Why Every Stressed Person Should Try a Gong Bath

Why every stressed person should try a Gong Bath

When you are feeling stressed-out the best way to unwind and relax is a Gong Bath to let go of the tension from the body and mind. Gong meditation is a unique type of sound practice that creates vibrations to bring healing and therapeutic benefits to the body and the mind. Sound therapy has been used for a long time to bring healing to the body as disease comes into the body when we are vibrating at a non-optimal frequency. Gong sound therapy has been practised for thousands of years and belongs to one of the oldest Southeast Asian musical instruments. The origins may be traced back to the second millennium B.C. In Chinese history, gongs are mentioned around 500 A.D.

Gong bathing can help reduce stress and liberate emotional blockages. Scientific research suggests sound therapy prompts damage human DNA strands to repair themselves. Music therapy is the most mainstream form of sound therapy and been shown to relieve a number of health problems. It is now frequently offered in clinical settings like hospitals and clinics. The sound of the gong reaches the body on a cellular level encouraging integrated healing of the body, mind, and spirit. When the gong is played properly it produces a whole spectrum of harmonics that are based on pressure waves of sound, which vibrate the energy meridians in the body. The sounds of the gong can recalibrate the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, and raises the frequency of your electrical magnetic field (the aura) that surrounds your body.

A gong meditation is practised laying on your back and all you need to do is rest in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. The gong usually starts softly and progressively the volume increases. The gong sound is changed frequently to avoid producing a fixed monotonous rhythm. The first brainwave state to be reached is alpha. Alpha brainwaves are associated with creativity and feelings of relaxation. This state is followed by an influx of theta waves. Theta waves are associated with deep meditation, hypnosis, and REM sleep. The sounds from the gong can be very loud. The best way to embrace the gong is to surrender, relax, and let go. The gong is your guide and you will ride the waves of the sound current to a deep relaxing state.

Erin O’Hara, Founder of Golden Yogi

If you are interested in finding out more about Gong Baths, we have some exciting workshops coming up - including Gong Bath Training with Methab Benton.

GONG BATH & YOGA NIDRA WITH MEHTAB BENTON

Master Gong Practictioner Training

July New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Cancer

Cancer New Moon

We’re now approaching the new moon solar eclipse in Cancer. This potential big shake-up on the home front may already be felt as we draw closer…and start of eclipse season, a window of 3 eclipses over three consecutive new and full moon creating a prolonged window of accelerated growth if we embrace the lessons. 

During a solar eclipse the moon moves in front of the sun obscuring the light of the sun. What does that mean? Unexpressed emotions will be felt and expressed catalysing shifts based on the truth of our deepest feelings. And Kali Ma, the Dark Mother will surface calling out unconscious patterns of behaviour…coming ready or not!

This first eclipse in the sign of Cancer is likely to highlight situations that are not honouring of our emotional body. i.e. relationships where we feel emotionally unloved, unsupported or unwelcome since Cancer highlights our core need to belong.

This eclipse may evoke mother issues that are impacting your ability to form emotional attachments and risk emotional intimacy and resentments if you feel like you’re not receiving the same level of nurturance and support you give to others.

And for those of you with planets near 10.37 (round it up to 11) degrees Cancer get ready for big life changes, particularly to do with home, family and community! 
 
So whilst new moon in Cancer may see us wanting to snuggle on the couch with movies & comfort food in response to this intensity, it’s helpful to remember ‘in-tense’ encounters are an opportunity to accelerate our transformation.

So long as we stay in the present tense & feel what’s surfacing. The more present we are, the more available we are to take responsibility & process anything that’s being triggered.

Excerpt from The Moon Woman

5 ways to harness the energy of the new moon

Think of a new moon like a blank canvas, a fresh start. New Moons are the best time to wipe the slate clean and get clear on what you would like to invite into your life. Think big, don’t be afraid to really be bold and use the energy to your advantage. Ever since Ancient Shamanic times, the new moons have always been marked as the time to ‘begin’ the harvest, the build, the project - physical, mental or emotional.

1. Write your intentions down. Get clear and journal out what you are calling in. When you are finished, release it to the moon and let the magic unfold. Use guidance cards to ask your guides/higher self questions you would like the answers to. Use crystals to amplify energy of your intentions.

2. Use the energy to do a fast. It can also be a time to reset the body, purge or detox. Drink plenty of herbal tea and water to help eliminate as many toxins as possible. Perhaps have a break from coffee, or another type of stimulant you usually consume.

3. Physically release. Go to a sauna, steam room, have a bath, have a massage, or do something with your body that helps you to physically or emotionally release, or ‘let go’.

4. Rest. Use the energy of the moon to do a longer meditation, move slowly, go for a nature walk and ponder the stillness.

5. Plant crops, herbs or decorative plants. Greens with lots leaves grow better when planted on a new moon. The energy of the water starts to be pulled upwards and therefore into the greens.

Olivia from Love By Olivia x