The Power of Sound
THE ELEMENT WATER
Did you know that 73% of your heart consists of water? Up to 60% of the human adult body is water.
“Why are they talking about water?” you might think. Well, water and sound are more connected with each other than you probably think …
Water is one of the most important elements on earth for our survival. Humans can live without food for weeks. But water? We can only live without it for a few days. You probably won‘t be surprised that most ancient philosophies consider water one of their core elements.
In Ayurveda, water is one of the five core elements, symbolising adaptability, fluidity, and change. Water has also found its way into the ancient philosophy of chakras, where it represents the second one, Svadhisthana, with its symbol being a white crescent moon and located at the lower belly and inner pelvis.
If your water element is out of balance, you may experience difficulties with emotional expression, creativity, or mental rigidity. The sacral chakra is your creativity center and responds best to play. Write, paint, sculpt, draw, dance, do anything that involves creativity – and don’t take it too seriously! Yoga can also help stimulate the second chakra. Hip openers and any free, fluid movement help with the sacral chakra.
But let‘s get back to business … What Does Water Has To Do With Sound?
Think about the last time you attended a concert, party, or any event with music. How did it make you feel? Did it relax you or give you energy? The music you heard affected your body in some way, showing a strong link between water and sound. Understanding this connection can help us enjoy both more.
Playlist: Frequencies
Dive into meditative soundscapes.
Sound is a vibration, at a specific frequency. The range of frequencies varies; the human ear is only able to hear a fraction of frequencies out there. This means certain vibrations that you might not even hear still can influence your body!
All sounds in this world carry not only a certain frequency that we hear, but they also influence how we feel.
Crazy? It‘s scientifically proven…
Although Yogis have known about the benefit of sounds for centuries, science only recently agreed and discovered the influence of frequencies on the brain. Yogis have used specific sounds, called Mantras, to enter a state of Samadhi or higher consciousness.
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”
OMMMM
The famous mantra "ommmm" is widely known. It originates from Hinduism and is believed to create a natural frequency of 432 Hz, connecting individuals with the universe.
When practiced correctly, it can reduce heart rate, slow down the breath, and calm the nervous system. Benefits include purifying the environment, improving immunity and self-healing, reducing stress and anxiety, and aiding in digestion. Chanting the mantra regularly can also increase positive energy and give a healthy glow to the body.
TYPES OF BRAIN WAVES
Your body receives any sound, frequency, and vibration. Because our bodies consist of so much water, the element of change, we change as we receive different frequencies.
Those differences are measured using a scale with different waves:
Delta waves are the slowest waves. They are more common among children, but can also occur during states of meditation when awareness is detached.
Theta waves are associated with dreaming, deep relaxation, visualisation, sleep, and the state between sleep and wakefulness. Theta waves are important to learning and memory consolidation.
Alpha waves mean you‘re awake but calm. Those waves happen when you are in the „now“, but relaxed, stable, and maybe even creative. If you spend your time learning and thinking, you are most likely in the alpha waves.
Beta waves are associated with conscious thought. Beta waves occur during focused attention, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Gamma waves are the fastest waves. At this super-high frequency, several areas of the brain are working simultaneously and there is rapid information processing. It’s the state when we experience bursts of insight.
Now that you have full knowledge of brain waves and how sounds can influence us, let‘s have a closer look at how you can dive into the various frequencies.
HOW YOU CAN YOU TAP INTO CERTAIN FREQUENCIES AND FEEL THE EFFECTS IN YOUR BODY?
When you practice yoga, you ultimately want to aim at Beta and Alpha waves. Why?
Beta and Alpha waves generate awareness for the now, making you realize and think, but also releasing dopamine, the happy chemical.
Yogis have known for thousands of years how to create certain states of consciousness and brain waves. They used bowls to create sounds with specific frequencies, commonly known as singing bowls or Tibetian bowls. Singing bowls are scientifically proven to calm the mind. They can change beta brainwaves into the alpha/theta meditative state, creating ultimate relaxation.
And because your body consists primarily of water, the vibrations from the singing bowls transfer through your body as well, relaxing muscles, bones, and organs.
To reach specific vibrations and tap into the healing energies of different crystals, alchemic crystal bowls are utilized to produce optimal results. Much like traditional singing bowls, the primary objective is to generate harmonious sounds that resonate deeply within the listener. Alchemic crystal bowls produce one clear sound because they are made of specific crystals, enhancing their healing effects unlike singing bowls. It's important to note that both types of bowls offer unique benefits, and individuals may have their own preferences based on personal experiences and needs.
Sound Baths
Sounds have a remarkable healing effect on individuals, serving as a powerful force that promotes peace, deep reflection, and inner harmony. Melodic compositions gently transport the mind to a state of tranquility, where it can find solace and respite from the demands of daily life. Immersing oneself in a sound bath offers diverse advantages, facilitating the release of energy blockages that hinder mental and physical well-being. This immersive experience not only fosters a sense of connectivity but also aids in sharpening focus and enhancing mindfulness.
Inner Landscapes Retreat 2022, Sound Bath Facilitator Laura Israel captured by Sophie Kirchner
Sound baths can improve your mood and well-being in many ways, such as
promoting serenity
reducing anxiety
sharpening focus
easing fatigue
enhancing mood
and fostering restorative sleep
By using sound frequencies, sound baths can have a powerful impact on improving mental and physical health. And because sound is so powerful, we work with sound - and crystal bowl facilitators on our events and retreats.
During all of our retreats you get the chance to fully dive into the experience and the magic of sound: Retreat “Days Of Serenity” at Parkhotel Mondschein in Bolzano, Retreat “Inner Landscapes” on the island of Rügen and Retreat “Wild Spirits” on the island of Ibiza. Away from the noise of daily life, we create our retreats in unique environments for you to find stillness and peace of mind.
We prefer an intimate circle so availabilities are limited — find our upcoming Retreats 2024 here.
Are you ready to elevate your mind, spirit and physical health? Then you don't want to miss out.
We are so much looking forward to meeting you,
Nicole & Anna