floor. The practitioner waved me to go into the backroom and grab whatever I needed to make me comfortable. This included pillows, mats, and blankets.
Basically, all the necessities of a power nap.
As the lights dimmed, we picked our spot on the floor and laid out in savasana (corpse pose). The chiming began.
The sounds of the gongs and bowls were overwhelming. At the beginning of the session, we were asked to focus on our breathwork and take in slow, methodically deep breaths. It was almost frustrating as I worked hard to clear my mind.
At some point during the practice, however, I was no longer in tune with my breath. I felt like I was asleep but also fully aware of my surroundings. The instrumental music of the sound bath brought me to a genuine meditative state.
After: I felt like I had just endured a massage for my central nervous system. I was calm, less anxious, and overall content with my emotional state and wellbeing. I had felt like I had released all emotional trauma and had a wave of positive energy.
The health benefits of sound baths
Mental Health: scientific studies indicate that sound baths can positively affect mental health, including reduced feelings of anxiety, tension, and a negative mood.
Physical Health: these same studies also showed that sound baths can decrease physical pain, reduce blood pressure, and even slow heart rate.
How to integrate sound baths into your wellness routine
Many yoga studios are now offering sound bath sessions at least 1-2 times per week, if not weekly.
Contact your local yoga studio and ask for their monthly schedule and if sound baths are available. Some yoga studios will not include sound bath meditations in general memberships. Instead, these sessions are offered as an additional cost, so do your research.
If you want to experience a sound bath in the comfort of your own home, there are many YouTube videos with sound bath audios to listen to. I personally love this one here.
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Typical cost for a sound bath session
The cost for a sound bath session can vary widely, but you’ll generally look at spending around $30-$65 per session.
Sound bath bowls & accessories
Are you interested in setting up your own sound bath studio at home? Sound bath instruments that make deep, resonating vibrations are typical in a sound bath meditation. These include:
- Crystal bowls
- Tibetan singing bowls
- Bells
- Gongs
- Tuning forks
Sound baths have become a popular way to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. I thoroughly enjoyed my sound bath experience and recommend everyone give it a try!
Have you ever participated in a sound bath healing? Let me know in the comments!
