What is sound healing? How to use sound for natural healing
Although sound healing is a relatively new concept in modern alternative medicine, it has technically been around for thousands of years. Civilisations have used music to influence people’s moods.
Music has also been used as a healing tool for the body and mind. But what about in the modern world? How can sounds be used for healing?
How does sound healing work?
One of the main reasons people use sound healing is to relax. When the human body relaxes, it goes into a parasympathetic state. In this state, the body produces nitric oxide, a chemical that dilates blood vessels to allow more blood to flow through. This helps to regulate blood pressure. As blood circulation is much better, the efficiency of the cells in producing energy is also increased.
There are many different types of sound therapy, each offering different benefits. Some of these benefits are:
- Deep relaxation – When you listen to soothing sounds, your body releases endorphins, serotonin and other “feel good” chemicals. These substances make you feel happier. They can also get you out of your flight-or-fight mode, which means they can help you deal with stress and anxiety.
- Better quality sleep – If you have trouble falling asleep or still feel tired when you wake up, try sound healing. Instead of watching cat videos on your phone before bed, put on your noise-cancelling headphones and listen to soothing music. This will help you relax and fall asleep. It will also improve the quality of your sleep because you will fall asleep more relaxed.
- Pain management – If you suffer from chronic pain, your brain sends a signal to your body to produce certain hormones that can usually make the pain worse. When you listen to soothing music, your body releases endorphins that block the release of pain-causing, pro-inflammatory hormones. This can also help control pain.
What are the different types of sound therapy?
Although this is a new form of healing, there are many different types of sound therapy sessions you can choose from, for example:
- Guided sound meditations – In this type of sound healing session, a trained musician plays a specific instrument. He also plays a specific sound over and over again to put you in a relaxed state.
- Sound baths – This is the most common type of sound healing session you can do. In a sound bath, one or more musicians play relaxing music. Some of the instruments used are Tibetan singing bowls, gongs and traditional percussion instruments. Allow your body to ‘bathe’ in the relaxing sounds and vibrations until you enter a meditative state.
- Vibroacoustic Therapy – This sound healing session uses sounds and vibrations to stimulate your body’s natural healing response. This is usually done using sofas or beds with built-in speakers that emit low-frequency sound waves. The low-frequency sounds create vibrations that let you “feel” the music.
Conclusion
Sound healing is natural and effective. These are just some of the most effective sound healing methods available to you. You should experience sound as a natural force, for body, mind and soul.
