When I was called to explore this modality in one of my Past Life Regression sessions, I wanted to explore more about it. Not only the benefits of it but also where it originated from and I found that it was something we had always used in some context across different cultures and places. It’s an ancient practice that is starting to gain more traction with modern science. Here I have compiled what I have found out so that you too can get to know a bit more about Sound Healing and its origins.
What Is Sound Healing?
Sound healing is the practice of using specific frequencies, tones, and vibrations to promote relaxation and improve physical, emotional, and spiritual health. This can be achieved through instruments such as singing bowls, tuning forks, gongs, and even the human voice.
Who Discovered Sound Healing?
There isn’t one single person who “discovered” sound healing—it has roots in multiple ancient cultures. However, one of the earliest recorded references to the healing power of sound comes from Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570–495 BCE). He is known as the “Father of Harmonics” and believed that music and sound had mathematical properties that could restore harmony within the body.
Pythagoras developed the concept of the “music of the spheres”, suggesting that the vibrations of celestial bodies create harmonic frequencies that influence human health and consciousness. He also explored how certain tones could reduce stress, promote healing, and balance emotions.
Ancient Origins of Sound Healing
1. Ancient Egypt (c. 3000 BCE)
Egyptians used sound healing in their temples. They incorporated chanting, toning, and vowel sounds to shift consciousness and promote healing. Some temples were designed with acoustics that amplified sound vibrations to create a healing effect. I wish I had known this earlier when I travelled to Egypt so I could go there and test one out.
2. Indigenous Cultures
Indigenous cultures worldwide have used sound for spiritual and healing purposes for millennia. In Australia, Aboriginal people have used the didgeridoo for over 40,000 years. It is believed that the vibrations from this instrument promote deep healing and energetic alignment.
3. Ancient Greece (500 BCE – 300 CE)
The Greeks integrated music into medicine and therapy. Pythagoras and Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” both believed in the power of sound for healing. The Greeks used flutes, lyres, and chanting in their healing temples.
4. Eastern Practices – China & Tibet
- China: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) incorporates sound healing through mantras and specific healing tones that correspond to different organs.
- Tibet: Tibetan singing bowls and gongs have been used for centuries in meditation, energy clearing, and relaxation.
How Sound Healing Evolved Over Time
The Middle Ages and Renaissance (500 – 1600 CE)
During the Middle Ages, Gregorian chants were commonly used in churches to induce a meditative and healing state. These chants, which feature repeating harmonic tones, were believed to have a calming and transformative effect on the listener and a great way to put them into trance.
Modern Science Meets Ancient Wisdom (1900s – Present)
In the 20th century, researchers began studying the effects of sound waves and frequencies on human health. Today, sound therapy is used in various fields, including neurology, psychology, and holistic medicine. Some key discoveries include:
- Binaural beats: Different frequencies played in each ear can alter brainwave activity and induce deep relaxation.
- Cymatics: The study of how sound vibrations create geometric patterns in water and other substances, proving that sound has a visible impact on physical matter.
The Benefits of Sound Healing
As you can see, sound healing has been around for a long time but why was it embraces by so many different cultures? Sound healing is used to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Some of the benefits include:
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Certain frequencies lower cortisol levels and promote deep relaxation.
- Improved Sleep: Sound healing can slow down brainwaves, making it easier to fall into a restful sleep.
- Pain Management: Vibrations from singing bowls and gongs can stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
- Emotional Release: Deep sound work can help release stuck emotions and trauma from the body and the best bit? You don’t need to know the story of why those emotions or trauma was there as the frequency and vibration will just release it.
To learn more about the benefits, check out my other blog – “How Does Sound Healing Work & What Are Its Benefits.”
Modern Sound Healing Practices
Today, sound healing is integrated into yoga classes, meditation retreats, wellness clinics, and personal healing sessions and I use it in my hypnotherapy sessions to help people who struggle to quieten their mind. Some of the most commonly used tools that I have in my collection include:
- Tibetan singing bowls (used for deep relaxation and chakra balancing)
- Crystal singing bowls (believed to have a higher vibrational frequency for spiritual healing)
- Tuning forks (used to stimulate specific energy points on the body)
- Gongs and drums (used for deep energetic clearing)
Many sound healers also incorporate guided meditation and vocal toning to enhance the healing experience. Don’t get me started on the power of our own voices.
How to Experience Sound Healing for Yourself
If you’re curious about trying sound healing, here are a few options:
- Attend a sound bath – These are group sessions where participants relax while surrounded by the healing vibrations of instruments like singing bowls and gongs – I know a hypnotherapist that holds sessions at her commercial office space 😉
- Try personalised sound therapy – A trained practitioner can tailor a session to your specific needs and help release the emotions, trauma or energy that’s holding you back.
- Listen to healing frequencies – You can find solfeggio frequencies and binaural beats on YouTube to experience their calming effects.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless Healing Practice
As you can see, sound healing has been used for thousands of years, spanning cultures and civilisations. Each using their own instruments and sessions to help each other. From the mathematical wisdom of Pythagoras to modern sound therapy research, this practice continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its ancient origins.
If you’re interested in experiencing the profound effects of sound healing, consider booking a session to explore its benefits for yourself.
Ready to Experience Sound Healing?
If you’re ready to explore sound healing, I offer sessions designed to promote relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being.