Why Do We Practice Gong Therapy?

The philosophy of yoga teaches that everything in the universe, from the point of its very origin is a vibration, and expression, of energy.  We are all created by the same vibration of energy as the stars, the planets, the grass, even man made products like plastic, light bulbs, or a block of flats. ​

We are made from the same material, the same vibration, the same energy, as these things.  We are simply operating on a different frequency, which determines the form we take.  

Our personal energy, truest vibrations, give us our natural gifts, our vocation, our natural flair to be good at certain things.  It is ours to embrace, to share with the world. When we engage with it we can truly thrive.   

Working with sound, both external (audible) and internal and root (subtle), is like journeying to our truest vibrations.   

The gong has been used in sound therapy for thousands of years.  Estimates of its origins vary from anything between 4,000 BC and 16,000 BC.  Many believe that the sound of the gong, its vibrations, are primordial, existing at or from the beginning of time. In other words, it is part of nature, it is something we are deeply connected to.   

Our bodies can connect with its vibrations, tune into them, and healing can begin.  If we choose to tune in, the sound of the gong taps into our brain waves, slowing them down and creating a state of deep relaxation.   Modern science has studied yogis and Zen Buddhists and confirmed their brain waves slow from Beta to Alpha and Theta during meditation.    

Our understanding of brain waves is still limited.  In a nutshell it is believed that we have 4 main types. 

Beta - the pattern we predominately emit from our brain during everyday, wakeful states.  These are related to movement, activities where we use our senses, and when we are anxious and tense 

Alpha - mostly emitted during milder states of meditation.  They are related to states of passive awareness, creativity, relaxation without tension or anxiety.   

Theta - are emitted generally when we are asleep. They are related to the unconscious mind, deep meditation, intense creativity, and ecstasy. 

Delta - are thought to be linked to deep dreamless sleep.  Less are known about these waves.  It is believed that in this state we can absorb learning, like learning French from a tape playing in our sleep.  Knowledge seems to bypass the sensory organs and be absorbed into the unconscious mind. 

I have been led to believe that meditating with gongs and singing bowls also changes brain wave activity from Beta to Alpha and Theta.  Having practised gong meditations and baths, I can imagine this to be true.   

Beta waves have the highest frequency, then Alpha, Theta, and finally Delta have the slowest. The slower states are key to healing of both body and mind.  Tuning out of mental distractions, stress, and allowing physical muscle, tissue, and cellular reconstruction too. 

When we are in-tune with the gong, we are tuning ourselves into our deeper vibrations.  From here we can meditate and begin to experience our own frequency.  We can tune into ourselves, our own sound.   This can help connect us to our deeper self and bring a sense of peace and purpose.   

Charlotte
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Me and my beloved Gong!

Come and join us for a Gong Bath here at our little sanctuary in Bushey, Watford.  Email for details of up and coming dates cghunt@live.com.