The Healing Power of Sound: Integral Sound Therapy
Sound is all around us. For thousands of years, ancient sages, masters and enlightened communities have understood the significance and validity of sound as a sacred instrument of power and healing. From a traditional medical perspective sound is perceived through the ear, however, scientific evidence has documented that sound is also felt physically via vibrations within the body. These vibrations can have a multitude of effects on a person. Integral Sound Therapy concentrates on healing the recipient through a variety sound healing tools.
The instruments used in therapeutic sound therapy have a long history of providing vibrational sound to encourage healing physically, emotionally, energetically and spiritually. Therapeutic sound balances and harmonizes while at the same time serves as a catalyst to release dis-ease causing toxins from the body.
There are four key ways in which sound healing works:
1. Sympathetic resonance
Bringing the body into a balanced state of “vibration”
2. Brainwave entrainment
Allowing for cells to operate in harmony with one another
3. Frequency Following Response
Stimulating brainwave frequencies associated with positive well-being to lead to peace, calm and healing
4. Balance the left/right brain hemispheres
Left brain is masculine by nature and the right brain is feminine, similar to balancing the yin/yang of the body
through synchronization
Some of the benefits of Sound Therapy are:
- Triggers the relaxation response
- Reduces blood pressure
- Alleviates symptoms of chronic stress
- Releases and Harmonizes the mind / body / spirit
Instruments experienced in a private sound healing session may include:
- Crystal Bowls
- Tibetan Bowls
- Drums
- Shakers / Rain Sticks
- Tuning Forks
- Koshi Chimes
A typical Sound Healing session will include an intake form and discussion of expectations from a session. It is key to understand that this becomes a joint effort towards wellness, therefore the recipient is as much as a participant in the healing as the facilitator. Once the intake is complete the client will typically lay on a massage table and simply receive sound therapy.
In addition to receiving sound healing in a private session with a trained professional in Integral Sound Therapy, one may also opt to attend a group sound bath experience. During a group experience many instruments are played to bring about similar sense of relaxation, meditation and wellness to a group. Sound Therapy is one of the fasted growing forms of healing in the United States and more non-traditional “yogis” are open to experiencing the soothing aspects of this treatment due to its accessibility and “no experience necessary”.
It is of utmost importance that when seeking treatment that the client does the necessary research on whom to see. The facilitator is offering space and energy to encourage healing and transformation. A professionally trained Integral Sound Therapy Facilitator receives upwards of 200 hours of training through an accredited and internationally recognized program. Education is key in this sector.
Nicole Zornitzer is a Certified Diploma Level 2 Integral Sound Therapy Facilitator and graduate from the Sound Healing Academy. She is also the owner of Niyama Yoga Shala, with locations in Randolph and Sparta, New Jersey. For information and to book a private sound healing session, call 973-500-2939 or visit NiyamaYogaShala.com