Healing With Music: Understanding Gong Sound Therapy
The gong is an ancient instrument that has been used for therapeutic purposes, as well as for military and spiritual services. Records of it use go back to the 6th century in China.
Gong sound therapy, which encourages healing with music, is one of the easiest ways to combat the effects of stress and anxiety - major causes of illness. Gaining popularity in the United States, several actors, including Charlize Theron, Lawrence Fishburne, and even Meghan Markle are fans of gong therapy. The principles of gong therapy are simple: relax and let the healing music wash over you. There are no techniques to learn, and no equipment to buy. Gong therapy is also accessible to young and old alike - regardless of fitness level - making it particularly restorative for even those who are not in peak condition.
A form of music therapy, the gong is considered the smart or “lazy” person’s meditation - you simply need to sit or lie down on a comfortable mat and allow the vibrations to wash over your skin. Experiencing this musical meditation feels like a sound massage, many go so far as to describe as spiritual. Since a gong therapy session can stimulate the same pleasure centers as alcohol and drugs, gong sound therapy can also be an important component of a broader addiction recovery program.
So what should you expect during a gong therapy session? It takes place with you lying on a mat or in a chair with a gong at your feet, possibly one at your head. Before experiencing the healing music, you will be led through a short breathing technique to increase your relaxation. From there, you simply relax and allow the sound of the gong to wash over you for 20 to 30 minutes.
The gong’s vibrations stimulate the nerve endings on the skin thereby entering the nervous system and your vital organs. Studies have demonstrated that the gong therapy can reduce blood pressure and can elevate mood. It also softens the mind’s control, bringing the mind to a meditative, more relaxed state: quite literally a healing musical meditation. Additional techniques such as hand and finger positions (mudras), eye focus, pranayam (breathwork), and/or affirmations can be added to deepen the benefit of the gong therapy session. Calming music brings your awareness back to the room as you slowly return - refreshed and renewed.
You may not be able to reduce the demands in your daily life, but you can strengthen your nervous and glandular systems to be more resilient. Regular gong therapy sessions are a great and easy addition to your self-care or corporate wellness program.
Because of the effects on the mind, the gong has also proven to be a powerful addition to team building and corporate leadership training programs.
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