
Relax while you read:
It’s a tense time – but an ancient healing ceremony could calm your coronavirus nerves.
‘Sound baths’ have been making waves in the wellness world for the past few years. Prescribed to stressed-out workers, university students and celebrities, the immersive sessions use instruments to produce meditative sounds.
But with studio spaces closed, practitioners are bringing sound baths to the comfort of your homes. Instagram, Soundcloud, and YouTube are transmitting a dose of zen.
The history of sound baths
Thought to originate in Tibet over 2000 years ago, sound baths use repetitive notes at varying frequencies.
Classes are taken one-to-one or in groups, and usually begin with affirmations before moving on to gongs, singing bowls, panpipes and maracas.
Sound baths from home
Set the scene by picking a room in your house and lying comfortably on the floor, or sitting in a chair. Maybe even replicate a studio by lighting candles and burning incense.
Half collective nap, half deep sense of calm, use blankets, cushion or bolsters to ease you in. Tune into a livestream or pre-recorded sound bath and let the (digital) vibrations wash over you.
Provided you’re not lulled to sleep by the end of the hour, the session will close with a period of silence and reflection.
Recommended listening
Cathy Eastburn of Sarasa Sound in Clapham, London has moved her classes online.
“Although obviously it’s not the same as being physically present with the gongs and singing bowls, there has been some research carried out by the British Academy of Sound Therapy (BAST) which showed that people listening to recorded gong baths did experience significant therapeutic benefit,” she says.
Celebrities are also joining the chorus.
Watch Lizzo play the pan flute
View this post on Instagram
Or Jasmine Hemsley host a #SaturdaySoundBath
Still looking for ways to switch off in self-isolation? Why not try CBD or the new Netflix Party service?
Very useful, will definitely give this a try! Love being able to listen while I read the article too