What Is A Sound Bath?
A sound bath involves playing an instrument and “bathing” the participants in sound. This is usually done in small groups, with one or more people playing instruments while others simply relax and listen. The purpose of a sound bath is to promote deep relaxation and to cultivate a sense of well-being and a more expansive state of being. When one blends with the many different frequencies offered by the instruments, stress and anxiety disappear. Given that sound moves energy and that we are almost 99.9999% space, these frequencies give us the opportunity to open up and release what may be there on a physical, mental or emotional level in a safe and nourishing environment.
Sound baths do not require extensive training. Sound baths do not require complex meditations. The simple power of an instrument is enough to relax. One only needs to be familiar with the instrument being used and understand how sounds are produced (including volume for those sensitive to hearing). Many people with limited musical experience have had great success using simple but essential instruments that create a soothing and harmonious experience.
There are infinite possibilities for the sounds that can be produced, and these can cover a range of frequencies from harmonic to heterophonic, and from very soft to sharper, all at a range of volumes consistent with the therapeutic soundscape. In a sound bath, there is no set process by which sounds are produced. There can be an intentional crescendo through instruments and voices, or one can intuitively lead the sound bath from one instrument to another. The instruments can be hard or soft; the tones produced can be harmonic or heterophonic; and what is really important is to remember that sound works. Playing instruments such as crystal singing bowls, drums, gongs and shakers for people who are sitting or lying down and want to relax will help these people to relax and gain a greater sense of space.
Sound baths can range from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Participants should be in a comfortable physical position either lying of sitting. An example would be a restorative yoga pose lying and supported with mats, pillows or any props that allow for maximum comfort including blankets to provide a warm and nurturing feeling. It is helpful if the outside environment can be quiet, but not necessary.
What Instruments Are Used For Sound Baths?
Sound Baths are conducted with instruments like crystal singing bowls, metal singing bowls, drum, crystal harp and the voice.
Crystal Singing Bowls and Metal Singing Bowls
Quartz crystal singing bowls and metal singing bowls sound like bells when struck. The chanter often emits pulsating vibrations for 20-30 seconds and can often sustain the tone for longer periods of time. As the striker rotates around the rim of the chanter, one can “sing” the chanter and make it sound continuously. When the mantle is continuously sounding, one can meditate for 20-30 minutes or more on the continuous vibration. The mantle makes a constant humming sound that the mind can simply sing along with, allowing the mind to expand and become more expansive.
These singing bowls sets typically play the major scale, and sing Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do. The major scale is rich with harmonic and melodic potential. Using it in a sound bath allows there to be many different sounds to be played. Often times having different tones played allows participants to come back to attention with their meditation, and refocus. Different melodies can be played that can offer a participants a sense of enjoyment.
Drums
Drums can be various sizes, producing higher or lower tones. The drums can be played with a great number of different beat patterns. In any case, the consistent beat will give participants what they need to entrain. Generally though, participants will find lower bass notes easier to listen to and relax into then higher notes.
Crystal Harp
The Crystal Harp is a versatile and unique musical instrument that has been used in various contexts, from ambient and meditation music to sound therapy and energy treatments. It is known for its pure and ethereal sound, which is achieved through the use of natural quartz tubes that are tuned to specific notes on the diatonic scale.
The Voice
The voice is a key instrument in sound healing. The main method of toning is to connect to your energetic state during a practice, and give voice to that with a tone. The tone does not need to be harmonic, though just a honest representation of the energetic state.