Gong Sound Healing
Gong sound healing, like acupuncture, is a non-invasive way of balancing your body’s natural energy. It has powerful effects on stress, anxiety and depression as well as relieving insomnia. The healing power of gong sound can be attributed to its vibrations interacting with meridians – energy pathways within the body.
Britta Hochkeppel, a sound healer who teaches workshops on the use of gongs for therapeutic purposes, states that gongs penetrate and cleanse the body by clearing away negative energy and rebalancing chakras. These effects can help with emotional blockages, physical pain and stimulating the mind’s capacity for change-creating processes, according to Hochkeppel.
“The sound of the gong has a meditative quality,” according to Shelton. Its vibrations stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, producing feelings of relaxation and serenity.
A gong is a large, flat disc that is struck with a mallet to produce sound. The amount of force used when striking it determines its volume which can be adjusted by altering both its striking angle as well as the frequency and tempo of hits.
The sound of the gong produces a sound that can be heard from several meters away, providing an opportunity for practitioners to work with the body’s energy fields and remove any blockages within the meridians that may be causing emotional discomfort.
Gongs come in a range of sizes, shapes and materials. Some are metal while others are hollow. Hand-held gongs tend to be preferred for sound therapy due to their ease of handling and less potential damage during striking.
Many gongs used for sound therapy are tuned to specific frequencies. This can be beneficial in directing the healing energy of the gong into specific areas such as ears or chakra centers, where it can be most beneficial.
Selecting a gong that resonates with the body’s natural vibrations can enhance its healing effects, providing clients with a more consistent experience.
Ideal size for a gong is 18-20 inches (45-50 cm) in diameter, though larger models may also work. Any smaller gong will reduce sound quality and limit what healing effects can be achieved.
The gong’s soothing vibration can be felt throughout the body as heart rates slow, blood pressure drops and breathing returns to its natural rhythm. It has also been known to induce deep meditation or lead to a feeling of expanded awareness as the sound travels through your system.
Gongs resonate on a holistic level, making them useful in aiding healing of various ailments such as headaches, migraines, menstrual issues and back pain. Furthermore, gongs can reduce breathing problems and regulate glandular activity.
Gong sessions often lead to some unique experiences for participants; it is possible for them to feel different emotions such as laughter or a deep sense of peace and bliss. It is essential that any emotions felt are normal and safe, since they are part of the healing process.