BRAINWAVE ENTRAINMENT
The sound waves produced by the crystal singing bowls are incredibly powerful. Your body absorbs them and your mind synchronises with them in an amazing phenomenon called brainwave entrainment: the waves inside your brain fall in step with the waves outside of you.
So, when you participate in a relaxing crystal bowls soundscape, an environment is created where your mind quietens and your brain enters slower brainwaves.
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A BRAINWAVE JOURNEY
Throughout the day, we cycle through 5 different brainwaves depending on our states of consciousness. The brainwaves oscillate at different speeds and are measured by their cycles per second, aka frequency in Hertz. The more you allow yourself to relax in a sound bath, the deeper through the brainwaves you can go.
Gamma waves (30-100 Hz)
These are the fastest brainwaves and are associated with heightened awareness, peak concentration, and information processing. They are also linked to learning, and creative insights.
Have you ever felt "in the zone", where things seem to be flowing effortlessly? Getting things done, ticking off your to-do list, feeling inspired or unstoppable! You're probably in gamma brainwaves!
WHERE YOU MAY START THE SOUND BATH...
Beta waves (12-30 Hz)
You will most likely start the sound bath in beta waves. Beta are the most common waves during our waking hours: we have a high state of alertness, are actively thinking and engaged in problem-solving.
When overactive, they’re linked to restlessness, stress and anxiety — booo.
WHERE YOU MAY GO...
Alpha waves (8-12 Hz)
A relaxed, yet awake state (think quiet wakefulness or daydreaming), promoting creativity and reflection. Alpha states have been found to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and are associated with a state of calm focus.
Here, you'll be enjoying the beautiful, soothing sounds of the bowls and thanking yourself for making time to attend.
Theta waves (4-8 Hz)
Theta waves are more dominant when you’re deeply relaxed or in a meditative state - but can also occur during light sleep. They are also linked to creativity, intuition, visualisation and emotional processing.
If you have been dealing with something difficult in your life (or maybe avoiding it!), it's possible that you may feel an emotional or physical release during a sound bath. Don't be afraid to feel it or let it out.
If you experience any visualisations during the sound bath, I'd love to hear about them at the end!
Delta waves (0.5-4 Hz)
These are the slowest brainwaves and are dominant during deep, dreamless sleep. Delta waves are also associated with unconscious, restorative bodily functions.
You might start snoring! Let me know before we start if you want me to wake you with a gentle nudge.
Alpha, theta and delta brainwaves stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), taking you out of 'fight or flight' response and activating your body's system of self-healing and cellular repair.
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TRAINING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Our nervous systems aren’t built for the constant stress, exhaustion and overstimulation of modern life. Sound baths help retrain the nervous system, guiding it into deep relaxation. They reduce stress hormones, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and quickly quiet the mind and release tension.
Regular Practice
Sound baths are a powerful way to regulate the nervous system over time. With regular practice, you can:
- Build resilience to stress
- Improve sleep and overall wellbeing
- Feel calmer and more connected
- Ease anxiety
- Gain clarity and focus
Consistent care for your nervous system leads to lasting benefits — far beyond quick fixes.
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HOW DO SOUND BATHS BRING ABOUT MENTAL CLARITY?
Our brains have a specialised flushing system called the glymphatic system, which is most active during sleep.
Spending prolonged periods of time in theta and delta brainwaves allows our brain to utilise the cerebrospinal fluid and glial cells (probably the first time you’ve heard of these, right!?) to remove the waste products and toxins that are accumulated during the day and lead to mental fatigue.
The result: a feeling of mental clarity! ✨
Sources:
1. University College London https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/may/comment-does-sleep-clear-more-toxins-brain-when-were-awake
2. Harvard Health Publishing https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/are-toxins-flushed-out-of-the-brain-during-sleep
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THE VIBRATIONS
"If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration" - Nikola Tesla
Sound bowl vibrations work at a cellular level, gently shifting the body into a relaxed, restorative state.
Everything around us has its own unique vibrational frequency. You've probably felt when someone was in a grumpy mood, even before they said anything to you; or maybe someone gave you a "bad vibe". You're picking up on their energy and vibrational frequency!
Check out this fascinating video which shows how vibrations reorganise sand particles (also known as cymatics - the study of visible sound).
Now imagine this happening to your cells and nervous system.
Vibrations and frequencies reorganise, reshape and heal your cells from a low vibrational, chaotic state, into an orderly, high vibrational geometrical shape.
"Low" vibrations and frequencies are associated with stress, fear and sickness; "high" vibrations and frequencies are associated with love, health and joy.
A sound bath is like a deep tissue massage for your nervous system and energetic body.