As the New Year approaches, you're likely asking yourself, "How can I level up in the coming year?" Because… goals! And while you may notice a few recurring trends: exercise more, travel more, lose weight, and get organized. Sound familiar? What you might not realize is that your list of New Year resolutions isn't complete without exploring the latest millennial wave in health and wellness: sound baths.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about your next wellness move:
What is a sound bath?
Though a newer craze in western society -- sound baths, aka an immersion in sound frequency -- aids to guide participants into deep meditation. Believe it or not, the ancient, alternative healing practice is said to predate Christ. Yep, that's right!
Now, think of the last time you were at a concert, blasting the music in your whip while singing along to Lizzo's "Good As Hell", or posted up in the club. Now, multiply that by 10. While there's literally no water involved, a sound bath is a full body experience using a variety of crystal bowls, gemstone bowls, cymbals, and gongs to create repetitive sound frequencies. The end result is said to take your meditative experience to the next level!
What are the benefits?
Practiced by Tibetans for more than 2,000 years, it's believed that Greek physicians used a variety of instruments including flutes, lyres, and zitters to heal their patients. They also used vibration to improve digestion, treat mental illness, and soothe sleeplessness. Meanwhile, ancient Egyptians recount musical incantations for healing the sick. Research dating as far back as the 19th century even credits the relationship between music and healing to improving:
- high blood pressure
- stress and anxiety
- overall wellbeing
What’s all the hype about?
If having a slew of A-list fans like Jhene Aiko, Kendall Jenner, Robert Downey Jr., Charlize Theron, and Laurence Fishburne isn't enticing enough, everyone is talking about it! In fact, Aiko recently gave a nod to the healing practice when she dropped a six-minute sound meditation track titled "Trigger Protection Mantra" before promising followers on Instagram more immersive sound bath experiences. "Color therapy + aromatherapy + sound healing + modern mantra + conscious breathing = an experience of a lifetime," she wrote. Adding, "this is what I am here to do and I am so grateful for the peace and clarity I have found on my path." Need I say more?
How to invest in sound bathing
There's a slew of options! Try a group sound bath session -- prices can range from $30 to $65 -- or for a pretty penny, a private sound bath. Not ready to immerse yourself in the sound of music among others? No problem! You can experience a similar level of relaxation from the comfort of your home!
Here's how: Center yourself in a comfortable place. Sit on a cushion and surround yourself with your crystal bowls. Enhance the ambiance by lighting a candle to evoke spiritual energy. Now, sit back, relax, breathe, and feel the music -- even sing.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
How Wellness Enthusiasts Approach Productivity Differently
The First Time I Tried Acupuncture
Oat Milk, Tongue Scraping, Transformative Travel & Other Women's Health Trends
Featured image by Shutterstock
Did you know that xoNecole has a podcast? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to join us for weekly convos over cocktails (without the early morning hangover.)
