What is a Sound Bath?
You may have heard people talking about a Sound Bath, but you weren’t quite sure what it is and what is involved.
A Sound Bath is a form of relaxation or meditation. The sound can be created by the human voice, singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other percussive instruments. You will usually be encouraged to lie in a relaxed still position, but sitting is also an option. It is important to be comfortable, warm and in a restful pose, where you can allow your body to relax completely. Once settled, the person giving your Sound Bath, will create a sound experience.
What happens to my body during a Sound Bath?
Your body will go through some changes in terms of brain wave activity and relaxation response.
Brainwaves - the activity of our brains is measured in Hertz (Hz). A Hz measures the electrical frequency of neutrons in the brain. The higher the Hz score, the greater the activity of the brain. During our usual waking day, our brain waves operate in the Beta brainwave state (13-30Hz). When we are very focussed, problem solving and concentrating hard, our brains are in the Gamma brainwave state above 30Hz. As we begin to relax we enter an Alpha brainwave state (8-12Hz), as we begin to rest more and perhaps start to daydream or enter light sleep, our brainwaves are in the Theta state (4-8Hz). The slowest brainwaves are recorded at 0.5-4Hz, this is when we are resting deeply, when sleep is dreamless. This is the brain state when the body is in the optimum state for healing to happen, Delta.
Nervous System - When we talk about our nervous system, we refer to the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves throughout the body. Constant messaging travels throughout the body to the brain through neurons (specialist communication cells). Motor neurons control voluntary movement - the somatic nervous system, for instance moving into a yoga pose, lifting weights, and walking. Involuntary actions such as breathing, digestion and heart beat are part of the autonomic nervous system. We have little control over these, other than the breath.
The Autonomic Nervous System - is divided into two, the sympathetic (also known as the fight or flight response) and the parasympathetic (rest and digest). In our busy lives with constant stimulation, our sympathetic nervous system is often active for much of the time. Meditation, relaxation, yoga and rest activate the ‘rest and digest’ side of our autonomic nervous system. During a sound bath, we can very swiftly move into this more restful state. When the parasympathetic nervous system is active our bodies are in the optimum state for recovery. It is when we are best able to heal and when our immune system works most efficiently.
my oke yoga - Before the my oke yoga sound baths we move gently. We don’t often give ourselves a chance to notice how we feel and this is helpful. If you have had a busy day or have rushed to your sound bath you can feel a little preoccupied with what went before. A little movement brings awareness back to the physical body, perhaps you notice some niggles in your hips or your lower back, areas of your body that need to rest. Once we have moved, you will be asked to settle into your chosen restful pose, usually corpse pose (savasana). Once settle in savasana we will scan the body, bring awareness to different areas of the body to ensure we are in a relaxed and restful position. Once everyone is settled the sound will begin.
How long is a sound bath?
There is no fixed length for a sound bath. At my oke yoga, I allow 90 minutes. Some of this time is taken with the movement and settling into corpse pose or your chosen pose for rest. The sound bath itself is usually around 30-40 minutes depending on who is attending. There is a pause after the crystal singing bowls. Following this pause, we start to slowly bring a little movement to the body again and sit up. At my oke yoga, the sound bath is finished with the option to enjoy a little vegan treat.
Can everyone enjoy a sound bath?
Most people can safely enjoy a sound bath. There are a few conditions that mean it is not advisable. If you suffer from sound induced epilepsy, then a sound bath is not for you. If you are in the first three months of pregnancy, if you have brain or heart implants and non sound induced epilepsy, then you should consult with your doctor before attending. If you then choose to come, you might opt to be a little further away from the crystal singing bowls.
We all react to sound differently and this can change depending on our mood and how tired we are, as well as the space you are in, and the person giving the sound bath. The best way to experience sound is in a relaxed state of mind and a relaxed body. If you notice that you are not enjoying the sound, allow yourself to be a little more aware of your breath and settle a little more deeply into your restful pose, allow the sound to wash over you. If this is still not comfortable, you would be allowed to leave the space. Do, though bear in mind that this does not map every sound experience for you.
If you would like any more information about sound baths at my oke yoga, please get in touch.