I remember the first time I tried gong bath – my amazement at the size of the gongs in the church hall and my fruitless efforts trying to rationalise my “unearthly” experience after the session…

Sound Therapy is a type of holistic alternative therapy which aims to boost health and wellbeing by affecting your body and mind through sound vibrations. Sounds a bit unbelievable, but after my initial mind-blowing experience I was ready to give it a try!

Gary and I found weekly Sound Therapy in Waterloo, London, which was just 15min from where I used to live. We started going there on a regular basis, and in a few weeks I found myself craving the sessions! After gong bath I could completely forget about my deadlines, work, upcoming exams, dissertation… For once, I could simply enjoy being – something that I was rather unused to. Being a philosophy undergraduate student, I found it quiet hard to relax and “switch off” my busy mind – I remember that in my free time I would always think. My mind would be restless which often lead me to complete exhaustion and apathy to the rest of the world…

Sound seemed to push me out of my busy mind gently, yet effectively. I felt much more relaxed and happier; even my health improved! I saw myself switching to a healthier diet and leading a healthier lifestyle, which was quiet a new thing for me. I decided to investigate into the reasons for these strange transformations.

So what happens to us when we experience sound? In 2000 Dr James Gimzewski, UCLA, California, discovered that each cell emits its unique sound and communicates it to other cells[1] and called the new field sonocytology.  He also saw that cancerous cells emit a different vibration compared to healthy cells. We also know that the principle of resonance occurs when one vibrating system drives another system to vibrate with a greater amplitude at a specific frequency. If we combine sonocytology and the principle of resonance, the possible way in which sound works would be through harmonising de-harmonised cells’ sounds.

I thought that if this theory is true, there must be some studies to show sound’s effects on humans’ health and wellbeing. I was not disappointed to find numerous cases where the sound was shown to help with stress[2], anxiety[3], pain[4], tiredness[5], acquired brain injury[6], sleeping disorders[7], Autism Spectrum Disorder[8], Parkinson’s Disease[9], and other health issues. It was also found to aid concentration[10], self-reflection[11], creativity[12], promoting peace and clarity[13], and boosting coping and managing skills[14]. No wonder that the NHS and Cancer Research UK are currently employing sound and music therapists[15]!

Gary and I are now qualified sound therapists carrying our weekly gong baths in Elmbridge, Surrey. Something that once was my weekly “time off” now turned into my full-time job and an absolute passion. Feeling the relaxing and rejuvenating effects of the gong, and, moreover, seeing the happy faces of our guests who report various “miraculous” healings including giving up smoking, treating muscle pain, anxiety, colds, and various diseases, gives me much confidence to say that sound therapy is, in fact, a very powerful wellbeing booster. But I would not take my word for it – try to see for yourself!

You can read more about the history behind sound therapy here, and the science behind it here. You can also see our upcoming Gong Baths and book your place here. You are always welcome to contact us via email at holistichealingtherapyuk@gmail.com, or by calling us on 01932 880712. We would love to answer any of your questions!

 

[1] Joachim, C.; Gimzewski, J. K.; Aviram, A. (2000). “Electronics using hybrid-molecular and mono-molecular devices” (PDF). Nature 408 (6812): 541–8.doi:10.1038/35046000. PMID 11117734. 2,195 citations (Web of Science, October 2014)

[2] Ahonen H. , Deek P. & Kroeker J.(2012). Low Frequency Sound Treatment Promoting Physical and Emotional Relaxation Qualitative Study.  International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. Vol 17(1) 45-58

[3] ibid.

[4] ibid.

[5] ibid.

[6] Bradt J, Magee WL, Dileo C, Wheeler BL, McGilloway E. Music therapy for acquired brain injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD006787. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006787.pub2.

[7] Wang CF, Sun YL, Zang HX. Music therapy improves sleep quality in acute and chronic sleep disorders: a meta-analysis of 10 randomized studies. International Journal of Nursing Studies 2013; 51(1): 51-62.

[8] Geretsegger M, Elefant C, Mössler KA, Gold C. Music therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD004381. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004381.pub3.

[9] Haas, et al., (2006) study, text from Ahonen H. , Deek P. & Kroeker J.(2012). Low Frequency Sound Treatment Promoting Physical and Emotional

Relaxation Qualitative Study.  International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. Vol 17(1) 45-58

[10] Ahonen H. , Deek P. & Kroeker J.(2012). Low Frequency Sound Treatment Promoting Physical and Emotional Relaxation Qualitative Study.  International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. Vol 17(1) 45-58

[11] ibid.

[12] ibid.

[13] ibid.

[14] ibid.

[15] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/music-therapist; http://oxleas.nhs.uk/services/service/music-therapy-service/