Sounds and music create positive effects that have a healing and calming effect on the body, mind and spirit. In sound massage, the positive effect comes from a combination of sounds and vibrations.
What is sound massage?
Sound massage belongs to the group of sound therapies. These are forms of therapy in which sound waves and tones are used specifically to relieve discomfort. Sound massage belongs to the sound therapies. These are forms of therapy in which sound waves and tones are used specifically to alleviate discomfort. Various sound instruments can be used for this purpose. In a singing bowl massage, there are different sized bowls made of different materials with different sound frequencies, which are struck with a clapper to produce a sound and vibration. For a classical singing bowl massage, bowls made of a brass alloy are mostly used, which are handmade. Besides singing bowls, wind chimes, cymbals and gongs can also be used in a sound massage. A sound massage combines a pleasant body sensation through soothing vibrations that affect the body, with sounds that soothe the mind and soul.
Function, effect and goals
The principle of sound massage is based on ancient knowledge of the Vedic healing art from India. Pythagoras also knew about the healing effect of music and used music against melancholy already in ancient times. In our country, the healing work with sounds has been of great importance in music therapy for many years. Because of its gentle approach, it is very suitable in the educational field, in nursing, in therapy and in healing. Headaches, shoulder and neck tension, breathing problems, digestive disorders, circulatory problems and concentration problems respond particularly well to sound massage. In educational and therapeutic work with people with disabilities, it is a good way of non-verbal communication. Tinnitus can also be treated well with a sound massage due to the pleasant effect of the tones. Sound massage can also be well combined with various treatment methods. Through its deep effect on different levels, it can make clients aware of where the possible causes of their symptoms may lie. Even babies in the womb react to sounds in their environment. Sound massage also works according to this principle. It argues that sounds affect the consciousness and have a subtle, energetic effect on the body. Purposefully used sounds and rhythms are supposed to stimulate or calm down the autonomic nervous system comparable to a stone thrown into water and forming circles in the water. In Far Eastern cultures, sounds have always been a companion to healing procedures, e.g. in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). There are various forms of sound massage:
In a singing bowl massage, bowls of different sizes with different sound frequencies are struck with a clapper to produce sounds and vibrations. The composition of the metals, usually brass alloys, and the size of the bowl determine the sound. The bowls are usually made by hand. For a singing bowl massage, the client lies on a couch, either on the stomach or on the back. Singing bowls of various sizes are placed on different parts of the body and struck repeatedly with the clapper in a rhythm, one after the other, so that even vibrations with soothing sounds have an effect on the body, mind and soul. The sounds and vibrations are intended to achieve deep relaxation. In the western world, the singing bowl massage according to Peter Hess is the most widespread. In addition to singing bowls, other sound instruments such as Tibetan bells, cymbals, gongs and wind chimes are used in a sound massage, and the voice may also be used. Through the vibrations in the body, mental memories are positively influenced. Even changes in pulse rate can be detected. A sound massage works through the senses of hearing and feeling. The effect is the more intensive, the more sound sources are used. Other forms of sound massage are sound couches and sound cradles. In these forms of sound massage, the client does not lie on a normal massage table, but on a wooden resonance body, where taut strings, usually monochords, are set into vibration, which is transmitted to the body.With a sound cradle, swinging and rocking movements lead to even deeper relaxation, which is used in trauma therapy to release blockages in the body’s memory. The sound rhythm also plays a role as in shamanic rituals.
Risks, side effects and dangers
Even though sound massage can have very beneficial and far-reaching effects, it cannot replace treatment by a doctor or alternative practitioner. More severe back pain and more severe psychological problems cannot necessarily be cured by sound massage. In the case of psychological problems, it can be downright counterproductive to dive into inner worlds of thought. Before a sound massage with such problems should sensibly always take place an arrangement with the treating physician. Sound massages generally have a positive effect and help with many complaints, provided that the practitioner has the necessary qualifications and experience to treat such complaints. Singing bowl massages are easy to learn and practice, which can be enough for a wellness massage. But in case of real complaints such minimal knowledge is not enough. Then, for example, in the case of trauma, there could be undesirable side effects that do not occur with expert practitioners.
