Sound healing. This modality has been used by indigenous people for centuries. The medicine man, priest or shaman in many ancient cultures believed that vibration carries energy, which has the power to transform. Sound healing is the use of sound plus an intention for the highest good to bring about positive healing change. It is an effective, proven modality used to reduce stress and induce relaxation, as well as relieving pain.

When someone has pain for example, it is believed there is some sort of blockage - physical, mental or spiritual - in place. Sound healing works on the premise that the body is not solid, but is energy that is held together by sound. Sound healing affects the cells of the body to get energy flowing within the body to resolve any imbalance. Results may be felt immediately or it may take a few days to notice a difference So it makes sense to me that massage therapy and sound healing make good partner modalities.

Many of you are probably familiar with several of these items - tuning forks, gongs, flutes, temple bells, crystal or Tibetan singing bowls - that are used in sound therapy. Drumming and chanting are two well-known forms of sound healing. PBS fans, do you remember the Aboriginal didgeridoo? Isn't that a great name? That instrument is made from a eucalyptus tree branch that has been hollowed out by termites. It is used to help people easily enter a deeper healing state to work on various health issues.

Now I have been on the receiving end of both the tuning forks and the bowls. The tuning fork causes the air around it to vibrate, and this vibration is said to increase energy in different body parts. What I felt was a strong vibrational jolt that left me feeling very connected to the universe. However, I have fallen in love with the bowls and that may be because it is a more subtle, yet deeper, vibration to me. The bowls are struck with padded wands and the sound is carried around the bowl. Some of the tones can last quite a long time. I found that my breathing and heart rate slowed as I listened and I became so relaxed I almost fell off my seat. Those deeper frequencies, which I believe are notes B and C, really work for me.

So if you want to experience a special holiday vibe, search for a sound therapist practitioner for relaxation, healing, and restoration of balance to your body.