The sound waves or vibrations created by the practitioner’s instruments, like gongs, tuning forks, and singing bowls, can alter your brainwave frequencies, measured in units of hertz (Hz). Vibration is also measured in hertz, the same unit in which we measure sound. Sound Therapy uses different sound frequencies to interact with our brainwaves and promote healing. The specific rhythms and frequencies used by Sound Therapy instruments can modulate your brain from the beta state (normal waking consciousness) to the theta state (relaxed consciousness, light sleep) and even the delta state which is dominate when you’re in a period of deep, restorative sleep.
In the Theta and Delta state we decrease our awareness of the physical world and are able to access information in our subconscious mind. This is where most of the healing occurs. In this state the brain can attend to other issues within the mind and body. Below we’ve put together 5 of the most common benefits of Sound Therapy.
1 . Reducing Stress
We know stress isn’t good for us, but why? When we experience stress throughout the day our bodies enter a state of fight-or-flight (sympathetic). This is our bodies natural response to stress. In some cases of danger or immediate threat this response is helpful. However in today’s modern world we are constantly ‘connected’ and the pressure to maintain an image of perfection is exhausting. This creates a prolonged state of fight-or-flight. Being in this state the majority of our day can cause mental and physical damage. So much so that we actually forget what it’s like to feel peace and relaxation.
Sound Therapy affects the body in completely opposite ways that stress does. These therapeutic vibrational sound frequencies interact with every cell in our body allowing us to enter a parasympathetic state, opposite of fight-or-flight. By allowing ourselves to enter a state of deep relaxation and meditation we detach from the physical world, which can help us process and begin the healing of unresolved mental, emotional and even physical trauma. In doing this we clear the mind, releasing stress-induced thought patterns that keep our bodies ‘triggered’. In turn this helps us to find a renewed sense of purpose, well-being, calm, and happiness.
2 . Improving Sleep
Have you ever gone to bed hoping to get a good nights sleep only to worry about a problem or long to-do-list, all night!? Me too. All the while we know these thoughts are going to rob us of good night sleep. The tiredness that follows can leave you feeling drained and sap your productivity, in some cases even harming your mental health. The worst part is not being aware of how your lack of sleep is affecting your well-being, because it’s been that way for so long.
By using Sound Therapy we can bring the minds attention to the present moment, learning to be accepting and non-judgmental of our thoughts, emotions, and feelings, and developing awareness of the sensations we’re experiencing in that present moment evoking the relaxation response which is conducive to sleep. Sound Therapy can induce physiological responses like lowered heart rate, controlled breathing, and enhanced melatonin levels. Although it’s not the equivalent of flipping a switch to better sleep, the practice of Sound Therapy over time can be a powerful tool on the path to sleep health.
3 . Improving Focus, Attention and Clarity
Chances are you’ve experienced times in your life where your mind feels foggy or stuck. A cloud appears and you are unable to reach for your next thought. The fact is when our bodies are calm and relaxed our level of focus and attention increases. Having more clarity allows us to make more effective and quicker decisions, especially important ones, whether at work, school or in your personal life. Staying engaged in the most present moments and experiences can teach us to have more more clarity and defog the mind.
Sound therapy is a great tool which can help focus our mind in the present moment and give us a sense of calm. This calmness of the mind allows us to think with clarity and enhanced focus. Just like a computer, if too many programs are running in the background the important programs cannot run efficiently. Our mind works in a very similar manner and Sound Therapy can help shut down these unwanted programs, clearing our mind of distracting thoughts. When we practice Sound Therapy regularly we can ensure longer lasting results. We are essentially training the mind to create a sense of calm in difficult situations, where focus, attention and clarity are required. And just like any other training it does take some time but it’s well worth the effort.
4 . Enhancing Self Awareness
Self-awareness is the difference between managing our thoughts and emotions effectively or being consumed by them. Developing self-awareness takes time, energy and is achieved by being present. While being present we allow ourselves to create better connections within the mind. Rather than acknowledge our thoughts and emotions, we tend to “look the other way”, attempt to ignore these feelings and create temporary relief by pushing it aside. This relief usually comes from finding any number of distractions to keep it buried below the surface. But until we pay attention in that moment, these negative thoughts will continually resurface.
By mindfully acknowledging our thoughts and emotions, Sound Therapy allows us to explore what we feel and helps us make effective decisions with rational thought. This integration of feelings and rational thought creates a better sense of which situations and feelings leave us feeling stressed or anxious. This also allows us to understand which situations and feelings give us a sense of joy and purpose.
5 . Managing Pain
Aches and pains can interfere with our daily lives in a number of ways. When we feel discomfort from pain it sometimes feels like there’s no escape. Having a positive outlook while pain is present seems like an impossible task. It’s been said that there is a direct correlation between negative thinking and the level of pain we experience coinciding with suffering. A vicious circle ensues wherein pain can trigger negative thoughts which can increase muscle tension and stress, which can ultimately amplify pain signals and trigger more of them.
Sound Therapy is a powerful tool that can help us gain better insight and awareness of our current physical state. Being aware of what we are experiencing in the present moment allows us to become objective without having to reject what we are feeling. Sound Therapy can bring insight to our current situation and we discover, naturally, we want to escape pain. Our reluctance to accept these experiences can cause even more suffering. But in periods of discomfort we can also find periods of physical and emotional well-being. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Sound Therapy allows us to accept our deepest emotions and let go. Improving our outlook on pain creates emotional resilience, reduced tension, and cause a structural change within our nervous system and brain.
Should I try Sound Therapy?
The beauty of these treatments is they are not invasive and only require an open mind, which means there’s no danger in giving it a try if you’re interested. Bee Humble Wellness is offering a special perfect for new-comers wanting to give it a shot. If you’d feel more comfortable in a group setting we also host workshops and events 3-4 times per month!