Stress and anxiety are the new normal in our fast-paced world. While traditional approaches such as therapy, meditation, and exercise are effective, not many people have the bandwidth to actually put in that effort when they feel low. A new and lesser talked about alternative are wellness practices like sound baths. This method of finding mental peace is gaining popularity for its calming effects. But what exactly are sound baths, and can they truly help with stress and anxiety? Let us dive in.
What Is a Sound Bath?
According to Medical News Today, a sound bath is a meditative experience where the participants are 'bathed' in sound waves produced by instruments, such as singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, and chimes. Funny as it may sound to comprehend, unlike a traditional bath, there is no water involved. Instead, the 'bath' refers to being immersed in soothing sounds that help one feel relaxed and at peace from within.
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Nikhil Nayar, Psychiatrist, Sharda Hospital - Noida, explained, “Typically, in a sound bath session, participants will lie down comfortably and the practitioner creates a soundscape to lead the participants into a meditative state. Vibrations and tones are believed to cause brain waves to change from the thinking active mode.”
Also Read: Mindfulness Beyond Meditation: These Tips Can Help Boost Your Mental Health
How Sound Baths Work
We asked Dr Nayyar to explain how exactly a sound bath works, and he shared, “Sound therapy isn't new. Its roots lie deep in ancient cultures of Tibetan singing bowls used in Buddhist practices. The concept of sound baths is that specific frequencies can balance the body and the mind, causing a decrease in tension and a tendency to heal.”
Sound therapy has indicated the following facts regarding specific tones and vibrations, as per experts:
- It can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes the body's ability to rest and recover.
- Lowers cortisol, which is the stress hormone.
- Encourages mindfulness to help individuals be present in the moment.
Benefits Of Sound Therapy For Stress And Anxiety
A few benefits to name of sound therapy for stress and anxiety include:
1. Deep Relaxation
The immersive soundscape helps quiet mental chatter, which makes it easier to enter a deep state of relaxation. This can be especially helpful for those with anxiety, where racing thoughts are very common.
2. Improved Sleep
Music has been long associated with better sleep. Similarly, after a sound bath, an individual is reported to sleep better and more peacefully. Dr Nayyar pointed out that this probably happens because of the relaxing effects and stress reduction.
3. Better Emotional Well-being
A sound bath is a one-on-one experience that offers a judgment-free space for emotional processing, which leads to a greater balance and well-being as well as a positive outlook on life.
4. Lowered Heart Rate And Blood Pressure
The vibrations can also physiologically affect the soothing effect by reducing heart rate and blood pressure, which are normally elevated during periods of stress.
Bottomline
Sound baths are a combination of ancient traditions with modern wellness practices. It helps in providing a gentle yet wholesome way to soothe stress and anxiety. Whether a seasoned meditator or one who is just beginning to be mindful, the power of sound might just bring harmony to an otherwise loud and noisy mental life.