Look around you and you’ll see busybodies rushing from one errand to the next. This state of constant flux and movement can tire us out and leave us feeling anxious. Even if you were to examine yourself right now, you’d notice that you’re stiff, always sore and achy. By holding tension in your body, your shoulders will be near your ears, your jaw clenched, clammy hands and a sore upper back. Before we do anything else, let’s just take a few deep breaths and relax each of these areas with mindful breathing.
What is sound healing?
Whether it’s the simple humming of your favourite song, the vibrations of mantras, or the low ding of Tibetan singing bowls, research on the effects of sound on healing tell us that certain rhythms, vibrations, and notes, influence our resistance and recovery from various ailments. In an article for The New York Times, Stephanie Rosenbloom wrote that ‘healers, sometimes called sounders, argue that sound can have physiological effects because its vibrations are not merely heard but also felt. And vibrations, they say, can lower heart-rate variability, relax brain-wave patterns and reduce respiratory rates.’ Under these conditions, our stress hormones reduce which is good news for everyone, but particularly encouraging for people with anxiety and sleep disorders.
How does it work?
Sound facilitates a shift in our brainwaves to create a stable frequency by lowering our beta state i.e. our normal waking consciousness, to an alpha state i.e. the relaxed consciousness, this can also be used to reach the theta state which is the meditative brain and further into a delta state which is sleep, when our bodies begin to repair themselves. This is no different to meditation where breathwork helps us reach a deeper state of consciousness. In sound healing, the same state is achieved through frequency and vibrations. Anyone can opt for a session and better still, you don’t even need to know how to meditate.
About pyramids of Chi
At Pyramids of Chi, the experience of sound healing is taken a step further with their two state-of-the-art pyramids – the Ancient Sounds Pyramid and the Pyramid of the Moon (for sound and breath therapy). Through the sounds of pow wow drums, gongs, Himalayan bowls, and the didgeridoo, one can start the healing process for a deeply relaxing effect that lasts long after you leave the calming premises. As you lay on the mattress surrounded by bolsters and pillows, with vibrations of the energy gong washing over you, you can almost feel yourself slipping into a deeper level of consciousness.
What will you experience?
It is possible to experience a complete realignment of chakras, to perceive blockages – mental and emotional and clear them during and after the session. Loyalists believe that regular sound healing sessions bring the body to a sense of equilibrium and make you more prepared for the demands of the outside world. For those who want to spend more time walking around the premises or soaking in the vibe, there are some tasty nibbles on offer at the Pyramids of Chi cafe. Guests often enjoy walking in the open gardens before they step back into normal life.
What you need to know before you go:
- You might feel overwhelmed after the session- this is completely normal. Researchers believe that sound healing works at releasing trapped emotions. This release could come in before, during or after the session. You could choose to speak with Peter (the owner) or your Didi (facilitator) post the session.
- Just listen to your body and watch for changes. If you’ve had a few really hectic, stressful weeks, you might experience some tingling. Sound healing is particularly effective at soothing the nervous system and can help relax frayed nerves.
- You may fall asleep during the session. This is actually more common than you’d think but don’t fret. For those of you who have insomnia or trouble sleeping, sound healing can help you enjoy restful sleep at night. In fact, my sleep quality saw a marked improvement during the weeks that followed.
- We recommend that you allow your body some time to relax before you go out into the world and resume your chores. If you can, walk barefoot on the grass or go for a long walk on the beach. Resist the urge to use a phone or computer. The world can wait.
Verdict
As Peter says, “expect the unexpected when you are at pyramids of Chi” and he’s absolutely right. Whether you are a regular or a newbie to the process, each session can feel different. You cannot leave Ubud without paying this place a visit and you don’t need to worry about booking ahead of time because their meditation halls can accommodate quite a few people. The cafe outside is a great place to catch up with friends over lunch and they have some incredible vegan treats available as well. Pyramids Of Chi also hosts cacao ceremonies with ecstatic dance and they do have special events so make it a point to check their calendar. Sound healing is open to everyone and you don’t need to meditate regularly to reap the benefits. There are no known contraindications for sound healing and we think everyone should try it at least once to experience the magic. It is very hard to describe in words what we felt when we experienced a session but we highly recommend you check it out for yourselves.
Quick Notes:
Pyramids of Chia
Jl Kelebang Moding #22
Bentuyung
Ubud
Gianyar
For bookings- pyramidsofchibookings@gmail.com
Website-http://www.pyramidsofchi.com/
Thank you for taking such lovely photos, Aarushi ( https://www.instagram.com/glitternaturally/)
