Why you should try sound bathing – and where

You’re likely to find sound healing at luxurious hotel spas and spiritual retreats, but it’s rooted in ancient traditions dating back thousands of years – believed to have originated in the areas of Nepal, India and western China. Used as an aid for meditation in Indian Nada Yoga, in religious ceremonies in ancient Egypt and medical treatments in ancient Greece, the power of sound has fascinated people from all over the world for eons. 

Sound bathing has come a long way since those early days and has taken on a new life, adopted by people all over the world at some of the most incredible sanctuaries. Blending both ancient rituals and new techniques, practitioners wield crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, gigantic gongs and even didgeridoos in some cases to induce meditative bliss. Studies have proven that there are a multitude of benefits to reap, such as alleviating stress, anger and symptoms of depression.

Here are some of the best places to lie down and soak in the sounds around the world.

Red Doors Studio, Hong Kong, China 

One of the best kept secrets in Hong Kong is this Wong Chuk Hang studio , said to own the largest collection of meditation gongs in Asia. Martha, the founder of the company, takes charge of its Gong Relaxation sessions, which ease away stress with each chime. In her candlelit studio, you’ll be bathed in energising sound as her gongs reverberate – soaking into your bones and leaving you refreshed for days to come. Looking for something more spiritual? The studio also holds monthly new moon and full moon gong baths, as well as training courses for those looking to take things to the next level.

Pyramids of Chi, Bali, Indonesia 

Two ivory pyramids stand out amidst a sea of green in Bali — a temple dedicated to sound healing called the Pyramids of Chi . Step inside and experience their Ancient Sound Healing sessions, where gongs, Indian flutes, didgeridoos and Tibetan singing bowls will ease you into a meditative state over the course of an hour. As the soundscape rises, the unique structure of the pyramid vibrates along with it, ensuring you feel its healing energy all the way down to your bones. 

Sangha Retreat, Suzhou, China

Located a 90-minute drive from Shanghai, this calming, contemporary wellness retreat is nestled on the banks of Yangcheng Lake. Drawing on ancient Chinese principles of sound healing and western philosophies of wellness, they’ve constructed a golden dome lined with quartz crystals for their healing sessions. As sunlight beams through a skylight at the centre of the dome and the hum of crystal singing bowls reverberates off its curved walls, you’ll be immersed in a blanket of sound. Afterwards, retreat to your luxurious sanctuary, where you’ll find breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows and beds equipped with healing crystal mandalas to enhance your body’s energy flow.

Integratron, California, USA

Make the two-hour pilgrimage from downtown Los Angeles to The Integratron , an ivory UFO-shaped wellness escape in the middle of the Mojave Desert. As part of its signature package, you’ll absorb resonances from quartz singing bowls in its domed sound chamber, complete with views of the region’s majestic sunsets and wild terrain. Its transformative sound healing sessions are always high in demand, and are available to book two months in advance, so be sure to confirm your sound bath as soon as new dates are released.

The Dreaming, Wales, UK

Cottagecore meets sound healing at The Dreaming , a fairytale retreat that once belonged to British designer Laura Ashley and her family. Now, its new owner Charlotte Church (yes, that Charlotte Church) has transformed it into a meditative escape for city dwellers. Besides weekly retreats that combine yoga, sound healing and forest bathing, the Welsh singer also personally hosts sound healing sessions as part of the Song of the Soul retreat – a more interactive experience for those who have trouble falling asleep. Beyond its doors, guests will find lush gardens to explore, designed by a Chelsea Flower Show winner.

Ensure nothing comes between you and your bliss

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