From abrupt rings to long, soothing sounds, gongs are instruments of miraculous tones and vibrations. Today, they are used for a number of purposes.
One of the most popular purposes being sound healing.
Sound healing is a form of meditation that uses vibrations to put your mind and body into a state of relaxation. Posing benefits to anxiety, tension and insomnia, amongst other ailments, sound healing meditation is a comprehensive, therapeutic practice that is leveraged by people around the world.
Where did it all begin?
Mediation, as in inclusive practice, has a unique history with distinct origins in both China and India. Some of India’s oldest written documents (from as early as 1500 BCE) detail practices that focused on the training of the mind. Within China’s brilliant history, meditation can be traced back to as early as the 3rd and 6th centuries BCE.
Exactly how these ancient forms of meditation took place are still vastly unknown. However, the notion that meditation has evolved across culture and a time holds truth. Just as dance, religious practices, music and social norms have changed overtime, we know that today’s definition of meditation is a product of centuries of evolution.
Sound healing meditation doesn’t date back quite as far as general mindfulness practices, but is far from a modern-day trend. Specifically, the use of gongs for sound healing can be traced back to ancient Greece.
What are the benefits of sound healing meditation?
The benefits of sound healing meditation are as holistic as they come, catering to your emotional, physical, and mental self. Some of the benefits that are most commonly spoken to include:
- Reduced stress
- Decreased anxiety and depression
- Stabilized mood
- Improved sleep
It doesn’t stop there…
Research supports even more benefits to the practice:
- Lower blood pressure
- Pain management
- Lower cholesterol
- Improved memory
- Improved management of behavioral disorders and learning difficulties
Gong Baths & Getting Grounded
Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk and peace activist, once said --
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
At the root of meditation, including sound healing practices, is conscious breathing.
While conscious breathing, also known as mindful breathing, can be achieved in nearly any setting, it helps to be in an environment that aligns with your goals.
Is your goal to revive your focus and feel deeper rooted in your whole being?
If so, your surroundings and position should reflect this. Maybe this means sitting down on the floor as opposed to laying down. Or maybe this means you embrace the sounds and vibrations of a Paiste Gong, known for its deep and grounding tones.
If your goal is to relax and ease your way into sleep, your approach may be different. In this case, laying down on a mat or on a bed could be a better option. You may also be better suited for the sounds and vibrations of a Wind Gong. These gongs are renowned for their soft, whisper-like tones.
Regardless of the gong style and size you use, taking a gong bath is an immersive reset to your holistic being. Take the time to explore our wide variety of sound healing gongs, gong stands, and accessories.
Run into any questions? You can give us a call at (415)-626-4606 or drop us a line at info@thegongshop.com.