Think about this for a moment. What is one of your favourite songs? Or singer, band, music genre, etc… And why?
Chances are, it evokes something within you. Whether it’s in the present time, or tied to memories, sound has the incredible power to shift your state of mind. Music can move you to tears, joy, contentment, relaxation, sadness… it can motivate and pump you up, it can slow you down and ground you.
Now move beyond music, and consider everyday sounds. Some of them are probably pleasant, while others are annoying. But sound is constant. It is rare to experience complete silence, even in a quiet space (e.g. the hum of electricity, or wind outside the window).
Sound impacts your emotions, mood, thoughts, and energy. It has the ability to change the way you feel in any moment.
Sound Therapy is one of the oldest forms of healing practiced. It has roots in ancient Egypt, Greece, Australia, India and Tibet.
Sound Therapy is practiced by:
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using your voice
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using others’ voices
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using your voice while listening to music
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listening to other people’s voices and music
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listening to a musical instrument or instruments
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listening through a speaker or headphones
A 2006 study done by the Journal of Advanced Nursing supplied evidence that those who listen to music feel less pain and are generally happier and less inclined to stress and anxiety than those who don’t. Music not only soothes our emotions, but it also a painkiller!
We can use certain tones or sounds aimed directly at certain parts of our bodies or brains, and we respond to it by adjusting our own frequencies to match it.
Therefore, if you are in pain, let’s say you have a headache, a sound can be played to you that will interfere with your brain waves to cancel out the ones that say you are in pain.
Or, if it is your mood… perhaps you are grumpy, playing a relaxing song might lift your spirits and lessen the aggravation.
Sound therapy can be maximized when used together with meditation. Most importantly, all music can be used for sound healing therapy. You don’t have to pay large sums of money to harness the power of sounds and music. Next time you need a “pick me up,” a boost, or even a vent, put your favorite playlist on.
