What is a Sound Bath? By Emily Williams

So, you love savasana? Supercharge your savasana with Sound Meditation. 

As a yoga practitioner and teacher, I find that for me and many of my students savasana is often the best part of a yoga class. Where else in life do we give ourselves full permission to rest, restore, reflect, or simply breathe? Savasana is also the most important (and most difficult) yoga pose of them all. It is the time where we are completely held by the ground, allowing muscular release and space for integration of the yoga practise. 

Sound mediation is an hour long savasana set to the rich sounds of the Tibetan Singing bowls. This practise aids deep relaxation and meditation. What could be better than that?! Tea and a snack perhaps? There will be a little bit of that as well. Sound good? Read on to find out more.

What happens during a Group Sound Session?

When you join, the yoga mats are arranged in a semi-circle with everyone’s heads facing inwards. We begin with a short explanation about Sound Meditation, where there is opportunity to ask questions. You will then be invited to lie down in savasana or any other comfortable position. During the session you will be guided through a short voice meditation to induce the familiar savasana-like state. Then the multi-phonic sounds of the Tibetan Singing Bowls will begin to induce a meditative deep-sleep state. You will be slowly brought out of the meditation by differently pitched instruments including the magical Koshi chimes. Finally, if you’d like to, there will be time to discuss your experience with the group. There is, however, no expectation on you to do so. 

How does Sound Meditation work?

The form of Sound Meditation I have trained in uses metal Tibetan Singing bowls. These bowls are comprised of seven different metals, each of which has a unique resonance. Within the instrument, when struck, the vibration of the different metals “dance” together producing a range of tones and frequencies. The bowls come in an array of sizes, each producing a distinctive musical note, pitch, and tonal range. The musical note of the bowl is aligned with one of the seven main chakras, or energetic centres within the body. Chakra balancing is an important aspect of an integrated yoga practise, with each chakra being associated with a different part of the physical and energetic anatomy. 

Our bodies are made up of about 70% water, this water responds to the vibrations of the singing bowls as they travel deep within the body, providing healing at a cellular level. The specific notes of the Tibetan Singing bowls also balance the chakras. Beyond inducing deep relaxation, Sound Meditation (or a Sound Bath) has a variety of physical, emotion and energetic healing properties. Dr Mitchell L. Gaynor was a renowned Oncologist who pioneered Sound Meditation as a modern healing modality. He describes how sound meditation works best:

“If we accept that sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies.

One reason sound heals on a physical level is because it so deeply touches and transforms us on the emotional and spiritual planes. Sound can redress imbalances on every level of physiologic functioning and can play a positive role in the treatment of virtually any medical disorder.” 

Benefits of Sound Meditation

The use of sound as a meditative/healing tool has been practised for over 3000 years, originating in Indian medicine and spiritualism with the universal vibrational sound of the mantra Om (Aum). The healing properties of meditation are well documented, with the NHS prescribing “mindfulness” to address anxiety and depression in patients and its staff. Every Body studio is running a range of meditation workshops in the coming months, starting with a Sound Meditation on the 8th of May. 

Benefits of Sound meditation can include: 

  • Reduced stress and anxiety

  • Reduced heart rate and lowered blood pressure

  • Improved memory

  • Recovery from aches and pains (joints/muscular)

  • More energy

  • Better sleep

  • Enhanced emotional well-being 

  • Endorphin release

  • Increased concentration 

  • Healing of emotional trauma

  • Relief from many other physical disorders 

There is an increasing amount of scientific literature that supports the healing and meditative benefits of Sound Meditation. If I was writing for my day job as a scientist, I would be writing a full literature review to persuade you of the benefits. Instead, I’ll let other people’s experiences speak for themselves: 

“My first sound bath with Emily was a wonderful experience. I arrived stressed and emotional and by the end of the class, I was relaxed, happy and felt like I floated home. Looking forward to the next one”

“I loved the sound bath with the bowls.  It was so relaxing and calming and just what I needed”

“It was the most relaxing thing I have ever done, I felt like I was floating during the session and have spent the rest of the day feeling light and chilled”

Still sounding good? Join me at Everybody Studio for a super-massive-supercharged-sound-savasana on the 8th of May 3.30-4.45pm. Investment £20. 

Finally, a small warning that I have discovered from personal experience: Sound Meditation is addictive and may change your life.  

I look forward to holding space for your experience. Everyone’s experience is unique and there is no right or wrong way to experience Sound Meditation and Healing. Below are some useful links. Any questions please reach out and I will help where I can. I also provide bespoke 1:1 healing sessions.

Useful Website Links:

  • Dr Mitchell Gaynor’s explanation of Sound Healing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_60t34s_Lyk 

  • NHS support for mindfulness https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/  

  • Every Body Studio’s Mindful Meditation workshop https://www.everybodystudio.co.uk/workshops/2022/5/15/mindfulness-meditation-for-the-real-world

Katie Gordon