ABOUT
Research at the British Academy of Sound Therapy has shown that a short session with therapeutic sound known as a soundbath may have long-lasting therapeutic effects. When we are drifting off to sleep, our brains go through a cycle which involves slowing parts of the brain down from being ‘conscious’ (aware and alert) to ‘unconscious’ and therefore asleep. Between being awake and being unconscious there are a range of different states of consciousness where the brain is aware but in a drifty, between-the-worlds state.
Have you ever felt that warm fuzzy feeling just before you drift off or when waking up from sleep? If so, it is likely that your brainwaves were predominantly in an Alpha or Theta state at that point. This is known as an Altered State of Consciousness and is connected with benefits including creativity, cellular renewal and potassium sodium balance (which results in mental refreshment). Most of the time these brainwave states are fleeting and we rarely have much time to enjoy being in this place.
This is the state that meditators aim to reach but it can take years of practice to be able to still the mind enough to reap the rewards. With a sound therapy session at the Sound Salon, we invite you into a deep meditative state, cutting out the need for years of meditation practice and feeling immediate benefits. You’ll feel amazing and it’s based on science.
HOW IT WORKS
Sound Salon’s approach is informed by the theories and practice developed by the British Sound Therapy Association accredited by a UK university and recognised by the International Sound Therapy Association.
In each session we help people reach an alternate state of consciousness which will cause the body and mind to relax, initiating paths of self-repair and discovery.
The Sound Salon promotes a hybrid approach that combines eastern experience and practice with western scientific research. It’s mixing old tech like gongs and crystal bowls with precise and modulated frequencies provided by synths and sounds from nature.
FAQ’s
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A sound bath is a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience that uses sound and mindfulness techniques to invite gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative processes to the mind and body.
This is usually in a group where people are bathed in warm, welcoming and sometimes, challenging soundwaves. These waves are produced by instruments such as gongs, Himalayan bowls, crystal bowls, percussive instruments, selected frequencies and nature sounds.
People simply lie on a mat for the entire experience in a safe, comforting space for deep relaxation. There is also a headrest and pillow.
The sounds aren’t melodious like music. However, the sounds can be powerful and if you concentrate, you can often feel them as well as hear them.
Sound therapy often creates a deep sense of relaxation but can get intense. You might find yourself feeling happy, angry, sad, or upset about the thoughts or memories that come up for you. It’s also totally fine to cry or to fall asleep during the session although you will get more out of it if you stay awake.
There are many health and wellbeing benefits that can be achieved from spending time in a deep relaxation including: reduced heart rate and blood pressure, relief from stress and anxiety, reduction in muscle tension and physical pain as well as an increased sense of well-being and a boost in mood. More reflective soundbaths may help with problem solving and might generate creative solutions to problems.
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Group sound therapy is a non-invasive meditative experience. You don’t need any special skills, ability or previous experience. You won’t be asked to do anything that you are not comfortable with.
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We naturally move through different levels of consciousness throughout the day. This is part of the normal operation of the brain (including day dreaming, for example).
We use therapeutic sounds to help us to achieve a certain brainwave state that is similar to experienced meditational practitioners. Sessions vary to either focus on a more relaxing or reflective approach. Have a look at the TED talk about six alternate states of consciousness here.
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Sound Salon’s approach is informed by the theories and practice developed by the British Sound Therapy Association who has been developing evidence- based research and practice since 1994. The approach is accredited by a UK university and recognised by the International Sound Therapeutical Association (ISMM). However this field of study is developing continuously, For a closer look at the western science on therapeutical sounds please have a look at ‘The Science’ section.
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Indigenous cultures have long recognised the therapeutic properties of sound. Shamanic traditions, such as those found in Native American and African cultures, incorporated drumming, rattles, and chanting to enter trance states, commune with spirits, and encourage physical and emotional engagement. These traditions understood that sound could reach deep within the human psyche, bringing about profound transformation and restoration.
Over thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine developed an intricate connection between the body and sound vibrations. Techniques like Qigong and acupuncture used specific frequencies and tones to restore balance and vitality to the body’s energetic pathways. Instruments like the guqin, a seven-stringed zither, were played to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and enhance meditation.
In recent years, sound therapy has gained widespread recognition as a complementary non-invasive practice. It is now used in settings including hospitals, wellness centres, and spas to reduce stress, alleviate pain, and encourage relaxation. Soundbaths have become popular for inducing deep states of meditation and promoting emotional release. Binaural beats which involve listening to specific frequency combinations, have gained attention for their potential to enhance focus, creativity, and sleep.
The remarkable history of sound therapy reveals its enduring presence across different cultures and time periods. From ancient civilizations to the modern world, sound has been recognised as a powerful medium for healing, rejuvenation, and personal growth. As we continue to explore the intricate relationship between sound and wellbeing, sound therapy holds the promise of unlocking deeper levels of understanding and fostering harmony within ourselves and the world around us.
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I recommend trying a relaxing group soundbath session. This is a good introduction to sound therapy. The gongs and other instruments are played gently to lull you into a deep, restorative, relaxation state of mind. Please contact me if you prefer an individual session.
This is Gerhard
Gerhard Boomgaarden comes from the German/Dutch borderland of Ostfriesland where the skies are limitless and the cows produce the famous creamy milk and delicious butter. He grew up swimming in lakes, skating over canals always frozen in wintertime and listening to the sounds of the forest and also to punk rock (well, it was the Eighties). He has explored the power of sounds in Berlin, Spain and in South London where he has made his home for the last 30 years.
Having pursued an intense career in academic publishing, including developing books on sound studies, Gerhard has now tuned into the intersection of intuition and research, nature and nurture.
He says, ‘Sound remains that essential thing within your soul but also something solid, framed by data, facts and science. That very personal response can be quantified. While your soundbath is an intensely beautiful experience, we know through research what happens in your brain while it happens.’
Gerhard holds a Diploma in Group Sound Therapy with the British Academy of Sound Therapy. The academy has been developing their university accredited evidence-based research and practice since 1994. it is part of the International Therapeutic Sound Association.
In his spare time he produces music.
He is covered by professional and indemnity insurances for sound therapeutical work. He holds a current first aid certificate. Gerhard is a member of the British Academy of Sound Therapy and the International Therapeutic Sound Association. All information is processed according to GDPR guidelines.