What Is Gong Bath Meditation? All You Need To Know
Gong baths are in the same category as music therapy and sound healing, their use dates back some 5,000 years. They have played an important role in ceremonies and rituals among many cultures including , , Afghanistan, Greece, , South America and Africa. In 2020 they are used for their healing qualities for physical conditions such as spinal injuries and pain, and mental and emotional conditions.
Some people refer to a gong bath as a sonic massage, as your body and mind are stimulated and soothed by the sounds and vibrations.
It is a passive experience that needs no experience
To enjoy a gong meditation, all the listener does is lay (or sit) down and relax, there is nothing to do or think about. In fact, thinking about anything can be difficult as your mind will struggle to concentrate and focus in the face of the sounds of the gong. Some players will complement the gong bath meditation with other instruments such as sound bowls, wind chimes and drums.
Perhaps the most relaxed you will ever be
We always precede the sound of the gong with some gentle movement and breathing exercises. This helps relax the body so the mind can then follow. The sound can be described as other worldly, starting quietly and building in intensity, taking the listener on a journey, using varied pitch/sound frequency, volume and tone. This helps the brain achieve a deeply relaxed, meditative state.
A range of feelings and sensations
Because the gong operates at a deep level, emotions are often stirred up, people report having strong feelings of joy and peace, while others can feel nonplussed and questioning. It is common for people to feel different every time, most likely because the frame of mind they start with is also different every time. Despite having their eyes closed, people talk about seeing bright lights or colours, of feeling hot or cold, having tingling sensations, of feeling mentally cleansed.
Researchers point to the ability of sound healing meditation to alter mood and reduce stress, so is often used to treat people with anxiety and depression. Sound based vibration is commonly used to help people with relief from arthritis and other body pain. Better sleep is a commonly reported benefit, with energy being shifted around the body and brain waves being affected by the sound waves.
Energised and rejuvenated
In addition to a sense of peace and calm, other commonly reported therapeutic include feeling more energetic, bright, creative and motivated. The power of the gong comes from the fact that it affects both the mind and the body simultaneously, a complete experience.
You can now find gong meditation around the country but as we are based in the capital, sound healing meditation London is where you will find us! Since the lockdown we have discovered that the experience of gong online, with people staying in the comfort of their homes, is actually really good!
A gong bath meditation is an ancient practice with contemporary application, helping support people with both physical and emotional conditions. As there is no technique to learn, it is open to everybody. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience that can be done at home online or face to face in a group of people, with the added energy that a shared event brings.
Answer: After a few gentle stretching and , you lay (or sit) down and cover yourself with a blanket as your body temperature will drop. With your eyes closed, you just let the gong bath meditation happen to you!
Originally published at https://www.nickyogameditation.co.uk on November 10, 2020.
