Sound therapy has become very popular over the last decade or so, and is growing in stature as the science supporting the many health benefits continues to grow.
The history of sound therapy is somewhat ambiguous, as there are some researchers who think it goes back to Australia and the Aborigines, whilst others have traced it back to ancient China, India and the Egyptians. In fact, a closer look at history and culture clearly demonstrates sound/music has been used in a therapeutic way for centuries. The modern rise in sound bathing is merely a manifestation of that, demonstrating how music and sound have been part of the human experience in some form, from time immemorial.
The basic premise of sound healing is that everything in the universe has a vibration, a resonance, and when the energies are in alignment with one another, such as when the environment is untainted, when there are positive connections and relationships, when we are imbibing a broad spectrum of foods and nutrients that promote health, when we remember we are vertical rivers, dependent on water… then we enjoy quantum coherence (harmony). In physics this is a phenomenon described as entrainment, where two bodies may have different resonances, but when they lock together they share the same rhythm and vibration.
When the energies are misaligned, such as where there is toxicity and pollution, negative emotions, poor diet, insufficient sleep, dehydration and much more, then we have quantum dissonance (disharmony). This is the disease state, which can manifest in the mind or body. It can also be seen in the relationships between individuals, families, communities and the wider society.
What sound therapy can do is improve the subtle conversations taking place within our bodies. It does this by improving and regulating our brainwaves, which in turn generates reassurance and calm amongst the cells. This leads to entrainment, health and well-being.
So, exposing oneself regularly to music that promotes healing is incredibly valuable. There are many conditions that are reported to respond very well to sound therapy, such as: anxiety disorders, depression and PTSD. Sound therapy has been shown to improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and help with pain, improve the quality of sleep, stabilise temperament, and increase confidence. There are various behavioural and psychological/psychiatric disorders that respond well to sound therapy too, including dementia and autism. In addition there is research demonstrating the healing benefits of sound therapy after surgery. It also has been found to help women challenged by PMS and the menopause. Clearly, this ancient art form, that has travelled with us down the corridors of time, has a place in the therapeutic and healing arena.
In the video below Bruce Lipton offers some insights into the benefits of sound healing.
Here’s a wonderful example of sound bathing… bliss.
Also see: The Mozart Effect and The Code