Luminous Tones--Music for Health and Harmony
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Sounds that harm, sounds that heal: 4 ways to protect yourself from noise pollution

10/27/2017

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Sound is an energy that can increase joy, create harmony, and lift us up to mystical states. Alternatively, it can drive us to despair or promote anxiety and depression. Musician Carlos Santana once remarked, “We are working in a field of mystical resonance, sound and vibration . . . that's what makes people cry, laugh and feel their hair stand up.”

The world was created by sound, according to stories from Hopi, Egyptian, Christian, Aboriginal, Hindu and Mayan cultures. And ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, India, China, Greece and Aboriginal cultures understood that individuals and society are shaped by the kind of music people listen to. In China, for example, when the Emperor wanted to assess the well being of a village, he listened to their music. Music that was unhealthy was banned, because it was known to undermine social cohesion.

A growing body of Western medical research confirms that the right sounds promote healthy functioning of the immune, endocrine, and autonomic systems. Dr. Oliver Sacks, a neurologist and author ofAwakenings writes, “The power of music to integrate and cure is quite fundamental. It is the profoundest non-chemical medication.” One physician says that half an hour of the right music produces the same effects as 10 mg. of Valium! Some of the other benefits of the right sounds include:
  • Reduced stress and pain
  • Release of grief, depression, anxiety
  • Strengthened immune system
  • Creation of more harmonious relationships
  • Increased joy, confidence, and sense of purpose

But what about harmful sounds, like noise pollution? Dr. Larry Dossey states that noise pollution is probably the most common modern health hazard. Even if you tune out loud sounds, they still penetrate your body. Dr. Dossey explains, “High levels of unpleasant sounds cause blood vessels to constrict; increase the blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rates; release extra fats into the bloodstream; and cause the blood’s magnesium level to fall.” Hearing is never turned off, even under anaesthesia. Aversive sounds are increasing our stress levels exponentially. So how can we counteract that?

Tip #1: Listen to Music that Makes Your Heart Sing
The Persian poet, Hafiz, referring to our emotional response to music said, “Stay close to any sounds that make you glad you are alive.” Whether a sound is calming or stimulating depends not only on the nature of the sound itself, but also on the relationship you have with that sound. You may have certain memories—good or bad—associated with it. And you won’t react the same way every time you hear it. Your responses will vary from day to day. Respect how sometimes you crave something peaceful; other times something lively or mournful.

Tip #2: Be Mindful of the Lyrics
Choose songs with positive lyrics. Positive thoughts, combined with music, have an almost unequalled ability to instil a sense of life-affirming optimism and harmony. Avoid music with hate lyrics and beats that disrupt natural body rhythms. It’s shocking to know that some musicians deliberately use music to incite violence. For example, “John Phillips of the group The Mamas and the Papas stated, ‘by carefully controlling the sequence of rhythms, any rock group can create audience hysteria consciously and deliberately. ‘We know how to do it,’ he said. ‘Anybody knows how to do it.’ “The band then proceeded to prove it at a concert in Phoenix, Arizona. Using a certain combination of rhythms, they incited a riot.” [Tame, David. (1984) The Secret Power of Music, 154]

In another instance, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones performed a song with hate lyrics and specific rhythms that caused audience members to inflict severe injury and death. He commented, “Something like that happens every time we perform that song.” This type of music is an extreme health hazard.

Tip #3: Listen to Mother Nature
Some of the healthiest sounds are made by water—ocean waves or bubbling brooks which calm your nervous system, slow down your heartbeat, lower your blood pressure, slow down your breathing, and put your brainwaves into the calm alpha state. High-pitched bird songs energize the brain, and help you stay mentally relaxed and focused. So get outside or listen to high quality nature recordings.

Tip #4: Steer Clear of Noise Pollution
Protect your hearing. Continued exposure to sounds over 100 decibels can cause gradual deafness. Once your hearing has been damaged, it cannot be regenerated. In many countries, 85 decibels is the maximum noise volume allowed in work environments. Therefore, avoid loud environments or use ear plugs. When listening to music through ear buds, keep the volume low enough so that you can still hear other sounds around you. Here are the noise volumes of some typical situations. If you want to measure the loudness of others, use a decibel meter app. It’s eye-opening!
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Here's to your good hearing and health!
Kaasay
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Yes You Can Hum Your Way to Happiness! Here's how . . .

10/20/2017

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Humming creates an immediate healing effect on your whole body. It's one of the fastest, most effective de-stressors you can use. And it’s free and portable! Humming slows down your breathing rate, which automatically slows your heart rate and calms your brain waves. The moment you begin to hum, you are giving yourself a sonic massage, inside and out, and your brain starts releasing those happy endorphins. When you hum while playing crystal bowls, the effect is magnified ten times over.  

How does humming work? Sound moves through the fluid parts of your body 4.5 times faster than through the air, and 12 times faster through your bones (which is why ultrasound imaging works.) Humming vibrates every cell, right down to your DNA. It  stimulates production of nitric oxide, which helps maintain cellular health. It strengthens your immune system, improves circulation and digestion, clears your mind, and reduces stress. There is no downside! 

In one study, exposure to 50–150 Hz provided relief for 80% of those suffering chronic and acute pain. Other studies show that humming improves hearing and reduces nasal congestion. Humming at 25–150 Hz has been known to speed healing of bone, tendons, ligaments and muscles. 25–50 Hz increases bone density. 100 Hz helps decrease dyspnea and shortness of breath.

So I was curious to see if I can hum in those frequencies. I fired up my frequency measurement app (iStroboSoft) and checked out my humming. At my lowest growl, I hit 130 HZ. Hmmmm. Maybe you guys can do this? The fridge fan was at about 40 HZ though, so maybe there is some benefit to  those annoying sounds in our homes?  

Humming for happiness--It's as easy as 1-2-3

1.Smile, then breathe in and out through your nose, with your lips closed. As you release your breath, keep your lips closed and gently allow a soft hum to float out. Use a tone that is natural for you, one where you easily feel the vibration in your heart center. Hum softly. Louder is not better.

2.  Continue for a few minutes, without straining, until you feel the relaxation response—slower breathing, slower heart rate, calmer thoughts. 

3. For maximum happiness and health, hum for at least 20 minutes a day. 

Do you feel “humming challenged”? Here’s another option. Cuddle with a cat that loves to purr. Research shows that cats purr at healing sound frequencies of 25–150 Hz. They purr when giving birth, when frightened, and when severely injured. Their bones heal more rapidly after fractures than dogs (who don’t purr, of course). So if you don’t want to hum, you can try some “purr therapy”.   
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What is the Most Powerful Sound Therapy Instrument?

10/18/2017

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The Most Powerful Sound Therapy Instrument Is . . . 
Well you've probably guessed by now. It's your voice! But I didn't always believe that. What made me change my mind? I took a 6-month course from Jonathan Goldman, founder of the International Sound Healer’s Association. Jonathan firmly believes that vocal toning is the most effective healing method. I secretly harboured the thought that crystal singing bowls were the most effective, but decided to give toning a go. You can do both, so why not? 

So, for six months I followed the daily assignments, toning various vowel sounds such as Ah, Eee, Oh, Mmm, per the instructions. And as required, I kept a log of my experiences, answering questions such as, “Where do I feel the sound in my body? How did the sound affect my emotions and my energy? What happens when I sing louder or softer? What happens when I focus my thoughts on a particular chakra? Which tones and sounds feel particularly delicious to me? Does that vary from day to day?” It was a fabulous exploration! I became aware of all the subtle nuances of vocal tones and my unique reactions. I learned to overtone and I created my personal chakra toning sequence. This simple practice shifted all aspects of my being—physical, emotional, mental, and energetic. 

So, after that course, I conceded that voice is the number one sound therapy instrument. Why? 
  1. It’s the oldest, most natural form of sound therapy. Everyone who breathes can make these vowel sounds. 
  2. It’s the only instrument that has human consciousness and intention embedded in it. That’s what gives it such healing power. 
  3. Our voice vibrates every organ in our body from the inside out, bringing it into harmony and vibrational alignment. 
  4. It’s a natural way to release pain (Think, “OW!”). 
  5. It’s free and completely portable!
If you want to try toning, here are a couple of tips. Louder is not necessarily better. When you tone softer, you will often hear the subtle overtones more clearly. Sing at a pitch that is comfortable and natural for you. Don’t strain. Just breathe in and let a sound float out on the out-breath. Enjoy! Mmmmm. Delicious.  

"The effect produced by singing depends upon the depth of feeling of the singer . . . The singer’s heart, so to speak, accompanies the song.” The Mysticism of Sound, Inayat Khan, p. 65 

"Let us not try to understand music with our mind. Let us not even try to feel it with our heart. Let us simply and spontaneously allow the music-bird to fly in our heart-sky. The Source of Music, Sri Chinmoy, p. 90  


You don't need to be a "singer" or performer to do any of this. Trust me! If you can breathe, you can do it! —Kaasay

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Bliss!

10/16/2017

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​What if you could create a blissful healing state for yourself and others anytime you wanted to? 

The first time I heard the celestial tones of the Alchemy™ crystal singing bowls in 2010, I was transported to a place of indescribable joy and peace. They brought tears to my eyes, and I felt truly ‘home at last.’ The bowls seem to activate some ancient, sacred remembering. The word I hear most often when people describe their experience with the bowls is "blissful".

The singing bowls become like a comforting friend who is always with you, supporting your hopes and dreams. One of my greatest joys is seeing the look of wonder and happiness on people’s faces when they first hear them.

These extraordinary bowls are beautiful, transformative, healing musical instruments. They are a gateway to healing on all levels — emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual.

When you come to my 3-day training, you'll learn sound healing techniques that transform cellular structure, shift brain states, reduce stress, and reconnect you with your true essence — and of course, you'll find BLISS! 


Kaasay's ability to create a sacred space that stirs deep levels of consciousness is remarkable! She transported us to the blissful realms of the spirit with her masterful use of crystal singing bowls. Sacred voice imparts wisdom on levels which bypass the mind and go straight to the heart!  —GB ​

What a blissful day this has been, spent being pampered in the peaceful haven of the Sound Sanctuary! Nancy shares her vast knowledge and experience in sound healing with her customary warmth, compassion and insight. Her excellent workshop provides a loving, safe space to experience the sublime, other-worldly sounds of the exquisite Alchemy crystal bowls.  —JDV

I was transported to blissful realms by your exquisite bowls. You are a master!  — KK, professional opera singer/instructor
 
Why not treat yourself to 3 days of bliss, and take a deep dive into learning about sound healing? I offer 3-day trainings in sound therapy twice a year, suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Read more about it and let me know if you have questions!
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Sound Therapy or Sound Healing? What's the Difference?

10/14/2017

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In 2010, I was gifted with an Alchemy™ Aqua Aura Gold bowl, which launched me on a life-changing voyage with sound. From the beginning I wondered, “What is the difference between sound healers and sound therapists? And which am I?” You may be wondering too. So, here’s my current thinking.This is just my opinion, of course. I’d love to hear yours. 
 
Keep in mind that these terms are somewhat arbitrary, because there is much fluidity in this newly emerging field. It’s rapidly expanding, informed by rediscovery of ancient knowledge and also by new knowledge gleaned from wide-ranging sciences including quantum physics, neuroscience, energy psychology, and brain biology.
 
The term sound therapist has come into use relatively recently. Therapistgenerally implies some sort of medical intervention, which is why governments often regulate the term.Sound therapists that I am aware of have typically studied a related field in depth. They may be professionals in music therapy, nursing, acoustics, chiropractic, quantum physics, neuroscience, energy psychology, brain biology, massage therapy, or yoga therapy, for example. The British Academy of Sound Therapy teaches a broad range of specific techniques in a systematic, in-depth way. Founder Lyz Cooper has done some ground-breaking research that demonstrates a correlation between sound therapy and improved health.

Sound healers seem to emphasize a more organic, intuitive, holistic approach. I’ve observed that those who use the term healer, such as The International Sound Healer’s Association, draw more heavily from mystical and spiritual knowledge, coming from Indigenous cultures, as well as yogic traditions, Kabbalah, and mystics of every spiritual tradition. When applied by skilled practitioners, it is highly effective as well.
 
In an additional category are people whom I would call sound artists, skilled musicians whose music is utterly transformative.

So, which am I? I am trained in Reiki (energy healing), music, and clinical psychology. I bring intuitive, artistic, and scientific mind-sets to my sound therapy work. I'm actually all three — a sound therapist, a sound healer, and a sound artist.

But after thinking it over, I’ve decided to call myself a sound therapist. Here’s why: 

As a psychotherapist, with an MA in counselling psychology, the scope of my practice is much broader than Reiki and music. Because of my psychology training and experience, I can safely go deeper with sound therapy clients when indicated. Sound sometimes unlocks strong emotions or trauma. I know many other techniques that can help with whatever arises. 
 
I also have training in professional ethics. Ethical guidelines protect clients. They include confidentiality, boundaries, informed consent, and staying within the scope of my training. I belong to a professional association, carry liability insurance, and follow standards about privacy and record keeping. Because of this, some insurance companies cover my services, including sound therapy. 
 
Whether you consider yourself a sound therapist, sound healer, or sound artist, you are on the leading edge in an emerging field that is contributing greatly to people’s wellbeing. I hope these reflections help as you explore your own role in this exciting field.
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How Does Sound Healing Work?

10/4/2017

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How does sound healing work? And how are Alchemy™ Crystal Singing Bowls so well suited to sound healing? Let me count the ways!

They can sing!
Try singing “ahhh” or “ooooh”. Those vowel sounds are replicated in the “singing” of crystal singing bowls. That’s one of the qualities that makes singing bowls uniquely suited for sound healing and meditation; the shape of the bowls gives them sound characteristics that are similar to the human voice — and we all know how soothing the human voice can be. Think: calming lullaby or trance-inducing chant. Like the bowls, our bodies are crystalline in structure. When we work with crystals, we may experience profound healing effects in our organs, tissues, and cells, as well as on our circulatory, endocrine, and metabolic systems.

They’ve got natural beats
Primal cultures have known for centuries that repetitive rhythmic sound can be used for healing. Drumming and chanting are used the world over by monks, shamans, and yogis to induce states of relaxation, deep meditation, or even high productivity and creativity.

The word “binaural” means “having or relating to two ears." Binaural beats are sounds that are slightly different from each other, and when they enter both ears, they entrain the brain into altered states. Modern synthesized music is now being created for this purpose, but crystal singing bowls have an advantage: the binaural beats of singing bowls are acoustic, natural, and more complex. And, when two or more bowls are singing at once, the process of entrainment can occur naturally.

They produce harmonics
The unique sound produced by crystal singing bowls comes from the way they produce not one sound at a time, but a rainbow of sound. They form a base note along with several harmonics, like a chord on a piano, or more accurately, like Mongolian overtone singing or Inuit throat singing. And, when the harmonics are close enough to each other in pitch, they produce a vibrato that is similar to the effect of binaural beats.

They’ve got alchemy
Alchemy™ crystal singing bowls have gemstones or metal fused to the pure quartz, adding their own subtle resonance to the sound of the crystals. This expands the range of effects the bowls can produce, similar to the way a composer might choose the brass section of an orchestra for one mood of a piece, and the string section to evoke a different feeling.

A skilled practitioner can work with all these elements of Alchemy™crystal singing bowls, using biofeedback to adjust her playing, and produce a range of healing effects tailored to the listener, giving a holistic, integrated experience rooted in ancient traditions of sound healing.
​
In harmony, Kaasay
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    Author

    Nancy A. Watters, MA, is an expert sound therapist, professional singer, psychotherapist and Reiki master. 

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