SPECIAL INVITATION! Youthologie Aesthetic &


SOUND BATHS


are the happening place to be! by Lisa Hogan, MD


I


f you are one of those for whom meditation is more torture than tranquility, there is good news–the sound bath is for you! It is an effortless form of meditation that is great for people who are terrible at meditation. Sound baths are part of the mind/body/spirit wellness


movement and are rapidly growing in popularity. A sound bath session typically lasts about an hour and involves the playing of various resonant musical instruments to induce a state of deep relaxation. Sound has been used in healing for millennia; and, although it is not clear where the sound bath originated, the Integratron in Joshua Tree, California is perhaps the most famous place where sound bath work has been developed in recent years, and many more practi- tioners have since come on the scene. One reason sound baths have become more prominent


is that people are looking for a refuge from the stress and toxicity of modern life with its ceaseless electronics, tech- nology and stream of often depressing information, not to mention the cacophony of traffi c, alarms, sirens, phones ringing, landscaping engines and other noise pollution that generally surrounds us all day, every day. The beauty of the sound bath is there is no way to do it wrong. While people often feel inadequate at meditating–they fi nd it diffi cult to quiet the mind and feel they are failing at it–the sound bath removes those obstacles by inducing an almost instanta- neous state of deep meditation without requiring any effort. The experience is virtually always positive and grounding. Another advantage is that it can be performed as an individ- ual or as a very affordable group experience, averaging only $30 to $50 per person. How does a sound bath work? The human body, with


its high water content, is an excellent conductor of sound. As sound moves through space, the human body reso- nates with the sound frequencies. Sound has overtones or harmonics which also resonate with the body; and sound frequencies, waves and rhythms are capable of entraining brainwaves. During a sound bath, brainwaves are entrained to a low (delta) frequency, which is like a state of deep meditation. We also experience delta brainwaves in deep sleep and in states of concentrated focus, like hypnosis. Delta brainwaves are known to promote healing. Other


Anti-Aging Medicine is having a Sound Bath Event. Come experience this soothing environment.


RSVP: 919-847-1495


SATURDAY, JUNE 24 7-9 P.M.


benefi ts include a reduction in stress hormones, lower blood pressure, slower heart and respiratory rates, immune system enhancement and an interesting phenomenon whereby delta frequency brainwaves have the tendency to enhance the link between the right and left halves of the brain. What can you expect at a sound bath? As you enter


a calm and soothing environment, redolent of aromatic essential oils, you will take off your shoes, turn off your phone and lie on the yoga mat you brought with you. You can also bring a pillow or pillows for your head and/ or knees. An eye mask is provided to keep light out, and blankets are available. Each sound bath experience will be different, and will use instruments like crystal ringing bowls, monolinas (stringed harps), chimes, shells, drums and tuning forks. You will begin by taking deep breaths, setting your intention for the session and then just relaxing and allowing your body, mind and spirit to be completely surrounded by the rich ocean of sound. There will be some guided imagery and some vocalization to enrich the experience. The arc of treatment usually begins softly and gradually swells to a fuller wave of sound. The sound undulates in waves, softly waning and waxing to enchant and delight. Participants often say the experience feels timeless, weight- less and euphoric. How should you prepare for a sound bath? Wear com-


fortable clothing, plan to be in the experience for a total of about 75 minutes and expect to enjoy the experience as you allow the sound massage to open your inner universe. It is meant to induce a calm state of rest and relaxation. You may fall asleep, and that’s okay, too. What about after the sound bath? You will probably feel the need to drink extra water, and you may urinate more than usual as the sound bath can have a mild detoxifying effect. You should sleep more soundly after a sound bath, and you may tolerate stress more easily. Space is limited, so make your reservation now for the


next sound bath at Youthologie. Call 919-847-1495 or visit www.youthologie.md. Youthologie Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine is located at 10940 Raven Ridge Road, Suite 214, Raleigh, NC 27614. See ad on page 9.


natural awakenings June 2017 37


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