Gong Bath

Did you know that sound vibrations have the power to promote health and wellbeing? Using sound as a form of healing dates back to ancient cultures. Records of using gongs have surfaced from as early as ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times. It is widely recognised that through resonance, the vibrations and frequencies from the gong create energetic shifts which harmonise and restore the body’s natural and optimum state of being.

So what happens during a gong bath?

Gong baths are a type of inactive meditation, where you are “bathed” in the healing vibrations of sound designed to offer you relaxation and release. Gong baths, like all types of sound therapy, allow your brain to relax into an alpha or theta brainwave state where self-healing can occur.

The session begins with a gentle practice to focus your mind on what you would like to receive from the sounds. participants typically lie down and get comfortable with blankets and pillows although you are invited to sit up should that be more comfortable for you.

A practitioner then plays the gongs, a disc-shaped percussion instrument, using a mallet and flumes, which creates ambient sounds that will guide you to a deeply relaxed state. There may be periods of silence to allow you to absorb the sound. At other times the volume will increase from gentle vibrations to a loud crescendo, often welcomed by the participants as they journey with the frequencies.

As the gongs sing, participants often experience a range of sensations. Like with most alternative healing modalities and meditative practices, everyone’s experience is unique, and new things may come up in each session. It’s possible for sound bathers to have a range of physical and emotional healing experiences. This may include tingling sensations as the vibrations are felt throughout the body, twitching as energy is released, heat or coolness, visions, insights, downloads and even emotional release. Know that each experience is different. There is no right or wrong way, just simply being open to the sounds and sensations as they move through every cell and fibre of your body.

The experience is described as a journey into the self, providing a space for deep introspection and healing. The sound waves produced by the gongs are believed to help release tension and blockages in the body, ultimately leading to a deeper sense of relaxation and calmness.

As the sound journey comes to a close, you will be gently guided to the present. After the gong bath, participants often feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and rebalanced although it’s also common to feel utterly relaxed and ready for a good night’s sleep. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and take some time to integrate the experience before returning to daily activities. Gong baths are a unique and powerful way to promote physical and mental well-being, inviting individuals to connect with their inner selves and find a sense of peace and balance.

What are the benefits?

Sound has proven to have healing effects on the mind as well as the body.

Benefits include stimulation of the immune system, improved sleep, increased concentration, enhanced creativity, released tension, reduced stress and anxiety, lowered blood pressure levels and regulated emotions which leads to improved mood.

Gongs can also be used to stimulate an altered state of consciousness or ASC. This form of deep relaxation can feel similar to a trance-like state which can help boost creativity, and feelings of wellness, or even in resolving emotional and physical dissonance.

What do I need to do?

Participants are invited to participate by opening themselves up to become the receiver of the sounds and trust that the frequencies will stimulate the body’s healing abilities.

As you will be laying still for some time, I recommend wearing comfy clothing.

Mats will be provided, however, you are more than welcome to bring an eye mask, cushion or blanket to enhance your comfort whilst lying down.

If you prefer to sit on a chair, please advise in advance so we can have the space set up for you.

A Sound Bath can be a profound experience, so I encourage you to rest and drink lots of water after. Your body will continue to process the sound 24-48 hours after the session so it’s not uncommon to experience emotional or physical changes and perhaps dreams and downloads.

Contraindications

Taking part in gong baths is generally considered safe for most people, regardless of age or fitness level. However, they are times when extra caution should be adhered to:

Please practice caution if you have:

• a sensitive pregnancy or in the first trimester
• epilepsy
• seizures
• mental health conditions
• hearing aids or hearing impairment.
• a pacemaker or other medical device implanted in your body
• A bone fracture. Please wait 6 weeks before attending a Gong Bath.

Check in with your health practitioner to make sure gong baths are a safe option for you. Please let us know of any other health concerns we need to know about. In addition, It is advisable not to have heavy meals or alcohol beforehand. If you’re attending for the first time or know you’re particularly sensitive, you’re welcome to position yourself further away from the gong.

Gong Master – Ruth Hoey

Venue – 136 Vaughan Road, West Harrow, HA1 4ED

• Open to anyone
• Suitable for beginners
• No previous knowledge required
• Small class guaranteed – usually 8 – maximum 9

If you love sound baths you may also be interested in our following courses:

• Sound Healing Using Tibetan Singing Bowls
• Sound Massage Using Tibetan Bowls
• Sound Healing With Gongs
• Sound Healing with Tuning Forks and Chimes
• Sound Healing Using Drumming
• Sound Massage Using The Drum
• Drum Birthing
• Drumming Circle
• Candlelit Sound Bath Meditation
• Crystal Fusion Sound Bath Meditation
• Private Aromatic Sound Bath – for Heart, Mind and Soul

Event Venue

Middlesex School of Complementary Medicine, 136 Vaughan Road, Harrow, United Kingdom