Can a Sound Bath Wash Away Stress?

The sound of the singing bowl vibrated in my ears so strongly that I felt it traveling through my body. Next came the Kenari shaker—the noise fluttering throughout the room like leaves rustling in the wind. A gong sounded, keeping me awake and aware, connecting me to the floor I was lying on, next to a dozen strangers. A few weeks ago, I tried my first sound bath at the Washington Athletic Club, an experience that is meant to relax, restore, and rejuvenate. With the busy holiday season approaching, I was curious whether a sound bath could actually help me unwind. 

“A sound bath offers a unique experience that encourages deep relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief in a way that feels accessible to everyone,” says Mary Ellen Jilek, the vice president of club life and community at the Washington Athletic Club. The WAC regularly holds sound baths led by Julia Francis, a sound therapy practitioner who offers sessions in a studio room or while floating in a pool. Participants simply lie down, sit, or float their way to a relaxed state, while a series of instruments, from gongs to tuning forks, chimes, and more, are played throughout the hour-long session. 

To some, this may sound a little woo-woo, but there is early evidence, according to WebMD, that sound baths may help calm the nervous system, shift brain waves, and help the body handle stress better. While meditation (think sitting silently for a long period of time) is known to provide health benefits, many struggle with being still with their thoughts. A sound bath provides a similar chance for reflection, albeit with the added and perhaps distracting addition of calming musical sounds. “Sound baths are wonderful for anyone looking to prioritize self-care, reduce stress, or simply try something new,” Jilek says. 

The first few minutes of my sound bath were especially invigorating. I felt a smile creep across my face, wiping away the stress of fighting my way through traffic to get to downtown Seattle. Once the loud vibrations hit, I started feeling a bit uncomfortable, and my mind began to wonder when it would be over. Instrument after instrument was played, sometimes softly, other times sharply, taking me on a journey of highs and lows. It started to make sense to me, like a reflection of everyday life, ultimately ending on a peaceful note that left me at ease.

There are many ways to experience a sound bath in Seattle. Seattle Sound Temple in Fremont is dedicated to sound healing and also sells crystal singing bowls. Inner Alchemy, Treasures and Transformation in West Seattle is a healing center that offers sound baths in addition to other wellness practices. There are many yoga studios that provide sound baths, from SOL Yoga Seattle in Leschi to Mind. Body. Hum, near the Seattle ferry terminal. 

At the WAC, sound baths are some of the most sought-after wellness offerings. “The popularity speaks to a broader desire for wellness-focused experiences that help people recharge both physically and mentally,” Jilek says. Maybe people should think of going to the gym as something beyond just a body workout, and as an opportunity to care for more than their physical health. Many of us have started incorporating yoga, sauna, and cold plunging into our health and wellness repertoire. Perhaps it’s time to add the sound bath. It might just, ahem, sing to you.