Hi!
I'd like to share a little bit about how I started my sound healing journey.
I don't quite recall exactly when I was first introduced to sound healing as a modality, but I know that I've always been fascinated with sounds and music and their ability to heal the body, mind, and spirit. I especially remember being drawn to anything chime-y, such as bells, wind chimes, xylophones, and other percussion instruments. Growing up in a family steeped in the cultural arts, I started singing at the age of five, and could identify ragas (musical scales in the Indian classical system) by the age of ten. I received an old Yamaha synthesizer from a cousin and I would play and experiment with sounds all day, instead of playing outside with friends.
As an introverted child, having social anxiety and low-self esteem issues, sounds and music had a profound effect on me. The Indian festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri were my favorite time of the year because of the evening rituals of worship that involved chanting, singing, and drumming.
In the West, yoga studios are incorporating more and more of mantra chanting and singing in their classes. I experienced a gong bath for the first time, at a Kundalini yoga class when I was living in New York, and I've been addicted to them ever since. It was at that time that I decided to expand my healing practice to include the gong and other sounds. I started playing the Himalayan singing bowls at the end of my Reiki sessions. Many of my clients would express their delight at the sound vibrations they produce, and it really inspired me to dive deeper into the study of sound.
Sound Healing is a type of vibrational healing technique that uses the voice and various other instruments such as Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, gongs, and drums to promote deep relaxation and healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Just like other healing modalities, it treats the whole person, and not just the symptoms. It is a combination of ancient wisdom, art, and science.
According to statistics from western medicine, 80% of serious physical or mental health challenges are due to chronic stress or suppressed emotions associated with past trauma/abuse. Sound healing effectively deals with these underlying causes of pain, disease, and illness without clients having to spend years in talk therapy. This has been documented in thousands of case studies carried out by experts in the field.
Studies have shown that sonic waves and vibrations penetrate down to the cellular level to dissolve trauma and reset cells to their natural patterns, which allows the body to heal naturally. It relaxes nerve plexuses, muscles and tissues, promotes blood and lymph circulation. It balances autonomic nervous system, calming stress and relieving fatigue. Apart from physical benefits, sound also heals mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Sound balances the chakras, or the bio-energy field, which in turn influences physical conditions such as the endocrine glands, hormone balance, and organ function. Personally, I have felt immense relief with my menstrual cramps and moodiness after playing the gong for 15 minutes. I also have the most peaceful sleep at night.
Sound healing sessions typically last 60 - 75 minutes. It is an improvised sound "concert" played by the practitioner, while the client lays on a mat on the floor or a massage table and passively receives the sound vibrations. Oftentimes, the client is made to use their own voice with the guidance of the healer, to make it a more active session. No two sessions are alike, and are created by the healer in a completely spontaneous and intuitive way.
If you'd like to experience a personal healing session with me, please feel free to reach out to me. You can also read more about my sessions as you explore my website, on the "offerings" page, as well as the FAQ page.
Thank you for the honor of choosing me to be your guide in your sound wellness journey.
Love, light, and peace to all!
Aparna Sundar
