The benefits of sound therapy

Do you use music to slow down and relax? Put on something classical to help you concentrate? If so, you’re on the right track. Studies prove that sound can be deeply healing – particularly sound therapy and sound baths. Which is why most of our staff make Sonja’s monthly sound bath a firm diary fixture

Just as fitness trainers play heavy metal songs or a dance beat to rev you up in the gym, and horror movie directors use a subsonic 19Hz noise to have you sitting on the edge of your seat, soothing sound can have a really powerful effect on our emotions and state of mind. And there’s nothing more profoundly soothing than a sound bath. Here’s proof that sound baths are more than simply pleasant relaxation… they are clinically proven to improve our health and well-being. Here are five proven health benefits of sound therapy backed by science.

Among the many studies performed is the 2016 University of California observational study to find out the benefits of singing bowl sound meditation. This study conclusively proved that sound therapy can reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and overall stress levels. It also reported a “lowered blood pressure” and an improved state of relaxation experienced by all 62 participants.

Reduces anxiety: In a study conducted at the University of California in 2016 all 62 participants in a singing bowl sound meditation reported a reduced level of anxiety. Those who were new to sound healing were the ones to experience the most anti-anxiety benefits from the session.

Helps with depression: According to a study by McGill University in Canada, which had 217 participants, music can increase production of dopamine. Dopamine is often referred to as one of the happiness hormone, and as it is responsible for elevating our mood it can therefore be used to help people suffering from depression.

Relieves PTSD: Music therapy is often prescribed as a self-management technique for people suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A 2010-2011 study that tested the effects of music therapy on veterans who had fought in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq found that music therapy had a positive effect in relieving symptoms of their PTSD.

Lowers blood pressure: blood pressure If you’re frequently exposed to noise then the odds are you’ll have raised blood pressure. Loud sounds are known to stimulate the pituitary-adrenal cortical system, and just as our heart rate soars in response to sudden loud sounds, like slamming doors or honking horns, a gradual rise in noise hurts too. In a study of assembly plant workers the higher the volume got the higher their blood pressure rose. Simply wearing earplugs was enough to drop their systolic blood pressure as much as 5.5mm Hg.

Conversely, numerous studies (including the University of California research conducted in 2016) show a correlation between relaxing music/sound therapy and lowered blood pressure. Further research showed that for the elderly an audio-guided relaxation CD with background sounds of ocean waves and a calming voice reduced hypertension, as did listening to Mozart (but to a lesser degree).

Promotes deeper sleep There have been several studies that prove sound can help patients achieve a deeper sleep. White noise, in particular, helps mask environmental noise and can greatly improve the quality of sleep in people suffering from sleep disorders. The benefits of sound therapy for sleep-deprived patients are so widely accepted that doctors prescribe white noise machines and even hospitals use them.

For details of Sonja Gundry’s sound baths click here

To book on her next sound bath on 16 July (6-7pm) head to our booking page