Does sound bathing actually work? Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan of the TikTok-trending wellness therapy for improved mental and emotional health – but scientists aren’t buying it

As the demand for healing retreats continues to rise, sound bathing has emerged as a leading attraction for wellness enthusiasts thanks to its use as a powerful tool for mental and emotional healing. “Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that harnesses the power of specific tones and frequencies to promote relaxation and well-being,” says Hiromi Akiyama, founder and healing arts practitioner at Ascentiah Healing Centre in New York. “By utilising these harmonious vibrations, the aim is to facilitate the release of tension and disease within the body and mind, thereby enabling the restoration of one’s natural state of health, strength and vitality.” The roots of these auditory journeys can be traced back to ancient cultures such as the Tibetans and the shamans of various indigenous peoples, who recognised the profound influence of sound on the human psyche and the body’s energetic systems. At Ascentiah, Akiyama and her team harness these ancient powers to offer healing and soul liberation. “During a [sound healing] session at Ascentiah, you can expect a soothing and immersive experience,” she says, explaining how, throughout the session, you’ll come across various sounds eliciting both relaxation and tension. “It’s important to understand that this interplay between sound waves and resistance is fundamental to the process. Just as massaging a pressure point can lead to a deeper release, encountering moments of tightness or constriction can be instrumental in facilitating a profound release of tension.” Michelle Yeoh’s diet, skincare and fitness routine, revealed Participants often describe the meditative and immersive nature of sound bathing as akin to being in a more conventional bath, lapped by waves of sound, the music penetrating every cell to bring an immersive quality that sets it apart from conventional music concerts or live performances. In this state of profound relaxation and receptivity, participants often encounter a deep calm that transcends the need for intellectual understanding, engaging directly with our emotions, memories and sensations. For Kirscha Cramer, founder of Five Sense Collective in Malibu, sound healing fosters both healing and relaxation. At the collective, they craft a multisensory experience using multiple instruments, “including crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, a crystal harp, Tibetan bowls and more”, Cramer says. “We’ve also curated a serene ambience that nurtures a feeling of safety along with a vulnerability. In addition, we offer aromatherapy head massages to further enhance the physical aspect of the experience.” How well do skincare and make-up hybrid products actually work? But the allure of sound healing extends beyond its meditative and immersive qualities, for its transformative effects are rooted in psychology. Cramer’s approach combines mindful healing with her studies on the neuronal and molecular shifts of the human body using sound. “Sound possesses the remarkable ability to stimulate both brain hemispheres, fostering creativity and inspiration, while also engaging the hippocampus, a region deeply intertwined with our memories,” she explains. “On a physical level, we become profoundly tranquil, allowing the sound waves to permeate our bodies, which, consisting mainly of water, enable sound to travel exceptionally well within.” Nowadays, sound healing practices are also employed as complementary therapies for conditions such as chronic pain, sleep disorders and struggles with cognitive function. “Recent studies have demonstrated that sound therapy can provide significant physical and psychological benefits. These include stress and anxiety reduction, blood pressure regulation, enhanced sleep quality and an overall improvement in one’s well-being,” Akiyama says, highlighting how sound frequencies can play a crucial role in guiding the brain and body into restoration and activate its innate self-healing mechanisms. Dolly Parton’s eternally youthful wellness regime – at 77 While understanding all the benefits sound baths can provide is a journey in itself, Cramer says a pivotal concept to be aware of is entrainment, “which underscores the phenomenon of our brainwaves naturally syncing with external stimuli – be it music, speech or energy. In the context of sound healing, this means that your brainwaves are gently entrained into a state of deep relaxation, inviting a tapestry of visualisations, realisations and profound insights,” she adds. As the allure of sound healing continues to grow – Gwyneth Paltrow is an avowed fan and recently said that she finds sound baths to be “really healing” – it becomes evident that every retreat and practitioner offers a unique blend of approaches and methodologies, each catering to individual goals. “From the design of our tranquil spaces to the hands-on treatments we provide and the meticulously crafted soundscape we create, we prioritise a holistic experience,” Cramer says about Five Sense Collective’s approach. “Our goal is to foster an environment where you not only feel supremely comfortable but also profoundly loved, ultimately resulting in a transformative and unforgettable journey.” Don’t hurry, be happy at Fiji’s carefree Kokomo Private Island At Ascentiah, a serene atmosphere filled with high vibrational energies sets the stage. “One of the key differentiators is our use of crystal singing bowls, which can be customised with specific types of crystals. These customised bowls are precisely tuned to generate frequencies tailored to address specific conditions and issues,” Akiyama says. “As you immerse yourself in the resonant tones of these bowls, their frequencies transmit throughout your body, causing it to respond and resonate with the unique properties of the associated crystal.” Sound healing retreats embody offer not just an escape but a transformative experience, striking a profound and resonant note in healthy living and perhaps even reshaping the essence of wellness travel and rejuvenation.