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The effects of sound baths
Everyone has a unique experience of sound baths but some common things that people say are "relaxing... peaceful... sleepy". Time can slow down and your body might feel heavy as though you're sinking into the floor. Or the opposite: some people say they feel light as a feather, almost as if they could float up into the air.
Things you were preoccupied with or worrying about might get smaller and less important as you drift away with the sound. Sometimes you might feel like you're merging with the vibrations.
After a sound bath you might feel relaxed and mindful, more in the moment, more creative, or more at peace with an issue you've been grappling with. Everyone is different. And each sound bath is different too.
What do I have to do at a sound bath? The short answer is: very little! You'll be welcomed to the room and invited to lie down in a comfortable position (for example, on a yoga mat with a blanket). If you find it difficult to lie down on the floor for any reason, that's fine - just let us know. Then your only task is to close your eyes and let the sounds wash over you (some people even fall asleep). We'll let you know when it's time to come back to the room.
The science of sound baths
Various theories attempt to explain the benefits of sound baths. One theory is that binaural beats propel the brain into states of deep relaxation. So instead of beta brainwaves (the ones associated with mental activity), the brain slows down to alpha or even theta waves. These slower brainwaves are linked to lovely dreamy, meditative or trance-like states.
What's so good about this?
If we can get into theta states with minimal effort, it's a quick route to slow down, de-stress and become more present, mindful and creative. You don't need to be a practiced or experienced meditator - you just need to find a comfortable position and then open your ears and absorb the sounds of the gongs and bowls. The sound does the work.
What's a binaural beat?
It's when two almost equivalent tones with slightly different frequencies are produced at the same time. The brain cleverly resolves this through a process of entrainment which means we perceive a single tone.