Sound healing

The four kinds of session

• Singing bowls & gongs

  Tibetan metal bowls and crystal quartz bowls played around the room, often building into a gong wash that fills the whole space.

  Good for: Anyone carrying tension who wants something to hold their attention without effort.

  Feels like: Waves of sound you feel in the chest and jaw. Gongs are loud in the middle and very still afterwards.

  See singing bowls & gongs sessions

• Sound bath & Yoga Nidra

  You lie down for the whole session while sound plays, sometimes with a guided body scan or Yoga Nidra script over the top.

  Good for: Poor sleepers, people who find meditation hard, and anyone who wants rest rather than exercise.

  Feels like: Halfway between awake and asleep. An hour can pass like ten minutes.

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• Voice & mantra

  Chanting, kirtan, toning and overtone singing — the sound comes from the group rather than instruments.

  Good for: People who like doing something with others, and anyone curious about the devotional side of yoga.

  Feels like: Buzzy and warm in the throat and head. Often surprisingly emotional.

  See voice & mantra sessions

• Tuning forks & chimes

  Weighted tuning forks placed on or near the body, plus koshi chimes, handpan and other small instruments for close, targeted vibration.

  Good for: People who prefer quiet and precision to a big wall of gong sound.

  Feels like: Fine, tingly vibration in one spot at a time, with long gaps of silence.

  See tuning forks & chimes sessions

What to expect at your first sound bath

What actually happens?

You lie on a mat, usually with a blanket and a bolster under your knees. The lights go down. The facilitator plays bowls, gongs, chimes or voice while you do nothing but listen. Most sessions run 45 to 75 minutes.

What should I bring?

Warm layers and socks — you cool down quickly lying still. An eye pillow if you like the dark. Most hosts provide mats, bolsters and blankets, but check the listing.

Do I need any experience?

None. There are no poses to learn and nothing to get right. Falling asleep is fine and very common.

How does it feel afterwards?

Usually soft, slow and a little spacey. Give yourself a few quiet minutes before driving, and drink some water.

Anything to be careful about?

Tell the facilitator beforehand if you are pregnant, have epilepsy, a pacemaker, metal implants, tinnitus or sound sensitivity. Gongs get loud — sit further back or ask for earplugs. This is rest, not medical treatment.

Studios and teachers who offer sound healing

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