Here’s why sound therapy, an ancient ritual from Tibetan and Himalayan cultures, is making a comeback.
We live in an age of technological innovation. Our physical fitness is monitored by our watches, our skincare routines have been taken over by LED masks and we’re even able to practise mindfulness via an app. As we continue to move forward, many of us might lookback in pity, feeling sorry that our ancestors didn’t have access to the digital advancements that we do.
So, it might come as a surprise to learn that sound therapy, which originates from ancient Tibetan and Himalayan cultures, has had a revival, with the likes of Kendall Jenner and the Duchess of Sussex professing their devotion to the practice. But what is it?
“We’re made up of pure energy,” says Dr Nima Mahmoodi, cosmetic dentist and aesthetic practitioner at Remedi London. “The energy within us is always vibrating, and sound therapy aims to create a healing resonance by bringing the external sound in tune with our internal vibrations.”
Sound therapists use a combination of vibrations to stimulate our bodies, rebalance our emotions and help us feel calm. The typical tools used can include crystal and Tibetan bowls, gongs and even live piano music.
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What are the benefits of sound therapy?
“There are many benefits, including enhancing relaxation, improving sleep and helping to better your mood,” says Dr Nima.
He points to relieving stress as the most prominent benefit. “The natural vibration of the human body is greatly affected during times of stress. As the vibrations within the body changes, so do the cells. This can manifest as anxiety, emotional imbalance or insomnia.”
Here, sound therapy can be used to restore the vibrations to their natural state, so that energy can flow through the body at ease.
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Can sound baths help with stress?
According to Dr Nima, the answer is yes. “Sound therapy works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the opposite of the flight or fight response. By creating healing vibrations, slowing down your breathing and heart rate and entering into a meditative state, the class calms the mind and body.”
In a time where technology does most of the work for us, it may seem archaic to be reverting to ancient methods of healing. But for those of us who work inner-city jobs, a sound therapy class can be a great option for some much-needed down time.
Where to go for sound therapy at home and abroad
Remedi London offers the Remind Package, which includes four infrared sauna sessions, four rebalance impulse sessions and two sound therapy sessions.£400. remedilondon.com
Acro, a wellbeing boutique resort in Crete, hosts sound therapy sessions with the aim of guiding guests to reconnect with their inner self and returning into a natural state of harmony. Prices start from £43 per person, not included in the overall stay package. acrosuites.com
Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa, situated in the North Malé Atoll, offers Sound of Baani classes and Sound Chakra Balancing. Prices start from £115 per 60 minute session, not including accommodation costs. kagimaldives.com
