Can a sound heal you? Research says yes. According to a 2016 study on the effects of Tibetan singing bowls on mood, tension, and well-being, researchers observed a significant decrease in tension, anger, anxiety, and depression after a 60 minute ‘sound bath’ using Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and crystal singing bowls.
So, what is a ‘sound bath,’ and why does it help? A sound bath is a period of meditation where participants either lay on a mat or engage in light stretching while surrounded by sounds produced by gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, or crystal singing bowls. Many yoga practitioners incorporate gongs and bowls into their practices, but a sound bath focuses solely on vibrations and sounds to center and calm the body.
While researchers are unclear about a singular reason behind their perceived benefits, they can see measurable differences, especially in people who haven’t experienced a sound bath before. If you’re curious, there are several healing centers that offer sound bath events or incorporate elements of sound healing into their services. Here are just a few to get you started.
Kundalini Yoga Kansas City
Yoga leader Karta Purkh Singh offers a program called ‘Gongs, Singing Bowls, Healing Bowls’ where participants are immersed in sound for 60 minutes. The sound bath promises to initiate healing and relaxation. Learn more under programs at kckundaliniyoga.org.
Very Well KC
Unwind the Week: Meditation and Sound Bath with Lauren promises to ease your nervous system and unwind tension by helping you connect to your breath. Find the schedule at verywellkc.com.
Haven Wellness
Sound healing is often paired with energy healing practices like reiki. With the energy balancing services at Haven Wellness, practitioners assess your seven chakras and then attempt to align them using crystals, sound, and vibration. Learn more at havenwellnessop.com.
At Home
While it’s difficult to achieve the same resonance as a sound bath at home, Tibetan singing bowls are widely available at shops like Aquarius, aquariuskc.com, or Spectrum A New Age Shop, northlandmetaphysical.com.