Sound healing

 

The benefits of sound therapy

The benefits  depend on the objectives of the client. Some come with very specific issues they want to work on, such as burn-out, insomnia or back pain. Others want to free themselves from toxic patterns of thought, behaviours or relationships. Many come as an exploration of self, wanting support as they step out of their comfort zone.

Specific benefits that have been reported by clients:

  • reduced anxiety, greater sense of well-being, better sleep
  • relief from physical pain, such as back, neck or knee pain
  • more mature relationships with loved one, including with parents and children
  • renewed creativity, a new sense of direction or vision for the future
  • greater energy, lessened procrastination and recourse to unhealthy substances
  • higher congruence, living more authentically
  • more joy and ease generally, a healthier relationship with their body

People who have metal inplants or suffer from epileptic episodes must mention it, adaptations are possible. Sound therapy is not suited for people who:

  • have a pace-maker or had recent surgery
  • are in the first quarter of their pregnancy
  • suffer from a psychiatric condition


The tools and instruments of sound therapy

Voice analysis: this is how we always start, based on a short recording. You will see a graphic representation of the frequencies you use when speaking, giving us clues to identify your strengths and what may be in the way of greater self-expression. This will help us determine what to work on together - your Guiding Question(s) - which in turn will inform which instrument(s) to use.

Vibrational retuning: this is digital sound coming through a sub-woofer placed under a massage table. I will play the specific frequencies your body is asking for, usually very low frequencies that will have you feel deeply relaxed. If you have a sub-woofer at home, I will show you how to listen to "your frequencies" at home.

Tibetan bowls: these are often referred to as singing bowls. Each one resonates at a different frequency. The bowls are directly placed on your body which will vibrate with them. Bowls are very effective in relieving tension and anxiety, they  provide an experience of deep nurturing.

The drum: the drum is a powerful instrument, suited for the release of pent up tensions and emotions. It  helps us identify our life's imposed rythms - to then set our own pace.

Vocal projection: our body strongly reacts to the sound of voices. I use polyphonic singing to help your body release pain and emotions. 

The gong: this instrument, used in many sacred traditions, speaks to our connection with the world around us and the universe. It takes you on a deep journey where your sense of separation dissolves.

In a sound bath, all instruments are combined to take you on a journey that will go through different stages and leave feeling "cleaned", the sound will have washed away your stress...

Sound experiences put you usually in a relaxed states. Falling asleep is welcome. If conscious, images will often come up and information is received which are then debriefed afterwards.


 

Books and resources about sound therapy:

- The Healing Power of Sound - Recovery from life-threatening illness using sound, voice and music, by Mitchell L. Gainor M.D. Shabhala Publications, 2002.

- Sound Medicine. How to use the ancient science of sound to heal the body and mind, by Kulreet Chaudhary M.D. Harper Collins, 2020.

- Healing at the speed of sound, how what we hear transforms our brains and our lives, by Don Campbell and Alex Doman, Penguin book, 2011.

- Music Medicine, the Science and Spirir of healing yourself with sound, by Christine Stevens, LMT, Sounds True Edition, 2012

Interesting videos:

Cymatics - the visualisation of sound: https://www.ted.com/talks/evan_grant_making_sound_visible_through_cymatics

Cymatics - Science vs. Music by Nigel Stanford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3oItpVa9fs