Yoga and its benefits have been talked about for years, but have you heard of a yoga sound bath? Once our team at our Brain Health & Dementia Resource Centre in Kilmarnock had personally participated in the sound bath experience from Fiona Smith at Resonate Yoga, they knew it made sense to bring this activity to the Centre. Sound baths are a meditative practice involving the use of crystal singing bowls that create vibrational energy which entrains our brain waves and creates the sense of calm.
Sheena Boyd, Centre Manager, said: “I wanted all our attendees to experience the beneficial effects the sound bath had on me. Fiona has an incredible way of promoting calm and relaxation through the crystal bowls which is a need for the people we support. It was a joy to witness how quickly people in the group relaxed and see first-hand the positive impact it had. As we know from our Brain Health initiative, long term stress can harm the brain and make it harder to keep on top of other factors that are key to keeping our brains healthy. Making the time for ourselves to switch off and relax is crucial.”
The first session in the Centre was delivered to our ‘Supper Club’ group, whose members are people living with young onset dementia and their carers.
One of our carers Angela Duckworth commented: “The sound bath had a profound impact on my husband, Adrian, who lives with vascular dementia. When Fiona started to chant her mantra, Adrian joined in which was remarkable as he had never heard this chanting before, and his daily speech is limited. It took us all by surprise, he totally relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed his sound bath experience.”
Due to the positive feedback and the relaxed outcome from all participants, it was decided to deliver this experience once a month to the Centre and make it open to all.
Yoga teacher, Fiona said: “For me as a yoga teacher, delivering a sound healing practice gives me great satisfaction in line with yoga philosophies, to give back to my community and serve others gladly. I can offer a tranquil experience which calms the nervous system and lowers blood pressure. The sound and vibrations of the crystal singing bowls and other instruments are a soothing balm for the mind and create a deep sense of relaxation.
It is particularly poignant when couples attend the session together and can both enjoy the peace - feeling more centred and connected to themselves and to one another. The sound waves produced in a sound bath resonate with the energy centres and endocrine points in the body bringing about balance and harmony A person does not hear sound only through the ears. We hear and feel sound through every pore of the body. This means that everyone can experience a sound bath regardless of physical ability either seated or lying down in any position they are most comfortable in.”