Many of us recognize that music has the power to improve our mood and reduce stress. We aren’t really able to explain exactly why it makes us feel better, but there is no doubt that listening to our favorite tunes somehow has a healing effect on our souls.
Sound can be incredibly powerful. A favorite song can lift you out of a low mood. A violin can bring tears to your eyes. The sound of the ocean can instantly transport you to your favorite vacation spot from childhood.
Aside from just making you feel good, sounds might also have the potential to help with feelings of anxiety, it can lowers heart rate and improves overall health.
Healing with sound is believed to date back to ancient Greece, when music was used in an attempt to cure mental disorders. Throughout history, music has been used to boost morale in military troops, help people work faster and more productively, and even ward off evil spirits by chanting.
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) -- the relaxing 'brain tingles' experienced by some people in response to specific triggers, such as whispering, tapping and slow hand movements -- may have benefits for both mental and physical health, according to new research. Public interest in ASMR has risen dramatically and ASMR experiencers watch ASMR videos to promote relaxation and sleep.
While people use ASMR to relax, most people use it specifically to help them fall asleep. Multiple studies have shown that when people with ASMR watch a video, it helps them relax and relieves their stress.
POSITIVE IMPACTS OF ASMR:
- Pain relief
- Improved mood
- Better quality sleep
On the other hand, sound healing therapy uses aspects of music to improve physical and emotional health and well-being. The person being treated partakes in the experience with a trained practitioner.
"Sound healing balances and clears the mind, and leads to a renewed sense of purpose, well-being, calm, and happiness." —Susy Markoe Schieffelin, sound healer
Sound therapy often integrates bells, chimes, singing bowls and gongs into a practice — but the options are usually personalized for each session.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOUND HEALING?
Sound healing can help you clear energetic blockages and thus facilitate healing on a physical and mental level. Some of the benefits of sound therapy include:
- Lower stress levels
- Fewer mood swings
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Improved sleep
Over the years, sound healing has also been used to treat a number of conditions including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, and dementia. Though evidence may be limited on some methods, sound has been found to be effective for stress reduction and relaxation and has been shown to offer many health benefits.
There is little risk to just listening to different sounds. Find the sounds that work for you!