FAQ: SOUND BATHS

What exactly can I expect to happen during a sound bath? What is the process like?

• OPENING: Once you’re in a comfortable position, I’ll guide you to connect to your breath to start the relaxation process. I’ll invite you to recall a pleasant memory, to connect with those positive feelings and bring them to the present. This exercise helps us to open our hearts and sets the tone for the sound bath experience.

• SOUND BATH: For the rest of the session it will be simply the sounds and no talking. I’ll move from one instrument to another, sometimes layering them together.

• SILENCE: After the sounds I will allow us a couple of minutes to sit in silence to allow the sound vibrations to sink in; you can think of this as similar to savasana (corpse pose) at the end of a yoga session.

• CLOSING: I’ll “wake” you with the sound of the tingsha and gently speak  to help your awareness return. I close the session by chanting “Om”, the sound of the universe, and “shanti” three times: one for inner peace, one for peace in our community, and one for world peace. You can say these silently in your mind’s eye along with me. Afterwards I’ll give you the option to stay in your restful position, or to discuss your experience.

 What do I need to have or do to receive a sound bath?

• All you have to do is be open to the experience.

• Please choose a quiet, comfortable setting for your sound bath. You’ll have the best experience if you can lie down, either on a yoga mat, a couch, or in bed. Please prepare yourself with whichever pillows, bolsters and blankets you prefer; the more comfortable your body is, the better you’ll be able to relax into the sounds. Headphones are recommended for the most immersive sound experience, but are not required.

• A sound bath is a listening experience so you don’t need to see the screen. I encourage you to keep your video active as seeing your breathing patterns helps me be aware of your experience, however you are free to turn your video off if you prefer. If you are in a place with background noise, or you are prone to snoring while sleeping, I kindly ask you to mute your microphone.

 What instruments are used?

• I use crystal singing bowls, Himalayan singing bowls, various chimes, kenari seeds, a frame drum, and a tingsha. Some of the sounds are soft and soothing, like the crystal singing bowls. Others are rhythmic like the drum. The kenari seeds have been described as evocative of wet rocks. The tingsha is a bright sound, like a bell, that I use to signal the end of the session.

How can I expect to feel? What is the experience like?

• You will experience deep relaxation that’s somewhat in-between waking and sleeping. While it’s common for people to fall asleep, many others are unsure if they fell asleep or not, because the sound baths can feel like a dream. Some people come out of the sound bath and feel as if they slipped into another place. Some people lose track of time: it can feel like it went very quickly, or it can feel like it lasted longer than it actually did. A variety of feelings are possible in the body, from tingling to pleasure or even as if your body isn't fully there. Some feel very heavy in the body, like they cannot move, and others feel as if they are floating.

• All of these experiences are normal and good! Please try to simply be open to the experience, and arrive with no expectations.

 What happens physiologically during a sound bath?

• Sound baths enable your body’s innate relaxation response. The sounds soothe your body’s nervous system, entering you into the parasympathetic state. This is the same nervous system state that we experience during sleep, allowing for mental and physical restoration. Your breathing rate slows, your heart rate slows, heart rate variability increases, blood pressure reduces, and muscles relax. The production of cortisol, the stress hormone, greatly reduces.

• Your brain waves slow down in resonance with the sound waves, meaning that there are fewer electrical impulses moving through your brain - literally fewer thoughts and less activity.  You will shift from the beta state (awake, alert, active) to an alpha or theta state (calm, meditative, creative, daydreaming). The chatter of your brain softens without even trying. This is very useful for overthinkers who struggle with traditional meditation! 

What are the benefits of sound baths? What can they help with?

• Sound baths are excellent for relaxation, stress relief and improved sleep quality. Though we think of stress as a mental phenomenon, stress is also physiological, affecting hormone secretions and the immune system (source), worsening nearly all physical illnesses or conditions. Sound baths counterbalance stress by enacting your body’s innate healing mechanisms, helping your body’s systems return to homeostasis.  

• Sound baths help us enter the alpha/theta brain wave state in which the subconscious is brought forth. You become energetically receptive and open. In restorative sound baths, this means you are open to receive peace, love and blessings of goodwill. In therapeutic sound baths we focus your specific intention or affirmation and plant it in the subconscious. When our conscious desires are aligned with our subconscious beliefs, we move through the world easefully and purposefully. This inner alignment helps us overcome any blocks we may have (such as procrastination, self-doubt, lack of conviction in yourself & your path), enabling us to take action on our goals.

How often should I have a sound bath?

• Sound baths are a great addition to your mental and spiritual wellness routine. Consider enjoying a sound bath every other week or once a month – similar to how often you may take a bubble bath or have a date night.

• For therapeutic sound baths with the goal of introducing new pathways to the subconscious, it’s useful to have multiple sound baths to embed the affirmations. We will discuss your experience and your desired outcomes, and create a plan that works for you.

Is there anyone who should NOT receive a sound bath?

• Sound baths are great for everyone!

• The only people who should avoid a sound bath entirely are those with sound-induced epilepsy. 

• Please let me know if you have any of the following conditions so that I may ensure you have a safe sound bath experience: pacemaker, deep brain stimulation device (DBS), pregnancy, recently had surgery with sutures that are still healing, or have metal implants (for example a hip replacement). People with these can safely receive sound baths, but placement of the instruments on the body may be altered to accommodate you.

What to do after a sound bath?

• It’s valuable to choose activities that will prolong the relaxing experience of the sound bath. Activities such as journaling, creative play, snuggling with a loved one, sleeping, meditating, going on a walk outside, and light stretching or yoga are encouraged.

• It’s also a good time to read a book that evokes the feeling of love and connection, such as The Prophet by Kahlil Gilran (link to free PDF); The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (link to free PDF); Mary Oliver's poems;  Be Here Now by Ram Dass; or The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Please remember that you are in a gentle and open state. I recommend avoiding stimulating media such as social media scrolling and any energizing or dramatic film or TV shows.

What’s the difference between a virtual sound bath and an in-person sound bath?

• Sound baths are powerful both virtually and in-person. My professional microphone is extremely sensitive and picks up every little sound I generate. You can relax in the knowledge that you aren’t missing a whisper.

• In person there are additional techniques that can be used, such as drumming close to the body allowing you to feel its powerful vibrations. I may also use tuning forks close to the ears, which is an experience that’s difficult to duplicate virtually.

• The most vital portion of the sound bath is the energetic connection that I create to guide you and facilitate your experience. Energy is boundless and transcends space and time, so take comfort in the fact that you will receive this vital energy wherever you are.