Healing With Music And Sound

“Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak,” wrote William Congreve in his classic poem, The Mourning Bride. He seems to have understood that music can soothe anyone who might be be stressed out, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed.

Studies indicate that music and sound heal us in a multitude of way, perhaps even at the cellular level. Long-term patients, nursing home residents, and chronically depressed people have been found to experience healing through sound.

Ancient cultures from Egypt to Japan to Australia used the secrets of healing sound. What these long-ago people instinctively knew, we now attribute to the effect of certain wavelengths upon our brains to calm, relax, and heal. As with acupuncture, these sounds may be able to reset our internal balances and remove negative energies.

You can look at disease as a form of disharmony. And there’s no organ system in the body that’s not affected by sound and music and vibration ~ Mitchell Gaynor

Almost all world cultures practice sound healing in some form. But which sounds are best? The ideal sounds for healing purposes are those created by gongs or Tibetan singing bowls, and any other rhythmic, steady tones.

So, how exactly does sound heal us? The truth is, we don’t quite know the answer. What we do know is that the specific wavelengths of certain sounds are more relaxing than others. This is probably why Classical Music is better for us than, say, Pop or Country.

Even plants have been known to flourish in environments where soothing sounds were present, and animals from parrots to dogs and cats have shown a preference for certain music and sound. So we do know that sound healing isn’t limited to the human world.

While just listening to these sounds can benefit, an added practice such as meditation or chanting can increase the healing power. Most people envision a Zen monk or perhaps a Tibetan yogi when they hear the term ‘guided meditation.’ No matter your personal path or tradition, feel free to customize your practice based upon what works best for you. If you feel so inclined, find an audio sample to inspire you.

If you’re not quite ready to invest in your own gong or set of singing bowls, many groups exist to listen to healing sounds. Certain temples and places of worship also offer classes and workshops. Consider a pair of headphones to listen to the many sources of sound available online. Keep safety in mind, because some people report that sound therapy may make them drowsy or even put them to sleep!

I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from everyone loves music ~ Billy Joel

Sound can help us heal in so many ways. Ailments ranging from anxiety to ADHD have responded well to audio therapy. Try to make it a part of your daily routine, perhaps before bedtime. If you wish, meditate or practice yoga or stretching as you listen.

Chanting or mantras along with your preferred sounds or music can help center and expand the mind. It doesn’t cost much in terms of time or money, and the benefits are lifelong. All you need to do is find the perfect sound for you and start listening, and then you can start enjoying the benefits of its healing properties.