What is a Soundbath?
A soundbath is where you lie (or sit) and are “bathed” in sound from instruments, into a deeply relaxed state.
Soundbaths (and gongbaths where gongs are played) are a form of sound healing. The frequencies of the sounds played entrain or synchronise your brainwaves, this allows your body to enter the restorative phases that we go into naturally when we daydream, rest & sleep, where the body can recover and recuperate.
It is an instantaneous way to relax and restore yourself - benefits can range from the physical (lowering heart rate, helping manage pain) to mental (increase clarity of thought, decrease stress and anxiety) and emotional (helping to regulate feelings, leaving you feeling serene).
I studied with the British Academy of Sound Therapy (known as BAST) so I play certain instruments in a specific order and way to facilitate deep relaxation.
What is Sound Therapy?
Sound therapy is sound healing combined with a self-reflective practice. In it you can learn more about how your current way of life or your health is impacting your well being in 1:1 sessions, using sound healing and client-lead questioning to increase your self-reflection, mindfulness and self-awareness.
I’m part way through my sound therapist study with BAST and am looking for people who would be happy to be case studies so if this is of interest do contact me. For more information about BAST please see their website https://www.britishacademyofsoundtherapy.com
What instruments are played?
There are many different instruments used in sound healing (including the voice) but I play Himalayan bowls, crystal bowls, gong (all of which you can see in the photo) and drum.
Each instrument (and the way you play it) has different effects - what you chose to play and how you play depends on what you want the outcome of the session to be. Soundbath sessions are for relaxation however you can play in a way that feels more energetic or in a way to induce very deep relaxation. The choice of instrument is key in Sound therapy as the sessions are 1:1 and tailored specifically for the client.
Sound healing has been around for a very long time and has been used in many cultures across the globe for healing, meditation and religious ceremonies so it is not a new concept - but it has become increasingly popular and well known in the past few years.
I trained with British Academy of Sound Therapy who have their own particular method of sound relaxation therapy and are very active in research into the cognitive neuroscience and psychology as to why sound healing is so powerful.
What should I expect from a session?
Soundbaths are group sessions where you lie on a yoga mat (or a chair if more comfortable) and hear a soundbath session for around 30 minutes for relaxation. Sound therapy is 1:1 (one on one) and involves client-lead self-reflection before and after sound healing from specific instruments tailored to you, as you lie on a therapy couch.
I’ll provide more information when you book in for a session but if you have any queries please do email me.