Sound Healing

The use of sound for healing is ancient. Through the Greeks, especially Pythagoras, we know that there is an intimate connection between music and mathematics. Greek healing temples were built around this relationship, being designed so that the sound would carry in a specific geometric pattern within the room.

What we call a spa experience today was preparation for a healing session for the ancient Greeks. The person seeking healing would bathe, be surrounded by healing essential oils, and spend time in contemplation in preparation for the musical part of the treatment in the inner part of the temple. The lyre, considered the most sacred instrument, was used along with flutes and zithers.

Similar geometric designs were used in churches built during the Middle Ages and Renaissance to enhance the effects of the music.

Therapeutic Indian music has come from three sources: astrology, psychology and mathematics. The science of the ancient Vedas was the science of the elements: ether, space, fire, water and earth (Ayruveda uses this same science). Hindu musicians wrote Ragas which were designed to be played or sung at a certain time of the day or night, or in a certain season. These Ragas could then be prescribed for various ailments.

How Sound Therapy Can Heal the Mind and Body

Sound therapy or sound healing works by returning the body’s own vibration to its natural state. The healing power of sound can help stress hormones to decrease as well as slowing the brain waves and heart rate. Creating the right frequency or vibration can help you to relax or heal.

Without realizing it, you may be using a form of sound therapy in your life. You may choose to listen to a certain kind of music when you are feeling stressed, or you may seek out an outdoor setting where you can pay attention to the sounds of nature such as the soothing sound of gently lapping waves.

Gongs and Himalayan Singing Bowls

The Gong is one of man's oldest therapeutic instruments, and is used in yoga, sound meditation, and vibrational therapy from the distant past to present. The Gong is an ideal tool for stress reduction, stimulation of the glandular system, and as a facilitator to break up emotional blockages. It can be effective in opening chakras and balancing other energy systems.

The antique Himalayan Singing Bowls used are bronze resonant metal which, when struck or sung, give a fundamental note as well as several overtones. A good bowl will have a combination of several male and female voices. They are very different from crystal bowls which are a clear fundamental without the overtones.

Both the gong and singing bowls produce sound which helps slow your breathing and heart rate, leading to a deep sense of calm and relaxation, and may help in journeying and in opening the Third Eye by activation of the pineal gland. In addition, the brain waves are slowed to a Theta (dreaming, hypnosis) or even Delta (deep sleep) state.

At RedTail Energetics, sound meditations are offered individually and in groups.