Contributed by Jeralyn Glass
The power of sound holds the potential to transform lives, bridging science and spirit to heal and inspire in ways that words alone cannot. Sound healing has an ancient connection with meditation and healing, deeply rooted in various cultures and historical contexts.
The fields of sound healing and music medicine have evolved from being considered “woo-woo” to becoming essential tools for addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pain many experience today.
As humanity navigates unprecedented challenges, these modalities are emerging as potent pathways for transformation and healing.
Sound Meditation and Its Benefits
Sound meditation is a powerful tool for achieving deep relaxation, reducing stress, and promoting spiritual well-being.
By harnessing the healing power of sound, individuals can experience a range of benefits, including reduced muscle pain, improved mood, and an increased sense of calm.
One popular form of sound meditation is the sound bath. Participants lie down and are enveloped by the soothing sounds of singing bowls, the intense frequencies of gongs, or other instruments such as the angelic sounds of the harp or the rhythmic beat of drums.
This immersive experience allows the body and mind to enter a state of deep relaxation. This state has been shown to lower blood pressure, increase blood circulation, and promote overall physical and emotional well-being.
The gentle vibrations from these instruments help to release tension, reduce stress, and create a sense of inner peace, making sound meditation a valuable practice for anyone seeking to ground and discover their embodied sense of wholeness and enhance their spiritual well-being.
Music as Medicine: A Transformative Journey in Healing and Innovation
In December 2023, I had the honor of presenting at Music as Medicine, a groundbreaking conference in Bethesda, Maryland.
Sponsored by the Kennedy Center, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Renée Fleming Foundation; this gathering brought together some of the world’s leading scientists, medical professionals, researchers, policymakers, and musicians—a few of whom were performers, including myself.
The work being done in this field is extraordinary. I witnessed current research and therapies using music for memory issues, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, autism, PTSD, maternity care, and cancer treatment.
Music is also being successfully integrated into hospitals, operating rooms, children’s programs, universities, and work with veterans.
These innovations demonstrate that music medicine is not just complementary; it can truly bring about healing.
A Universal Need for Sound Healing
Pain management has become a booming industry fueled by an increasing reliance on medications, devices, and other interventions.
While these tools have their place, they often fall short—especially when it comes to the complex emotions tied to grief and trauma.
I learned this firsthand after the devastating loss of my son in 2015. No conventional methods could alleviate my pain.
The COVID-19 pandemic compounded global suffering, bringing social isolation, grief, fear, and financial stress.
Depression and anxiety surged, revealing the deep need for alternative ways to process and heal.
In this climate, the power of sound vibration and music is being rediscovered as a potent medicine for rebalancing lives and addressing pain in sustainable ways.
Sound-based treatments can effectively reduce fear, anxiety, and even muscle pain
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science Through Sound Therapy
Music medicine is not new. Ancient cultures understood its power. From Indian mantras to Egyptian sound chambers and Greek philosophies, sound has long been recognized as a tool for healing.
Sound power, related to the total energy emitted by a sound source, is distinct from sound pressure, which is affected by the spatial environment around it.
Pythagoras, the revered Greek philosopher, taught that music and mathematics had the power to purify both body and soul, connecting humanity to the divine.
His research into the frequencies of sound and their healing properties continues to inspire modern sound healing practices.
For the past 18 years, I have worked with innovative instruments known as Crystal Alchemy Singing Bowls.
These pure quartz instruments represent a synthesis of ancient wisdom and 21st-century innovation as they are only 25 years old, created in the year 2000.
Crystalline Music and Its Role in Healing
Crystalline music is a form of sound healing that utilizes the vibrational properties of crystals to promote healing and balance.
These bowls are played by running a mallet around the rim, creating a rich, resonant sound that permeates the body and mind.
The sound waves emitted by the crystal bowls interact with the body’s energy fields, promoting balance and harmony.
Sound meditations can help the brain transition from activity to relaxation through vibrational shifts.
This type of music has been shown to have a profound impact on the body and mind. It fosters deep relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and even alleviates physical pain.
The unique vibrational qualities of crystalline music make it a powerful tool for those seeking to enhance their health and happiness through sound healing.
My Journey With Expanded Consciousness Through Sound
My experience with singing bowls began during my international career as a singer, professor, and founder of a children’s foundation.
In Munich, Germany, I introduced seven bowls to my students, family, and friends. Their reactions were remarkable.
In one instance, a 16-year-old student struggling to access her higher vocal range selected a blue ocean indium alchemy bowl.
As she toned with it, tears flowed, and she remembered an incident of childhood trauma.
Her voice opened effortlessly, and I witnessed sound healing in its purest form.
My son also benefited from the bowls during the challenging time of his voice change.
He sang with courage and stability in the semifinals of a national music competition in Germany, using the bowls to keep his voice balanced.
When I lost him at the age of 19 in 2015, the singing bowls became my lifeline, allowing me to feel, process, and ultimately transform my grief.
This experience opened a new path for me to help others heal through sound.
The Scientific Research Behind the Power of Sound
The human body, with its crystalline structure and fluid composition, is uniquely receptive to the vibrational frequencies of Crystal Alchemy Singing Bowls.
The sound power level (LWA) of these bowls is significant in regulatory contexts, as it measures the sound produced by devices like these bowls in specific environments.
Their sound stimulates the lymphatic system, aiding detoxification, while also activating the vagus nerve to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
The common reference sound power in air is a predefined value used in calculations involving sound intensity and power, emphasizing the importance of the reference value in these measurements.
Research by my dear friend British acoustic scientist John Stuart Reid has revealed the stunning geometric patterns created by these sounds, captured through an instrument called the Cymascope.
These crystalline shapes mirror the harmony the bowls infuse into the body, resonating deeply with our 60–70% fluid composition.
Discover the mesmerizing shapes and sounds in real-time through a groundbreaking collaboration with John and his son James Stuart Reid, now available in the app, Source – Be Inspired.
It’s a wondrous visual representation of how sound creates perfection and beauty within us.
On a cellular level, sound moves us through blockages and long-buried emotions.
Studies by Swiss scientist Dr. Hans Jenny demonstrated how vibration organizes matter.
The late Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, author of Sounds of Healing, successfully integrated crystal bowls into his cancer treatments as a holistic approach to mind-body healing.
Stories of Transformation
The healing power of sound is not just theoretical—it is profoundly experiential.
• Three women who had undergone mastectomies reported feeling whole again after sound baths.
• A cancer patient with stage 4 liver cancer who was a longtime student of Transcendental Meditation told me, “When I listen to you sing and play the alchemy crystal bowls, I am no longer afraid of death. I’ve heard the sounds of heaven.”
• A veteran with severe PTSD exclaimed, “This sound was the only thing that truly relieved my pain. I am blown away!”
Crystal bowl sound baths can elevate emotions, boost dopamine (the “happy hormone” that strengthens the immune system), and reduce cortisol (the “stress hormone”).
They help the body maintain homeostasis, offering a gentle yet powerful way to heal.
Sound Power and Personal Growth
Sound power, or the ability to harness and utilize sound energy, is a transformative tool for personal growth and self-healing.
By working with sound, individuals can tap into their inner potential, promoting self-awareness, spiritual evolution, and overall well-being.
We can harness the power of sound in various ways, including sound meditation, sound healing, and even sound-based exercise programs.
Incorporating sound into one’s daily routine can lead to increased energy, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
Whether through the gentle tones of a singing bowl or the rhythmic, penetrating vibrations of a gong, the power of sound can unlock new levels of personal growth and transformation.
A Modern Instrument for a New Era
Though Crystal Alchemy Singing Bowls have only been in use since 2000, they are quickly gaining recognition as potent tools for music medicine in the 21st century.
Their ability to address physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances makes them a cornerstone of modern sound healing.
I invite you to experience these magnificent instruments for yourself. Let the power of music medicine uplift and transform you.
If you have had an experience with sound meditation or sound energy let us know in the comment section!
Creating a Sound Healing Practice
Creating a sound healing practice can be a powerful way to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Use the following tips to get started:
Invest in a sound-emitting instrument: Choose a singing bowl, tuning fork, or another instrument that resonates with you. Or plan 10 minutes per day to tone Mantra or to hum. Your voice and its unique vibrations are the original healing instrument.
Find a quiet, peaceful space: Create a serene environment where you can practice sound healing without distractions. Make this your “Sacred Space” and honor it.
Experiment with different sounds and frequencies: Discover which sounds and frequencies work best for you and your healing needs, always integrating your voice even if simply using the hum.
Incorporate sound healing into your daily routine: Practice sound healing during meditation, before bed, or whenever you need to relax and rejuvenate.
Seek guidance: Consider working with a sound healing practitioner or taking a sound healing course to deepen your understanding and skills.
By following these steps, you can create a sound healing practice that enhances your spiritual well-being and promotes overall health and harmony.
Connect with Jeralyn Glass
Visit Crystal Cadence by Jeralyn Glass, where a free library of meditations awaits.
For more information, please check out her book Sacred Vibrations.
You can also find her music on all streaming platforms.
0 Comments