By Amber Roman
Feb 23, 2024, 17:53 PM EST
Sound baths, also known as sound therapy, have gained popularity in recent years due to their positive effects on reducing stress and improving overall well-being. According to research by public health research psychologist Tamara Goldsby of the University of California, San Diego, sound baths have been shown to significantly reduce tension, anxiety, depression and anger, as well as increase spiritual well-being and possibly reduce physical pain.
These sound baths, which are different from music therapy, are meditative and are based on the vibrations of various instruments, with Tibetan bowls being one of the most common. The therapeutic experience can last between 30 and 90 minutes and often involves the participation of an instructor with experience in yoga or meditation, who can chant mantras.
The process focuses on sound vibration, and has been found to have positive effects on the body and mind, including a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol and increased relaxation. Additionally, celebrities like Adele and Kendall Jenner have spoken publicly about the benefits they have experienced from this practice.
According to Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a psychiatrist at UCLA, sound therapy can have a particular effect on the brain due to the specific vibrations of the music or sound used. It can be practiced individually or in a group, although the experience can be more effective when done with an experienced instructor and in an appropriate environment.
In short, sound baths offer an ancient and accessible practice for reducing stress and improving overall well-being, with benefits that can be experienced by anyone, even with just a few minutes of daily practice.
Stress is what happens when fear or anxiety becomes a constant state. https://mysoundtherapy.com/us/what-is-sound-therapy/emotional-stress-relief/stress Physiological effects include contracted muscles, increased heart rate, and constricted breathing. The adrenal system is overloaded and blood pressure increases. Stress interferes with the body’s natural flow of energy. It reduces our available energy and forces us to run on adrenaline.
Sudden loud noises trigger a fight-or-flight response: the heart pumps harder, blood pressure rises, and the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
However, even continuous, predictable machine noise, such as air conditioning, factory noise, or household appliances, increases our overall stress levels.
Recent research into how our nervous system works also shows that under excessive or prolonged stress a process called “vagal braking” is activated, meaning our primitive responses are interrupted, causing us to shut down. This process affects many of our automatic functions such as breathing, heart rate and digestion, and will have long-term effects on health.
Sound therapy is a great and easy way to counteract the effect of stress. Regularly listening to sound therapy reduces the buildup of stress beyond the level that is healthy for the body.
Sound therapy reduces stress by:
- Restore more normal functions to our nervous system
- Recharge the cerebral cortex with high frequency sounds
- Releasing latent energy in the brain.
- Improve focus and concentration.
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce negative mental chatter
- Improve inner calm and positive emotions.
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