Sound Massage
What is a Peter Hess Sound Massage?
A Sound Massage is not a massage in the classical sense but many clients describe the sound treatment as feeling like a massage; they feel that their bodies are touched through sound. Unlike a traditional massage the sound massage involves no physical contact between the client and the sound massage practitioner.
What happens during a Sound Massage?
At the beginning of each treatment there will be a brief consultation with Karen to discuss any relevant medical issues and clarify what you are looking for from the treatment. People seek a sound massage for a variety of reasons. It is can be used purely for deep relaxation or to alleviate specific physical or emotional issues and bring spiritual wellbeing. On your first visit you will be given 15 minutes extra time in order to have a more in-depth consultation and to be introduced to the sound of the bowls and the feel of their vibrations before the treatment begins.
What is the treatment like?
For the treatment you will usually lie fully clothed, face down, on a massage table. You will turn over onto your back later. If this is uncomfortable or unsuitable for you there are other options, for example, the treatment can also be done seated. It is suggested that you wear comfortable clothing and remove any metal buckles or jewellery that might make contact with the bowls. Those who have not experienced a sound massage before can be assured that there is nothing you need to do other than lie with your eyes closed and enjoy the sounds and the sensation of the bowls. Usually the combination of vibrations and harmonious sounds bring relaxation within seconds and is perceived as very soothing.
How does it work?
Various sizes of singing bowls are placed directly on or near the body and are gently tapped with a felt mallet. The vibrations from the bowls travel through the body's tissue, fluid, internal organs, cavities and bones. When the organs and tissues are free of blockages, the sound waves spread unimpeded and exit through the toes, fingertips and tips of the hair. However, usually our bodies are not free of blockages. This can manifest as pain in our joints or as hardening of certain muscle groups. The variety of bowls, offering different frequencies, are designed to resonate with various parts of the body so their vibrations can penetrate these various blockages and work through them to create a new consistency. The entire body is gently freed, at a cellular level, from blockages, hardened parts and tension.
What sensations might I experience?
As the vibrations of the bowls work to gently resolve areas of tension, clients become aware of sensations of increasing flow. Areas in the body holding tension are brought to your attention with sensations such as tingling like pins and needles or feelings of cold or warmth as the body reorganises and resolves.
How does a Sound Massage cause relaxation?
The breath becomes quieter and deeper as we begin to let go until we come to a state similar to deep meditation or the consciousness we have on the brink of sleep. This altered consciousness encourages the body to heal itself through the restorative power of deep relaxation. At the end of the treatment you will be given a few minutes to enjoy and deeply peaceful silence before being brought to with the gentle sound of the tingshaw.
Does a Sound Massage work if I find relaxation difficult?
Many people who find relaxation techniques difficult often give up in their search for an effective relaxation method. Relaxation through sound is particularly effective as we find it easy to immerse ourselves in sound. Many clients have commented that sound and vibration therapy is the only relaxation treatment that works for them.
What are the benefits of a Sound Massage?
· Profound relaxation
· Huge reduction in stress levels
· Improved sleep
· Lowered heart rate and reduced blood pressure
· Tension and blockages dissolved and relieved
· Digestive problems alleviated
· Regulation of circulatory disturbances
· Pain soothed
· Improved mobility
· Emotional heaviness like worry or depression lifted
· Emotional balance restored
· Quietening of the nervous system
· Enhanced wellbeing
· Strengthening of the immune system and healing powers of the body
· Enhancement and renewal of productive energy and creativity
Are there any contraindications?
Sound massage is safe and beneficial for most people I don’t do Sound Massage if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy, have epilepsy or have a pacemaker or metal implants.
Gong Baths
What is a Gong Bath?
A Gong Bath is so named as many people have described the experience of listening to the dense and multilayered sounds of the gongs as being “bathed” in sound. A combination of a 90cm Chinese Chau gong and a 50cm Fen Gong is played, along with the Tibetan therapeutic bowls and other instruments, to lull you into a deep altered state of consciousness.
What happens during a Gong Bath?
During a one-to one Gong Bath you will lie on a massage bed or sit on a chair, depending on your preference. For group gong baths you will lie on mats on the floor supported by pillows and bolsters. Blankets and eye-pillows are provided for extra comfort and warmth. A gong bath begins gently and you will experience several crescendos of sound in gradually built up waves. As the sound blossoms a range of harmonics and overtones builds up and body resonates with the strong source of vibration to bring movement and dissolve tension at a cellular level.
What sensations might I experience?
Physical, mental and emotional tension often make themselves known as the gong allows the tension to release when it resonates with the affected areas. Try not to resist anything- just go with the flow. A transformed state of consciousness is often experienced with people often going on their own personal sound journeys to distant lands, oceans, space and beyond! Everyone’s response is unique- deep sleep, visions, subconscious memories or a heightened state of awareness may come. Clients often say they feel a sense of peace, connectedness to something beyond themselves and transformation.
Do Gong Baths work if I find relaxation difficult?
The gong is the ultimate method for relaxation as the layers of overtones and harmonics that it builds up are far too complex and dense for the human brain to analyse. The result is that the mind quietens and is taken automatically into a state of altered consciousness. If you approach a gong bath with a relaxed and open mind, the better the sounds of the gong will work.
How will I feel after a Gong Bath?
People say they have a renewed sense of wellbeing and find they have a deep, restful and restorative sleep afterwards. This equilibrium remains with people for some time after experiencing a Gong Bath.
What are the benefits of a Gong Bath?
The benefits of a Gong bath are similar to those of a Sound Massage. Afterwards you may experience a detoxing effect so do drink plenty of water.
· Profound relaxation
· Huge reduction in stress levels
· Improved sleep
· Lowered heart rate and reduced blood pressure
· Tension and blockages dissolved and relieved
· Digestive problems alleviated
· Regulation of circulatory disturbances
· Pain soothed
· Improved mobility
· Emotional heaviness like worry or depression lifted
· Emotional balance restored
· Quietening of the nervous system
· Enhanced wellbeing
· Strengthening of the immune system and healing powers of the body
· Enhancement and renewal of productive energy and creativity
Are there any contraindications?
Gong Baths are safe and beneficial for most people but I don’t do Gong Baths if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy, have epilepsy or have a pacemaker or metal implants. If you have not experienced sound therapy before you may like to start with a gentler Sound Massage before experiencing a Gong Bath.