In order to discuss or understand sound healing, we really need to start with what sound is or at least what it is made of. Sound is transmitted in waves (sound waves) and these waves vibrate. Some sound waves are fast and some are slower. The vibrations may be consistent like at a steady rhythm and some may be chaotic or inconsistent.

Intuitively, we all know this already by just thinking of music or songs. Some have a fast beat, some slow. Some have a steady flow to them and some start and stop or have a more irregular flow to them. All of this affects how we perceive the music. How does a slow and dreamy love song affect you? How does a pop rock song affect you? How about heavy metal?

The sound we hear or feel is actually transmitted through our ears, our skin, our bones and our skin! Many different instruments can be used to trigger the sound as we are talking about.

By using different notes (tone and pitch of the sound) and frequencies (the speed or number of times a sound wave repeats) with vibration, a sound practitioner can help to influence the body’s response to the sound waves and the brain waves may slow down and induce a meditative state or a relaxation response. This response may also help to decrease the heart rate, open up the blood vessels, calm our emotions, calm the gut response and many other things. So sound can be used for calming. It can also be used to speed up our nervous system as well. So in essence, it can be used for depression to give us a kick start as well!

There are truly many more ways it can help and I could go on and on here but this is a general response to sound healing.

When considering sound baths where sound is generated in the room and not directly on the body, contraindications include:

Sound induced epilepsy (triggers seizures)
During the first trimester of pregnancy where low tones should be avoided
When the person has a history of severe depression, psychosis and other serious mental health challenges
When considering sound healing directly on or close to the body, contraindications include:
During pregnancy
Directly over or near a heart pacemaker, stent, shunt, deep brain stimulator, an electrical implanted device, metallic implants or screws
When a deep vein thrombosis (clot) is present
On open wounds, acute inflammations or infectious skin conditions (possible contamination)

In an individual session, the sound practitioner will work directly with the person and will conduct an assessment to identify what areas or issues the person wishes to work on. The session is tailor made for that person in that session. The individual will lie either on a flat surface such as on a massage table or seated in a comfortable chair. No two sessions are identical since it is tailor made to that moment in time. Various instruments may be used during the session.

In a sound bath, many people are present as a group so each person sets their own personal intention silently and the sound practitioner may set an intention for the whole group. The group participants will lie flat (often on a yoga mat with pillows/bolsters, on a recliner or will remain seated if lying down is uncomfortable. A variety of instruments may be used during this type of session as well.

Often the sound healing practitioner will start the session answering any questions that people may have, will explain the sound journey and will invite the people to get comfortable either in a reclining or seated position. Be sure to wear comfy clothes for the session. You will take your shoes off and sometimes may be offered an eye pillow to cover your eyes or a blanket to snuggle in. If reclining, it helps to put a bolster (fat pillow) behind your knees to take any pressure off your back and to put a soft pillow or folded blanket under your head/neck area also for comfort. Blankets are often suggested because as you relax it is common for your body temperature to drop. Soft instruments and/or a meditation may be used as you start your sound journey. Different instruments will be played during the session introducing different sound frequencies and vibrations. You will typically feel very relaxed after your session. Drinking water is suggested after your sound session to help flush out any toxins released from your body during the session.

Yes, it is recommended to go to a sound healing practitioner who is certified and who understands the use of different instruments to invoke responses from the body with sound frequencies and vibrations. Every once in a while, someone may offer sound sessions and just play different sounds without a plan or protocol. These sessions are not effective and may even trigger uncomfortable responses in your body. Once you have attended a few different sessions with different people, you will recognize what practitioners and sounds that work best for you and resonate with your body.

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