Sound Healing 101: What It Is and Why It Works

You've Heard About Sound Baths. Here's What They Actually Do.

Sound healing has become one of those wellness buzzwords. You see it on Instagram. Your friends are going to sound baths. But what actually happens, and why would you care?

Let's start with this: sound healing isn't new. It's one of the oldest therapeutic modalities humans have used. What's new is that we're finally understanding the science behind why it works.

What Happens During a Sound Bath

A sound bath isn't actually a bath. You're not getting wet. You're lying down (usually on a yoga mat with blankets and props), and a practitioner plays various instruments around you: singing bowls, gongs, chimes, tuning forks.

The sounds wash over you. You feel the vibrations in your body. Your mind starts to quiet. Time gets a little fuzzy. Most sessions last 45-60 minutes, though it often feels shorter or longer depending on how deeply you drop in. You're not doing anything. You're just receiving.

The Science: Why Sound Affects Your Nervous System

Here's what's happening on a physiological level:

Frequency Entrainment

Your brainwaves naturally sync with external rhythms. This is called entrainment. When you're exposed to the slow, resonant frequencies of singing bowls or gongs, your brain starts to match those frequencies, shifting from busy beta waves to calmer alpha and theta waves.

Vibrational Resonance

Sound is vibration. Your body is mostly water. When sound waves move through your body, they create a subtle massage at the cellular level. This helps release tension and promotes circulation.

Parasympathetic Activation

The combination of lying down, breathing deeply, and receiving soothing sounds activates your parasympathetic nervous system. This is your body's natural relaxation response.

Mental Quieting

The sounds give your mind something to focus on that isn't your thoughts. This creates a meditative state without the effort of traditional meditation.

What Sound Healing Can Help With

•     Anxiety and racing thoughts

•     Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep

•     Physical tension and chronic pain

•     Stress and nervous system dysregulation

•     Difficulty meditating (sound gives your mind something to focus on)

•     General overwhelm and the need for deep rest

What to Expect at Your First Sound Bath

At Palestra, our sound healing sessions are designed to be as comfortable and accessible as possible. You'll arrive and set up your space with a mat, blankets, bolsters, and anything else you need to be completely comfortable lying down for about an hour.

The lights will be dim. The room will be warm. Once everyone is settled, the practitioner will begin playing the instruments. Your only job is to close your eyes (or keep them softly open) and let yourself receive the sounds. Some people fall asleep. Some people have emotional releases. Some people just feel deeply relaxed. There's no wrong way to experience it.

Common Questions About Sound Healing

Do I need experience with meditation?

No. Sound healing is actually perfect for people who struggle with traditional meditation. The sounds give your mind something to focus on.

What if I fall asleep?

That's fine. Your body clearly needs the rest. You'll still receive benefits even if you're asleep.

Will it be loud?

No. Sound healing uses resonant, soothing tones. It's not jarring or uncomfortable. If anything feels too loud, you can always adjust your position or let the practitioner know.

How often should I go?

Even one session can have profound effects. Regular sessions (once a month or more) help maintain nervous system regulation and make it easier to access deep rest.

Ready to Experience Sound Healing?

Sound healing is one of those practices that's hard to explain but easy to feel. The best way to understand it is to experience it. At Palestra, we offer regular sound healing sessions and often combine them with restorative yoga or meditation for an even deeper experience.



Check our schedule for upcoming sound baths and give yourself permission to receive. Your nervous system will thank you.