gong sound bath Meditation
What is a Gong Sound Bath Meditation?
aka : gong bath, sound bath, gong sound journey, gong bath meditation
During the Gong Sound Bath nothing is required of attendees other than to lie down on yoga mat and comfy padding, wrapped up snug in blankets, cushions and weighted eye pillows, and relax
Gongs and other sound healing instruments can aid relaxation by bringing you towards a meditative state. As you access your subconscious mind, deep creative and emotional sound journeys can happen.
Many people report feeling deeply relaxed, and also energised the following days. Some feedback that they’ve subsequently experienced better sleep than they have for a while.
Often people with busy minds show appreciation for the respite they experience from churning, ruminating or intrusive thoughts. Whilst some with chronic pain have reported temporary relief as their whole body, and mind let go and relax.
Anxiety, worry, stress, anger, fear, and frustration are said to cause a shift to the harmony and frequency of our body’s cells from being resonant to dissonant, and as such create cellular disharmony, which may result in discomfort and dis ease.
It’s said that as our conscious minds start to let go and our brainwaves slow to an alpha and theta state our mind and body are able to rest and engage our natural healing systems as your cells natural vibrations and frequencies realign from a state of dissonance, back to harmony.
Check out our testimonials pages to hear our customers’ own individual experiences
What happens during our Gong Sound Bath?
Introduction and expectations – An opportunity to learn a little about a Gong Sound Bath, what to expect during the class ahead, and to ask any questions.
Settle down and focus on being present – Body scan & breath focus
Gong Sound Bath – Initially the gongs may be played softly and as the gong bath progresses the volume is gradually increased with crescendos and played with varying styles as the the frequencies, harmonics and dynamics are varied throughout the session.
Other instruments will be introduced during the sound bath which will enhance your sensory experience and individual journey.
Grounding Time – Gently ease back into our surroundings, with time for reflection and sharing
What can I expect from a Gong Sound Bath?
Every Gong Sound Bath is different and a very personal experience depending on where you are on your personal journey through life.
You don’t need to know how to meditate or focus on being mindful and present as following a gentle guided meditation to help get you present with your body and breath the Gong Sound Bath itself can quickly transport you to a meditative state for deeper relaxation.
Distracted by the depth of resonance, sounds and vibrations our busy minds succumb and through a natural process called ‘Brainwave Entrainment’ begin to slow down to a theta meditative state.
Internal chatter or ruminating thoughts can quickly move towards a dreamy subconsious state, as your creative mind begins to journey with the sounds.
Some people report a light or floating feeling , others relaxed and heavy, whilst some may experience vivid colours, visuals and feelings of movement.
Whatever your personal experience, you may well let go of your daily stresses and anxieties, and leave the session feeling tranquil and relaxed.
The Role of Brainwave States
Beta –
Low-beta brainwave states are associated with alert mental activity, like logical or analytical thinking, attentiveness and focus on cognitive tasks
When we are operating in high-beta brainwave states, the result is often a cluttered mind, brain fog, and overthinking. This mental clutter impacts decision-making, creativity, and overall productivity.
High-Beta brainwave states are linked with anxiety, with attention often directed externally. Operating in High-Beta Brainwave states for prolonged periods, caused by life stressors, can lead to a state of Hyperarousal usually associated with ADHD and PTSD, that can be triggered by the likes of high pressure workloads and interpersonal conflict.
Alpha –
At the very least most people find gong baths a calming and peaceful experience. This is due to the immersive and vibrating sound waves relaxing the mind from a busy or cluttered Beta brainwave state towards a more daydreamy, and animated, Alpha brainwave state
Moving out of these high-beta states and into alpha brainwave states—associated with a more relaxed, focused mental state—can improve an individual’s ability to operate more effectively in a state of flow, or in the zone, akin to when you’re lost in a mindful hobby
Theta –
Even more powerful is time spent in lower vibrational theta brainwave states, which occurs during deep relaxation and meditation, where attention is more focused inwards.
As you continue to relax you may enter a Theta brainwave state which is associated with deep meditation and hypnosis. It’s in this Theta Brainwave state that we access our subconscious, creative and imaginative state, giving your concious mind and body a rest, akin to REM sleep.
Theta states offer restorative benefits equivalent to four hours of REM sleep in just one hour, allowing the brain to reset and restore cognitive functioning, attention, and focus.
Those who spend restorative time in theta states in our sound baths often report feeling refreshed, energised, and cognitively clear of clutter—ready to tackle challenges with renewed mental clarity.
Delta – Some people relax so much that they start to snore, this is the activation of the delta brainwave state!
Good Vibrations
Deep Theta Brainwave State
relaxed & Refreshed
Ticket Tailor Box Office
Please read the Contraindications & Special Considerations section below before purchasing any of our sound bath tickets
COLLABORATION OPPORTUNTIES?
YOGA STUDIO: Get in touch for partnership opportunities to host regular or one off Gong Baths for your clients
CORPORATE WELLNESS: Treat your teams, block out a room in your office and host a Gong Bath, or a series of sessions to promote relaxation
RETREATS: Add something special to your itinerary with a relaxing meditative gong and sound therapy session. (See also Forest Bathing and Guided Walking experiences)
FESTIVALS: Host a gong bath as an offering to ease your punters into the day
EVENTS TEAMS: Are you organising a meeting or event anywhere in the UK? That’s fine, get in touch to discuss your wellbeing needs
NHS/Social Prescribing: Patients with ever busy minds, and anxiety, have said that they appreciate the escape and feeling of decompression post our Gong Sound Baths
3rd Sector: Are you seeking activity partners to fulfil social prescribing for de-stress and relaxation? (See also Forest Bathing and Guided Walking experiences)
Sound Bath Testimonials
Visit Customer Testimonials pages for 100+
feedback examples that are grouped into themes
for easier navigation of our customer voices
Cleared Busy Minds
energised uplifting happy
Calming Peaceful Beautiful
Please read the Contraindications & Special Considerations section below before purchasing any of our sound bath tickets
Gong & Sound Bath Contraindications:
Please note the following before booking and consult your doctor should you have any concerns:
Contraindications : Both Gong & Sound Baths are not recommended with the following:
- Pacemaker or metal implants
- During the first or last trimester of pregnancy
- Serious mental health issues such as schizophrenia or psychosis
If you have any queries, or concerns about your health and suitability for a Gong & Sound Bath please contact us before booking at info@gnaw.wales
Gong & Sound Bath Special Considerations:
Children: Not suitable for young children 14 and under. 15 and 16 year olds must be accompanied by their guardian.
Special Considerations: Please note the following before booking and consult your doctor should you have any concerns
- Fits or seizures (including epilepsy)
- Sensitive to sound, like Tinnitus
- If you wear a hearing aid, your device should be turned off during the session
If you have any queries, or concerns about your health and suitability for a Gong & Sound Bath please contact us before booking at info@gnaw.wales
Geeky stuff
Gong Sound Bath affect on red blood cells!?
This video is very interesting, and seems to align with the above research.
A live blood analysis before and after 20 mins of gong a sound bath. The previously viscous or sticky red blood cells have loosened up and separated, and regained their rounded form.
I’d certainly be keen to explore this further, and gain insight from local haematology specialists here in Wales.
The theory behind Gong Bath & Sound Therapy?
It’s believed that gong therapy can reduce stress and relieve emotional blockages, as when the mind and body relax and begin to synchronise with the lower frequencies and vibrations, then balance is restored.
This theory is based on the principle that all matter contains atoms in continual vibration, whether or not we see it moving or hear it, everything has a vibrating frequency. Every organ, bone, every cell in the body has its own resonant frequency.
Brain Entrainment
Anxiety, worry, stress, anger, fear, and frustration are said to cause a shift to the harmony and frequency of our cells from being resonant to dissonant, and as such creates disharmony.
The principle of Brain Entrainment suggests that powerful rhythmic vibrations from one continual rhythmic or harmonious source (like gongs, singing bowls) are thought to cause the less powerful vibrations of another source to lock into, or synch to the lower vibration frequencies of the first external stimulus. As such our brain cells respond by firing their own electric cycles to that of the dominant frequency. This is often knowns as Frequency Following Response (FFR)
Gong Meditation is said to stimulate such vibration in our body’s molecules and cells, and the frequency following response induces us into a deeply relaxed and meditative state, in which our brain stops trying to figure things out and operates at a slower pace compared to our normal busy brainwave state. So effective sometimes, some people let go and fall asleep.
Sound Waves & Clinical Research
Music and sound therapy using various sources and instruments has been used in a number of clinical settings, from treating autism and alzheimer’s to tinnitus, fibromyalgia and pain.
Whilst the exact mechanisms of sound and vibrational therapy are yet to be understood, current research is promising.
A research paper published in May this year in Healthcare, titled the ‘Possible mechanism for the effects sound vibrations on humans’ explored in detail data around vibroacoustics and effects of specific frequencies in various therapeutic settings. It seems specialists are “beginning to identify how vibration affects ‘blood, brain, and bone’ but that the means of effect is highly complex”. Their research framed an urgent need to advance this potentially potent form of treatment.
Here’s some gong specific research reporting relaxation benefits:
- High-intensity, low-frequency combination of singing bowls, gongs, and bells in a sound meditation could induce a deep relaxation response and positively affect mood and sense of well-being.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2156587216668109
- Effect of sound vibrations from gong baths defined by users as healing and/or relaxing. They testified on achieving durable inner peace, on better physical and mental wellbeing, fresh impetus for work, desire for personal growth and other positive effects.
