Engaging the Soul through Sound – An Exploration into the Rise in Popularity of Sound Bathing

Through the ages, humans have experienced sounds for a multitude of purposes. As well as the ability to communicate, sound enabled early civilisations to engage with their surroundings, record their histories, create rituals and entertaining themselves. Sound has also been used for healing and is a wellness trend that has gained a lot of momentum over the last couple of years. What make this so unique?

Sound bathing’s ancient origins date back to Indian, Greek and Egyptian empires, who believed in the transformative power of sound. Ancient Egyptians describe musical incantations for healing the sick and Aristotle (323–373 BCE), described in De Anima, how flute music could purify the soul. Sound and music were also linked to rituals as a way to commune with gods and to elevate humans to higher realms, particularly associated with Himalayan societies. Its widely believed that the sound bowl originated in Tibet and was used by Buddhist monks for meditation and spiritual practices. Greek physicians treated their patients with music to help digestive disorders, treat mental disturbances and insomnia.

Fast forward to the 20^th century, the counterculture movement in the 60s and 70s helped lay the foundation for the sound bath as a modern healing practise. Seeking a more transcendental experience, the different sounds and instruments created a more immersive and meditative feeling. As more holistic practises are available and sought after, the interest in new forms of transformative experiences such as gong baths, is at an all time high. In 2023, Spaseekers reported that searches in the UK for sound bath experiences were up 83%. A spike in media interest, as well as the combination of heavy social media presence, has led to the practice being one of the hottest 2024 wellness trends.

But what are the potential therapeutic effects of sound?

The hypothesis is that vibrations and notes at specific tones and frequencies and have the ability to heal your body and mind. Aligning with a form of meditation, attendees can find solace and balance amidst the chaos of 21st century life. Echoing principles in Chinese Medicine, that health problems correspond to an imbalance in the body’s energy centres, the sound bath may help to reset these centres. The corresponding parts of the body may heal, with energy flowing in the correct way.

Anecdotally, individuals have stated the following effects after a sound bath experience:

·    Feeling calmer and less stressed

·    Relaxation

·    Refreshed and rejuvenated

·    Increased focus

·    Pain relief

·    Improved sleep

·    More upbeat and happier mood

·    Positive impact on depression

·    Feeling more attuned to your bodily needs

So where does the industry go next?

Research is still in its infancy, but advocates for the practise will lead to more data being developed in the field. From a consumer perspective, the broadening availability will lead to more innovation and evolving styles and techniques. Whether group or solo sessions, more experimental sounds, music and instruments will be trialled, and no doubt, more attempts at a streamed or digital sound bath will evolve. Advocates do state that the experience needs to be in the flesh to truly engage the senses, but an AR or VR alternative will no doubt come to fruition. At Therme, we continually investigate new treatments, therapies and different forms of wellness. The growing interest in sound bathing and immersive experiences in general, is integral to the ongoing evolution of the Therme experience.

But for now, the main focus is to lie down, close your eyes, breathe….and listen.