NOT BORING CHATS

KR: Yes, even though it is a generalisation, as every case should be looked with care and attention, to diagnose it correctly and apply the best treatment, in the cases of chronic stress, burnout and mild depression pharmaceuticals can be counterproduct tive as they do not treat the cause of the problem, simply help you to function better.

NB: We experienced one of your gong Baths at Audio Show Deluxe. Can you explain to readers what the idea behind this is and how it can help people?

KR: A Gong Bath is a deeply relaxing and therapeutic practice that offers a unique and immersive sound experience. During the gong bath concert, or session, participants lie down in a comfortable position, close their eyes, and allow themselves to be embraced by a symphony of resonant sounds.

Sound baths are conducted using several instruments apart from gongs, like crystal bowls, chimes, hang pans, harps, and drums. Together, they produce a mesmerizing cascade of tones and vibrations that reverberate throughout the space.

The therapeutic effects of gong vibrations during a gong bath are thought to stem from a combination of factors, including the principles of sound therapy and the physiological and psychological responses to the vibrations.

Gong vibrations during a gong bath are believed to have therapeutic effects due to how sound therapy works and how our bodies respond to the vibrations. When a gong is played, it produces various tones and harmonics that can resonate with our cells, tissues, and organs, helping to restore balance and harmony. Additionally, the principle of entrainment comes into play, where our brainwaves, heart rate, and breathing may sync with the rhythmic patterns of the gong, inducing deep relaxation and coherence within our bodies.

NB: Do you think that “rituals” such as the Gong Bath are simply structures within which we as individuals give ourselves a period of time where our sole focus is wholly away from the rigours of daily life, or do you think that there is sonically something going on with (specifically) the sounds of gongs that help promote relaxation and alleviate stress?

KR: Its both. It is a ritual, it can be relaxation, meditative practice, an opportunity to slow down and exercise a bit of mental self-care. Gong baths definitely bring relaxation and stress reduction as they induce a deep state of relaxation. The vibrations created by the gongs have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. Sounds created by gongs can influence brainwave activity. Typically, participants’ brainwaves shift from a beta state (active thinking) to an alpha or theta state (relaxed or dream-like states).

NB: Gongs have been used for centuries during meditation in Eastern cultures, and from personal experience their effect is obvious, but have there been any scientific studies carried out to explain their effects? I suppose the use of the OM sound is linked to this too?

KR: Yes, indeed. There are several studies that report the positive impact of gong baths on our mental and physical health.

Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2016) reported reduction in self-reported stress and anxiety levels after using gong baths.

Musicological Annual describes a study conducted in Slovenia in 2015 which has shown that all users define the effect of sound vibrations as healing and/ or relaxing. They testified on achieving durable inner peace, on better physical and mental wellbeing, fresh impetus for work, desire for personal growth and other positive effects. (Pesek, A., & Bratina, T. (2016). Gong and Its Therapeutic Meaning. Musicological Annual, 52(2), 137–161. https://doi. org/10.4312/mz.52.2.137-161)

One study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Library of Medicine (NLM) looked at people with fibromyalgia (a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body). It discovered that: “ten treatments (twice per week for five weeks) of low-frequency sound stimulation decreased pain, allowing nearly three-quarters of participants to reduce pain medication”.

NB: Gong Baths are a sonic experience and as a species we have used music to aid relaxation, do you think that there is something going on with brain activity when we listen to certain kinds of music that promotes mental wellbeing?

KR: Certainly, the sound has an impact on our brain. Interestingly, the brain’s electrical activity is measured in Hertz just as it is the case for sound. The human brain produces electrical activity in the form of brainwaves, which can be categorized into different frequency bands. These frequency bands are associated with different states of consciousness and mental activity. The most common brainwave frequencies include:

Delta Waves (0.5-4 Hz): These are slow brainwaves associated with deep sleep, relaxation, and unconsciousness.

Theta Waves (4-8 Hz): Theta waves are related to deep relaxation, creativity, meditation, and light sleep. They are also associated with the dream state and the unconscious mind.

Alpha Waves (8-12 Hz): Alpha waves are present during relaxed and calm states of wakefulness. They