The Healing Vibrations of Sound Therapy

As global spas dive deeper into the world of alternative wellness, menu options such as meditations, acupressure and mindful breathing have become de rigueur. But now, those looking to take peace of mind to a deeper level are turning to the power of sound for relaxation and healing.

While sound has always been an integral part of the spa experience, sound therapy and sound baths have taken hold in recent years as a favorite of wellness-focused spas. This powerful technique eases tension, anxiety and pain while ultimately improving one’s spiritual wellbeing.

Transformative offerings such as Mandara Spa’s “Sound Wave Therapy” allows guests 25 minutes of “a beautiful shower of peaceful sound wave vibrations produced by therapeutic sound bowls,” while other studios hold group “baths” that can range from 30 minutes to three hours.

More recently adopted by mainstream wellness studios and spas, sound therapy has been known for its therapeutic benefits for thousands of years, with indigenous tribes using it for healing purposes and even Plato and Aristotle extolling the power of sound to heal the soul. Experts and practitioners tout its ability to recalibrate our bodies’ vibrations, while scientific studies have shown that sound waves can have a profound effect on our nervous system and even lower blood pressure and treat anxiety and depression.

How does it work? First, participants in the “bath” are submerged in sound waves, not water. First-timers can expect a meditative experience. Once participants find themselves in a comfortable position, experience leaders begin using various instruments (including Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls that correspond to each chakra, drums and tuning forks) to create the sound, working through up to 40 bowls to bring the volume from barely a whisper to a full echoing wave of sound and back down again by the end of the session.

In addition to the proven physical benefits, sound therapy has also been touted as an entry point, or alternative, to meditation for those who have more active minds. While meditation can seem like an intimidating task, sound baths require only that the participant receives the sound and vibrations.

While all sound therapies are different, most aim for the same results—mental wellbeing. Whether you are just dipping a toe in or opting for full submersion, it is a practice anyone can benefit from.