Totally trendy: Yoga and sound bath

Practice relaxation and surrender – Do you feel torn between all the to-dos on your list in your daily life and barely have time to breathe? Many people feel this way; the pressure to perform is taking hold, making it all the more important to treat yourself to moments of complete relaxation and peace. In this context, the combination of yoga and sound baths is becoming increasingly important, and perhaps it also offers you a way to deeply recover and calm your system for the long term. In this article, you'll learn what a sound bath is and its associated benefits.

What is Sound Bath?

Sound bathing refers to sound meditation, which was considered significantly less important a few years ago. However, more and more experts are now reporting that selected sounds can have a beneficial effect on body, mind, and soul.

Along with Buddhist asanas, sound meditation is a special form of introspection and, for those who find it difficult to engage in silence, a good alternative to turning inward and releasing tension. During the session, various sounds are used to induce a state of relaxation. You'll find yourself immersed in a bath of sounds that directly affect your system.

What are the benefits of a sound bath?

Because most people's systems are always running at full speed, it's a real benefit to be transported to another dimension thanks to the gentle, or sometimes wilder, sounds. Yogic sessions are often rounded off with a short sound bath meditation.

• With the help of the sounds, you can focus much better on the here and now. You lie comfortably on your mat and concentrate devotedly on all the sounds, which is soothing after strenuous asanas.
• You'll become more aware of your body. Many people report feeling a gentle tingling sensation while listening to the sounds.
• The sounds provide relaxation and a feeling of letting go, which is helpful after an intensive yoga session.
• Especially after long days at work or stressful periods, the sound bath is a gentle way to refocus on yourself and release blockages.
• The indigenous people of various Asian countries (such as Nepal, India, etc.) already knew the effect of sounds and chants on the body, so they used them to support healing processes. Sound meditations were also used to release stress, anxiety, or inner turmoil. In Nepal, for example, indigenous people believe that humans are similar to sound. When the energies within a system are in harmony, one feels well. However, if an imbalance develops within, illness can result (when "off-key notes"—that is, an energy imbalance—occur).
• The gentle vibrations emitted by the singing bowls penetrate deep into the cells of your body, allowing uncomfortable areas to feel lighter. This is very beneficial for those muscle or joint groups that were particularly stressed during the exercises.

What is the effect of singing bowl meditation after a yoga session?

By striking high-vibrational singing bowls, frequencies are emitted that have a direct effect on the body. This can stimulate theta brain waves, which is truly beneficial after a strenuous yoga session. These waves are responsible for relaxation. Depending on the asanas you practice, the sounds can gently guide you into a deep relaxation and regeneration phase.

If you are very stressed and under pressure, a combination of dynamic flow with yin postures and a sound meditation can be a good choice to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system within you and invite relaxation and letting go.

Who is the combination of asanas and sound healing suitable for?

In general, many people benefit from this combination—both young and old. However, the effect of sound on the body may still sound a bit unusual to many. This is entirely understandable, especially since it's still a relatively unknown form of stress reduction in our country. At the same time, it's definitely worth trying out the effects of yoga combined with sound.

• If you have any physical, emotional, or mental issues, you can try targeted body exercises with Sound Healing and observe whether anything changes in your life. It's also important to have your symptoms checked out by a doctor.
• If you feel exhausted and barely have a moment to yourself, then an event like this could be incredibly valuable for you. Those minutes on the mat and your meditation cushion are not only good for your body, but also for your mind and soul.
• If you're suffering from stress (too much to do, lack of exercise, living in a city), you can expect elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In this context, it's recommended to relax using theta waves (which our system enters during meditation) and to move your body sufficiently with dynamic Vinyasa flows.

What should you consider when choosing a sound bath?

These days, there are increasingly opportunities to participate in such events (either with or without yoga) in larger cities and towns. Even though sound healing is offered online, you'll benefit significantly more from an offline sound bath. Here, you can much more effectively perceive and enjoy the vibrations of the individual singing bowls and gongs while lying on a comfortable surface.

If there is no option for an offline event in your area, you can also try the online option.

1. If you have the choice between different providers, listen to your gut feeling and see where you are drawn.
2. The duration of the unit could also make the decision easier.
3. Always make sure that the provider has experience and uses high-vibrating singing bowls and gongs – otherwise, the effect may not be as beneficial.

What else should you consider?

To benefit from the effects of the sound bath as much as possible, it is advisable to pay attention to the following points:

• Allow yourself enough time for the sound meditation. This means: Don't rush off to the studio after work and then immediately return to your demanding daily routine. Allow yourself enough time while you're there to initiate a certain phase of integration. This is especially important because many things can be triggered in your system during the session. Yogis often have the opportunity to lie down for a while and integrate. If this isn't possible, find a place nearby where you can continue to relax.
• Choose carefully whether you want to combine yoga and sound meditation on the same day or just one of the two. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
• Be careful not to eat too much beforehand so that you can concentrate even better on the sound meditation and any asanas you may be practicing.
• Wear comfortable clothing, bring a comfortable mat and a warm blanket (if needed), and remember to drink plenty of fluids—especially afterward. Comfortable leggings and a shirt are great for seamlessly performing all the asanas and for a wonderful relaxation afterward.
• Writing down your thoughts and feelings can also be beneficial in helping you better integrate what you have experienced.
• If there are different options, compare them and choose what works best for you at that moment. Many people benefit from a yogic yin session and a sound meditation, while others prefer dynamic movement beforehand so they can then surrender to the gentle vibrations.

Have you ever tried a sound bath? If so, how did it go for you?