Sound healing is an ancient form of relaxation and healing that involves exposing a person to a variety of soothing sounds and vibrations. Instruments, such as crystal singing bowls, chimes, gongs, tuning forks, drums, and rattles, are used as a way to generate energy and induce a deep state of relaxation to encourage healing. Incorporating different instruments during a sound bath can provide a multisensory experience to tap into transformative states of awareness. More effective than just putting on a relaxing tune, sound healing has been shown to be extremely beneficial for both the emotional and mental health in participants.
Traditional Sound Healing Instruments
Crystal Singing Bowls
Crystal singing bowls are one of the most popular and powerful instruments used in sound healing. These bowls are most commonly made from quartz crystal and tuned to specific frequencies. When sounded, these bowls create a vibration that is felt throughout the body, creating a deep sense of relaxation and aiding in the process of healing. Adding the sounds of the crystal bowls to a sound bath experience creates a powerful sensation of well-being. If you’ve been thinking of trying sound healing, these beautiful and powerful instruments are sure to make the experience even more special.
Gongs
Gongs provide a range of deep and mysterious sounds that are incredible for enhancing a meditative journey going into a deeply relaxed state during a sound bath. Whether in a studio or outdoors, gongs remain a favorite traditional instrument for providing a powerful sonic experience. Gongs produce rich, complex tones with a wide range of frequencies. They create powerful vibrations that can be felt both in the body and in the surrounding environment. These vibrations are believed to interact with the body’s energy, helping to release tension and blockages.
Chimes
Chimes, which often come in the form of metal or wood musical instruments, have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and peace. The sound of chimes carries far, and the listener may find themselves in a state of deep stillness as the sound reverberates.
Drums
Drums are often used in sound therapy to create and maintain a rhythm for the participants to follow. The sound of the drums helps to deeply relax the body and can also be used to invigorate and create healing energy. During a sound bath, drums can be accompanied by a variety of sound bath instruments for a full range of vibrations that may be used to create an atmosphere of healing and peace. Other types of traditional drums that can be used in sound bath meditation include tambourines and tongue drums.
The Human Voice
Singing, chanting and toning are some of the most ancient forms of sound healing, and they are absolutely essential for a truly restorative sound bath. When done in a group setting, these sounds become a powerful and collective way of transforming energy and creating a supportive atmosphere. At the end of a sound healing session, the experience filled with chants and songs can be incredibly special and healing to participants.
Tibetan Singing Bowls
The main instruments used in sound healing are called Tibetan singing bowls. These unique bowls create a calming resonance that helps to relax the listener. It’s believed that the sound created by the bowls helps to move energy and balance the body’s various systems. Each bowl has its own unique sound and special therapeutic properties and is commonly used to help facilitate relaxation and rejuvenation.
Tuning Forks
Tuning forks are an essential part of sound healing due to their pure, pitch-perfect sound wave. This sound wave moves through the body, cleansing and harmonizing many areas, while helping to facilitate relaxation. Tuning forks vary in size and range, allowing sound healing practitioners to target specific areas with the right frequency. Furthermore, their simplicity makes them a very simple but incredibly effective tool for sound healing.
Crystal Singing Pyramid
Not only is the crystal singing pyramid beautiful to look at, it also produces a sound unlike anything else. The harmonic tones vibrate in such a way that creates a wave of relaxation and can bring a person into a deep meditative state. This instrument is a great choice for incorporating mindfulness into any sound healing session.
Rain Stick
Like its name suggests, a rain stick is designed to mimic the sound of rain. It can be made from a hollowed-out wooden or bamboo tube, containing a column of beads, pebbles, or seeds. When tilted or turned up and down, these beads create a gentle and soothing sound, like a gentle summer rain. Rain sticks are often used in sound healing as a way to ease the body and mind into a calm state.
Monochord
This stringed instrument has been around since Ancient Greece and is known for its unique vibrational energy. The Monochord is played with a wooden bow on the strings creating calming tones that are perfect for sound healing. The vibrations are felt not only by the participants but they often induce a kind of “group trance” where everyone is in a deep and harmonious state. Give the Monochord a try and see if you can feel the power of sound healing!
Djembe
Among the various sound healing instruments often used in sound baths, is the exciting, African handheld drum known as the Djembe. This percussion instrument has an incredible, bass-filled sound that is perfectly suited to helping meditators access a deeper level of relaxation. The soothing and steady rhythm of the Djembe helps people to focus on their breath and banish all physical and mental distractions. It also offers a resonance that penetrates through body and soul and puts listeners in a state of harmony.
Didgeridoo
One of the oldest traditional sound healing instruments is the Australian didgeridoo. The didgeridoo has its roots in the Aboriginal culture and is believed to offer spiritual healing benefits. This instrument is simple to use but powerful to hear. It produces a deep, vibrating drone, creating a calming environment conducive to relaxation. During a sound bath, this instrument is often used in combination with Tibetan bowls and gongs to provide a journey deep within yourself.
Crystal Harp
The crystal harp is a type of harp that uses quartz crystal plates instead of metal strings. It produces a full-bodied, pure tone with a particularly long reverberation. This deep vibrational sound mesmerizes listeners, calming the mind and creating a sense of inner peace. It is truly a powerful instrument for mental, emotional and physical healing.
Flutes
Traditional sound healing instruments, such as flutes, date back centuries. Flutes were originally used in spiritual ceremonies and in times of meditation to reach deep levels of relaxation. The calming tones of a flute can help slow down brain wave frequencies and draw the mind away from stressful thoughts, allowing one to sink deeper into a peaceful state of being.
Handpan
Handpans, also known as tongue drum, have long been enjoyed for as tools for meditation and relaxation. The soothing sounds of these instruments bring a sense of calm and inner peace, while featuring unique tonal qualities that draw enthusiasts from all corners of the world. The handpan possesses a mellow resonance and offers a unique, immersive experience, allowing the listener to become fully absorbed in its subtle tapestries. Whether you’re just starting out on your journey of sound healing or looking to expand your current practice, the handpan is sure to bring a warming, uplifting energy to any space.
Most Common Sound Healing Instruments
It will largely depend on the sound bath practitioner leading the session, but of the variety of instruments used in sound healing, Singing Bowls and Gongs are typically the most common.
At the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Being stewards of the forest for over four decades, our sanctuary’s legacy is more than forest preservation – it’s about sharing the forest’s wisdom and nurturing the well-being of people and the planet. Sound baths are a means of continuing this tradition. Incorporating sound baths into the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary’s offerings reflects our commitment to holistic well-being and reinforces our belief that nature, in all its forms, has the potential to positively influence our lives. Some of the instruments we utilize here at the Sanctuary are crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, gongs, a variety of chimes, and drums!
We look forward to sharing these unique experiences with our guests and continuing to make a difference in the world for generations to come!
We offer sound baths several times per week, as well as private sound baths upon request.
