The history of sound healing goes back thousands of years. Greek physicians used musical instruments to heal patients, tapping into the power of vibration to aid in digestion, treat mental disturbance, and promote sleep. The ancient Egyptians described musical incantations to help heal the sick. Native Americans used singing, chanting, and drums as part of the sound healing process. It wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that researchers began to study the healing effects of music, finding that it could lower blood pressure and assist the work of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body calm down and recover from stress.

There’s evidence to suggest that sound healing can have a wide range of wellness benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to lifting our moods. Here are a few benefits of sound baths, sound healing, and meditation:

1. Calms your body and mind

2. Reduces stress and anxiety

3. Increases focus and clarity

4. Decreases tension and fatigue

5. Boosts your mood and reduces feelings of anger

6. Improves sleep

7. Elevates feelings of spiritual well-being

During a sound healing session, also known as a sound bath, you’ll simply listen up as a practitioner plays a variety of instruments and you “bathe” in the soothing sounds and vibrations. The sound frequencies then slow down brain waves to a deeply restorative state, which activates the body’s system of self-healing.

Each instrument serves a different purpose. Crystal bowls, for example, are tuned to the notes of the seven chakras. The gong is said to help release tension in the body and stimulates the glandular and nervous system. The vibrations of sound therapy are like a massage to every cell in the body.