I love trying new wellness trends and techniques, but I’m admittedly a bit of a skeptic when it comes to some that appear to be a bit “woo-woo”. So when I first heard about sound bathing, I was skeptical, but intrigued. Could listening to some weird music really have the same benefits as meditating? It seemed too good to be true.

But after trying it for myself, I can confidently say that sound bathing is everything it’s cracked up to be. Here’s how to try it for yourself.

What Is Sound Bathing?

Essentially, sound bathing is the practice of listening to specific sounds, tones, and songs to induce a peaceful, meditative state. It’s pretty common to end a yoga class with Savasana and a form of sound bathing. Your instructor might lead the group in a chant or play singing bowls. If you’ve ever experienced it, you probably experienced a sense of calm.

While sound bathing has been gaining popularity in the past few years, it’s anything but new. It’s an ancient Tibetan practice that’s been used across Asia for thousands of years. And now, we’re finally getting to see the benefits across the world.

The Science Behind Sound Bathing

Sound baths feature calming, tonal sounds instead of rhythmic beats. With singing bowls, the vibrations of the metal bowl create a hollow, deep tone that ebbs and flows as the musician plays. When it’s done right, the result is a combination of frequencies that still your mind and ease your stress.

This phenomenon of interacting frequencies–also called binaural beats–which serves to synchronize your brain activity to the sound of the music. This creates the calming effect that so many people feel during a sound bath. Basically, the sounds give your brain something to focus on and follow, allowing your worries and racing thoughts to fall off in the background.

How to Try Sound Bathing For Yourself

Want to try sound bathing for yourself? Luckily, you’ve got tons of options!

If you want the full experience…

… attend a sound bathing class or meditation experience. During these experiences, you’ll lie on your back, close your eyes, and listen as an instructor plays singing bowls, chants, or leads you in guided meditation. It’s a great way to get the full, immersive experience of sound bathing.

If you want a more private experience…

… try sound bathing at home! You can chant, hum, or even play your own singing bowl to recreate the class experience in private. Take note of how you feel and what you’re thinking during the experience.

If you just want to explore more…

… there are tons of recorded sessions on Youtube. Just because you’re not in person doesn’t mean the experience is any less powerful. In fact, many people use these recordings as part of their daily meditation practice. Lie down, close your eyes, and play one for a bit. See how you feel! 

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