So, what is a gong bath!? Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room: there’s no bath...
I know…disappointing! But the reason it's often referred to as a bath is because the idea is that you bathe in the sound of the gongs! The sound, if you haven’t heard it, is like a consistent low hum that dips in and out of various patterns and volumes. And the sensation is like being blanketed, or ‘bathed’, in sound. OK… so, that’s the bath bit cleared up, but what’s a gong exactly!?
It's likely what you think it is – a big circular cymbal looking thing that you recognise from various movies- likely where someone hits it with extreme force for the ultimate dramatic experience!
But, in our context, it is played gently, consistently and with respect for healing purposes. And what does that mean? It means that although the sound of the gongs is beautiful, orchestral almost, the real healing lay in the vibrations that the gongs produce.
As humans we are primarily made up of water and if you think about what happens when you place something that vibrates in a body of water, it moves the water so you can visibly see the water rippling out… and so that mirrors what happens in our bodies when they are affected by vibrations. We store our tension, whether that be physical or emotional, in the fascia- the connective tissues that surround our muscles, organs, bones and more. This tension results in blockages which means that the energy in our bodies can become somewhat stagnant or stuck. As the gongs are played, movement and a sense of loosening is encouraged, which can result in a feeling of release. This is why on occasion people might feel like their experience of a gong bath is emotional & healing. Or it might even have a direct effect on the experience of physical pain or discomfort, allowing it to ease, or even disappear for a time following the gong bath.
The experience of a gong bath is often described as extremely relaxing, as the sounds encourage our nervous system to move into the ‘rest and digest’ parasympathetic state. We are encouraged by the gongs into a deep state of rest whereby our heart rate and brain waves slow down, which can lead us into experiencing altered states of consciousness. This is what can even cause things such as visual patterns, colours and even visions to arise.
So, why not join us & experience for yourself what bathing in the sound of gongs can do for you emotionally, physically & even on a spiritual level...& if nothing else, we hope it relaxes you enough to get a decent nights' rest so you wake up feeling refreshed!
With light,
Lau.
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