Sound healing is a holistic healing modality that aims to "treat" a person through the use of different instruments that emit pure tones and healing frequencies. It works by bringing the body and the mind to its natural, balanced state so the body can heal itself. The healing frequencies help calm the mind and reduce stress and allows the body to relax.

Sound healing is an ancient practice that has been traced back to thousands of years in India, China, Egypt, and other ancient civilizations. For example, the natives of South America used shamanic drumming and flute music to heal ailments and bring peace. Buddhist monks have been known to use the singing bowl to aid their meditation practice. Our Hindu temple bells are also rung to "purify" ourselves before entering the temple. Indian classical music has its roots in the Vedas, and ragas were known to have certain benefits. Even though the benefits of sound were known since ancient times, it is only now, through modern science, through the study of vibration and frequencies, that this type of healing has gained popularity.

Many instruments mimic the sounds occurring in nature such as rainfall, ocean waves, birds, etc. Some instruments are made with materials such as crystals and stones like clear quartz, amethyst, etc that emit their beautiful energies when played. The common goal of all instruments is to promote peace, so any instrument that can produce calming sounds can be used.

A music concert is a performance by an artist or a group meant solely for entertainment. Although it may feel uplifting to be in a concert, healing is not the aim. A sound bath is "performed" with intention to heal, and is not entertainment. It is to promote relaxation and stress-relief. A sound healing session can also be personalized to a client's specific intention such as pain relief, insomnia, etc. In a musical concert, your brain and body are engaged, and you may be actively participating by singing or dancing along. In a sound healing session, your brain activity starts to slow down, and you may even end up dozing off! This has multiple benefits, which are mentioned below.

- reduces stress and anxiety - relieves pain - improves sleep quality - improves memory and cognition - boosts creativity and confidence - balances your energetic system - helps shift perspective and gain better understanding of life - helps in understanding oneself better, aids in self-development

A general recommendation is at least 1 or 2 sessions per month. The frequency may vary depending on your individual needs and what other types of practices you do on your own (meditation, yoga, acupuncture, etc). The benefits are cumulative and regular sessions are highly recommended in order to receive the most benefit, as healing on a deeper level takes time. Your mind needs nourishment in the form of meditative sessions, just like your body needs regular exercise.

No, healing cannot happen in one session. It has probably taken many years for an imbalance or a "problem" to build up, how can it be expected to be cured in just one session. Sound healing or any other type of healing is not a miracle. It can take several sessions, sometimes even years! Which is why regular sessions are recommended.

Anytime is a good time for sound healing. You need not have expensive instruments to reap the benefits. We experience sound healing in its natural form throughout our lives without even knowing that it is sound healing. Have you ever felt peace and calm after listening to the ocean waves, or the sound of water falling? Or have you experienced a vibration in your head and your chest and felt happy as you hum or sing a tune?

Your experience after each sound bath may be very different. Sometimes you may feel calm, centered, and relaxed, sometimes you may feel energized. Sometimes you may feel tired. You may even feel emotional during or after a sound bath. This is ok. The emotions need to release. Whatever you feel that day depends on a lot of things, such as what you have been through on that day, the energy of the room, the energy of others (in the case of a public sound bath). Honor what you feel, rest if you are tired, drink plenty of fluids, eat a light, healthy meal.

Wear clothes you can be comfortable in sitting cross legged on the floor or cushion and lying down for 45 to 60 minutes. For virtual soundbaths, make sure to use heaphones for the best listening experience. For public in-person sound baths, please bring your own yoga mat, cushion, blanket or something warm to cover you in case you feel cold, or even an eye pillow if needed, and a bottle of water.

Everybody resonates with different modalities. One person may find Reiki to be more suitable to their needs, another person might resonate better with sound healing. I would recommend that you try both to find out. Sound healing is not recommended if you have sound induced epilepsy, or if you have any particular sensitivity to certain sounds. ​

Generally, there are no side effects. However, as mentioned above, there might be an emotional or a physical release such as crying, coughing, sneezing, or fatigue, and only in worst cases, vomiting. Releasing is good. It helps detoxify the body.

If the above happened to you, then know that it is completely ok. However unpleasant it may have been, your body soon adjusts and consequent sessions become much better. If you did not enjoy the session for any other reason, please feel free to get in touch with me. ​Every practitioner has a different style, and it is possible you did not like mine. You are free to chose any practitioner you resonate with.

Yes, you can attend the sessions after the first trimester of your pregnancy. They can be a great way to relax and sleep better, and also beneficial for the baby! Please consult with me before you book a session. If you're attending a public sound bath, make sure you let the facilitator know that you are pregnant.

Yes, however, in holistic healing, rather than addressing the symptoms, the problem is looked at as a whole. For example, if a person is experiencing headache, the headache could be a result of many different things. Instead of focusing on treating just the headache superficially, the treatment is still given to the whole body to go to the root cause of the headache, which could be anything from stress, digestive problems, hormonal problems, etc. Over 80% of all ailments are caused due to stress. When stress is reduced, you eliminate most of the problems!

It is better to treat diseases with proper medical care. Sound therapy and reiki are better for holistic remedies and preventive care. However, many cancer patients have been known to have benefitted from sound therapy and reiki, as it helps relieve their trauma induced stress or pain. Sound healing or Reiki should never be the only form of treatment for serious ailments. They work better when complimented with healthy food and lifestyle habits.

I don't teach reiki at the moment. I offer a fundamentals course in sound healing to teach the theory of sound. I offer this in a flexible format so it can take anywhere from 7 days to 7 months. After that, it all depends on how much time one is willing to devote oneself to practice.

Please contact me at +91 8291007376 or email me at info@aparnasound.com. You may also follow me on Instagram @aparnasound, where I post updates on sessions. You can also buy my online sessions here. ​

For all virtual sessions, digital pre-payment must be made, either through credit card, NEFT, Google Pay, or PayTM in India. International payments for virtual sessions can be made through PayPal. I also accept cash for private sessions at my home. ​

From the time they are in the womb!

It can help boost their confidence, and creativity, improve cognition and memory, help them focus and clear their minds, and help with their emotional and spiritual development well into adulthood.

You can practice sound healing on your own by using your voice such as humming or chanting "OM" and other mantras. You will notice changes in the way you experience life. You may develop more compassion, empathy towards others. You will automatically start craving healthier food and stop eating processed food. You will begin to feel better about yourself and the world at large. You will become more balanced and focused in life.