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Thriving Together Series: The Well-Being Benefits of a Sound Bath

Thriving Together Series benefits of a sound bath

 

By: Jana Abutayeh, a Mason alumna with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Well-Being

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.” – Nikola Tesla

An inner voice that is rooted in truth exists for everyone. When it calls, I encourage you to receive the message it holds for you. Experiencing a sound bath can help you connect to that inner voice and discover deeper healing within. A sound bath is a deeply immersive full-body meditation experience that uses sound frequencies to support mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. It is called a sound bath because it’s as though your body is “bathing” in the sound waves as you listen. Let’s explore the well-being benefits of a sound bath, and how you can experience those healing benefits.

Looking at the basic law of quantum physics, we can see that science supports the idea that the universe is constructed of waves of energy that vibrate at different frequencies. I have always been fascinated by all that is beyond what can most easily be perceived by the mind. It fuels me with great joy to share what I have come to know as truth with others and strike a chord of an underlying truth that exists within us all. There is great healing power in sound, frequency, and vibration.

The Well-Being Benefits of a Sound Bath

The concept of using sound as a tool to promote greater well-being can be traced back to ancient traditions in several Eastern cultures. Some of the main tools and instruments that are used in sound baths today include crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, chimes, drums, gongs, tuning forks, tingshas, and many others. Singing bowls are attuned to different frequencies that are restorative, in different notes ranging from lower to higher pitches. This creates different effects within the body. The frequencies are used as tools within a sound bath to promote greater relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and even help to alleviate physical pain or discomfort. These frequencies allow for entrainment within brain wave states. Entrainment is the synchronization of two different frequencies when they come into contact. During waking hours our brain typically functions in a beta state, but in a sound bath our brain waves entrain to the frequencies and drop to lower wave lengths such as alpha (a relaxed state), theta (a dream-like state), or even delta (a state connected to deep sleep). It is very common for people to fall asleep during a sound bath, yet they are still receiving benefits from the experience. Studies have also shown that a sound bath can help alleviate problems with sleeping and are helpful for those who are dealing with insomnia.

Throughout our evolution, it is apparent that sound has a powerful and major effect on our nervous system. Many sounds can create a “fight or flight” response within our autonomic nervous system as a means for protection. So, it is no wonder that hearing a siren or any striking sound can create a felt, often unpleasant response in us. The tones and frequencies that are used within a sound bath activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our rest and digestion functions and allow our minds and bodies to relax.

A sound bath uses certain frequencies and tones that can assist overall well-being. The study of cymatics looks at sound and the visual representation of it. Our bodies are composed of primarily water, and the study of cymatics has shown the ways in which sound, vibration, and frequency directly affects water, which in turn can also affect our health and well-being. Research has shown that sound baths can help with depression and anxiety. While there is a growing awareness around sound baths, there is still much more research to be done. I believe that in the future we will see more ways in which sound can be used as a powerful tool to help many people who are suffering in ways related to physical, mental, and emotional health.

Listen to Your Inner Calling

Throughout my academic endeavors, I have found that the most important subject for me was coming to know myself more fully. The word university itself means “a whole” and when thinking in terms of our individual selves and the interconnectedness within the universe, it is truly a privilege to have the opportunity to learn and grow within Mason’s supportive community. As a recent Mason graduate, I credit the wonderful professors and opportunities I had to be highly beneficial for me to come to know the wholeness of myself through their teachings, wisdom, and grace. I think it can be quite common to attend a university unsure of what lies ahead, and to be consumed by doubts and uncertainties. However, it is a beautiful journey that opens doors and leads to greater understanding. It has done just that for me, and I wish the same and even greater things for you.

I share my journey not only to bring awareness to the power of sound but to remind you to dream big, listen to your inner calling, and explore new experiences that are supportive of your own well-being. Remain open and willing to explore new depths that lie within you and delve into the areas that pique your interest. We are here to grow, learn, and expand into our truest, most authentic selves. Continue to find your passions.  May they fuel you as move forward unto the unique path you are here to create. We all have our special strengths and gifts, and the academic journey is one that can lead to greater self-discovery, if you make the conscious choice to do so. Make that choice. It is through us all connecting to who we are that allows us to truly thrive together in harmony.

Experience a sound bath to come to know through your own experience how it can be most supportive for you.

Online, you can find sound baths to listen to anytime, on sites such as YouTube.

However, it’s especially powerful to experience a sound bath in person. If you would like to do so, I invite you to join a sound bath on campus with me. Join me on Monday, December 2, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (register here) in Merten Hall, room 1201. I hope to see you there!

Mason’s music and well-being classes, which are open to all Mason students, offer many opportunities to learn about the healing power of music at Mason.

Additional Resources

Write one of these Thriving Together Series features! We’re looking for contributions on all topics related to well-being. Read other Thriving Together Series articles here and contact us at cwb@gmu.edu for guidelines. Thank you for helping our Mason community thrive together online!