Sound Therapy

 

Frosted Crystal and Himalayan singing bowls



"... the singing bowls act as a medium in which our inner chaos and conflict can be re-configured into a harmonious sense of calm centeredness that resonates through every cell of our body and mind ."
Mitchell L Gaynor, MD,  
'The Healing Power of Sound'




Chinese Wind and Chau gongs



"... Each atom of the universe confesses by its tone: 'My sole origin is sound'.  If any solid or sonorous body is struck it will answer back: 'I am sound'."
Hazrat Inayat-Kahn
'The Mysticism of Sound and Music'




Shakers and Rainsticks for Grounding



"Everything in the Universe vibrates and is in a steady state of flow - the Universe is therefore alive with sound and within all sound is harmonic overtones”
Jonathan Goldman,
'Healing Sounds'




Remo and Horse skin drums

Whether you feel in need of a "tune-up", a relaxing pamper session or support with a long-term health challenge, sound is a powerful and versatile method for regaining and maintaining balance.  It is a safe form of therapy suitable for all ages.

What is Sound Therapy?  

Sound Therapy could be defined as is the therapeutic application of sound, with the intention of bringing all parts of the body into a state of harmony and health.  The ancient cultures of Egypt and Greece understood the power of sound and composed and performed music for the purpose of healing, and singing bowls have been used for thousands of years by the peoples of east and central Asia to assist with healing and spiritual practices.  Many native and Shamanic traditions still use sound for healing and transformation.

How does it work?

Essentially, everything in the universe is energy, vibrating at different frequencies.

Each part of the body has its own resonance frequency to which it is naturally tuned and at which it performs at optimum health and vitality.  When the frequency of a group of cells slows down, denser energy collects there, the cells become "dis-eased" and we call this an imbalance.  

In our day-to-day lives we are affected by various external stressors such as relationships, lifestyle, environment, job and diet, which can lead to imbalances in the subtle energy system.  These in turn can affect our well-being on all levels, not just the physical.  The use of sound is one way we can release these denser energy patterns caused by stress, and restore balance.  The systems, organs and body respond to the sounds by beginning to vibrate once more at healthy frequencies.  When this occurs, the denser energy is released and the system returns to homeostasis, or balance.

Sound Therapy provides frequencies that are able to promote states of deep relaxation, helping to quieten a busy mind, and allowing the receiver to regain balance and wholeness on all levels of being.  The power of sound can have the ability to soothe, uplift and lighten one's mood, at the very least.  

Intention is an important component in any therapeutic context so we will spend a few minutes talking about what you wish to create in the way of well-being and balance.  I use various instruments which include gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, voice and crystal bowls, depending on what is most appropriate for your treatment. 

Clients have experienced positive results with challenges such as 

pain and stress levels; headaches; breathing difficulties; depression; anxiety; hormonal imbalances; emotional and mental trauma; cognitive functions; immune system effectiveness; sleeping patterns; emotional and behavioural problems, and many more.  

Gong sound has been particularly effective with conditions such as 

arthritis; constipation; physical pain; stress related issues; tinnitus; irritable bowel syndrome; insomnia; muscle spasms and some anxiety disorders.

Preparing for a Treatment

Generally, a treatment lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, with the total time for the appointment taking approximately an hour and a quarter.  The first appointment is usually longer as I will need to take brief details of your medical history.  Follow-up appointments take less time, although we do spend a few minutes on feedback from the previous week.  

Wear comfortable clothing.  You will remain fully clothed throughout the treatment, except for shoes.  All jewellery and belts are fine as long as they do not restrict your movement or breathing.

As a precaution, treatments will not be offered to anyone who
« is, or may be, less than three months pregnant
« is under the influence of consciousness-altering drugs

What happens after a Treatment?

Many clients report a lessening or complete recovery from physical symptoms.  Most experience an increase in physical energy, they notice that they are feeling more relaxed, have a greater sense of well-being and often improved clarity of mind and emotions after their treatments.

I may give you an exercise or focus, which will be carefully considered as a way of supporting yourself at home and maintaining continuity until your next appointment.  Everyone responds to the treatments in their own way.  Some people notice immediate benefits from a treatment while for others it may take a little longer.  Sometimes the physical body needs to 'catch-up' with the subtle energy balancing and you may notice changes in the way you feel for several days afterwards.

Please make some time to rest or have some quiet time.  It is important that you drink plenty of water to help your body remain well hydrated and to flush out any toxins that may have been released during the treatment.  Similarly, avoid alcohol and caffeine as these could have the opposite effect.  Try to eat light meals, especially fresh fruit and vegetables.  Most importantly, listen to your body and be gentle with yourself.  If you are concerned about your general health, please contact your GP as your symptoms may be unrelated to the sound treatment.  You are also very welcome to call me if you have any questions or concerns about your experience following your appointment.

We normally book three appointments and then assess your progress at the end of the third one, before we agree whether continuing the treatment would benefit.




Links to related sites

British Academy of Sound Therapy  - Established by Lyz Cooper, trains sound practitioners & therapists in the UK
The College of Sound Healing
  - Trains sound workers in various methods, UK
Sound Therapy International  - Sound therapy based on the Tomatis method
The Sound Learning Centre
Creative Earth
  - Paul Wilkinson, supplies Himalayan singing bowls and other sacred artefacts, UK-based
Sound Travels 
- Suppliers of various instruments to sound therapy and music therapy practitioners: percussion, strings, singing bowls, gongs, etc., UK-based but ship internationally
Sound Healers Association  - Created & run by Jonathan Goldman, USA

 

 

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