Good Vibrations

From roaring engines on busy roads, to the cacophony of the chattering crowds, the unpleasant noises that accompany a Bangkokian’s commute test our limits every day. But what if somewhere deep in this concrete jungle, there lived sounds that nurture our energy rather than upset it?

Written by Alisa Wilkie

Edited by Ayush Madan 

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I experienced my first sound healing session at The Green Room. It was a 30-minute sound bath after a gentle yoga session. The instructor had many instruments, such as the ocean drum, gongs, and crystal bowls – each with their unique sounds, sinking me into a deep and complete relaxation. 

Recently, I was immersed in the world of sound healing once again, when I joined my mom and her friend for a crystal singing bowl session. It was held at a hotel called Ariyasom Villa, a lush estate tucked away at the end of Sukhumvit Soi 1.

As you walk in, you are greeted with dark wood floors and a large ornate buddha shrine. In front of the shrine were the sound bowls arranged in a half circle on a mandala rug. 

Kru Don first led our class through a series of stretches and breathing exercises, calming the body and mind before the sound bath. He taught us a breathing technique called kapalbhati, which involves taking a deep breath and gradually releasing air in short gusts through the nose for up to 40 times without taking an inhale. It was quite challenging, as my body had a strong urge to breathe in.

Next came a demonstration, where we sat in a circle around a water-filled crystal bowl. Using a mallet, he circled the rim of the bowl. Almost immediately, the water reacted by shooting up and down. He explained that these vibrations affect our water-dense bodies in a similar manner, flushing out impurities. He invited us to drink the crystal bowl water which received the vibrations, citing its potent healing effects. He mentioned this process can cause uncomfortable side effects such as vomiting and rashes for up to seven days after the session. Shortly after the demonstration, my moms friend got up to vomit in the bathroom. Kru Don said she is more receptive to the vibrations as she suffers from multiple diseases such as diabetes — calling them “poisons" (พิษ). 

Finally, we were on our backs with our eyes closed for the sound bath. He struck the bowl, producing a crystal-clear (pun intended), sound that echoed throughout the room. The array of bowls produced a harmonious chorus of low and high frequencies. Circling the bowls created a resonant hum, and I could hear the waves bouncing from corner to corner. With a handheld bowl, he traveled through the room, ensuring the sound reached everyone. The vibrations engulfed my body, each wave a soft pulse. I remember fading in and out of consciousness as deep relaxation came over me. 

After the session, the hotel provided us with a delicious vegetarian feast, including dishes like jab chai stew, sweet and salty imitation pork, and spicy salted egg salad. Each dish was nutritious, flavorful and traditionally Thai. I left feeling nourished, happy, and unfazed by the city sounds. 

Overall, this workshop had a much better location and environment than ones I have attended prior. The price was reasonable. The room had soft lighting instead of sterile LEDS. I like both crystal bowls and tibetan bowls, though the crystal bowls had a more expansive sound and could reach me better even in the back of the room. They weren’t trying to sell us anything and wanted us to experience the magic for ourselves. I also liked the community aspect where I got to meet new kind people and dine and discuss with them after the class. 

Personally, I am still skeptical of the efficacy of these instruments for physical healing. I would like to do some research on my own on the science based healing effects. But there is no doubt that sound healing is a powerful experience which can result in joy, focus, or relaxation. As I explore the path of wellness further, I would definitely consider leading a sound healing session with the proper tools and knowledge myself.

# good vibrations sound listening