Have you heard about Sound Therapy? Have you thought about what sounds resonate with you and why they do? Then this can help explore your sound/noise sensory needs and have a hopefully relaxing experience.
I first heard of Sound Therapy when I saw a flyer at Brentford Leisure Centre for a ‘Gong Bath’. I was intrigued and decided to sign up. It took place in the exercise studio and a group of strangers lay down on a yoga mat. You’re encouraged to bring your own cushions/blankets. I chose my favourite soft blanket as it met my touch sensory needs. Some people brought scarves/towels etc. The studio had the lights switched off and there were small fairy lights so that you weren’t in the dark.
What followed was different sounds both from instruments and vocals. It wasn’t off putting except I could hear everyone deep breathing and in some cases, snoring. I couldn’t relax because it was a sound/noise sensory overload. But I didn’t give up. I contacted the Gong practitioner, Pareena, and I explained my autism and sensory needs. We agreed to try a 1:1 session tailored especially for me. I was her first autistic client. I know that I won’t be her last.
The session takes place in Pareena’s little sound studio in her home. It’s a ground floor flat so ideal if you have mobility issues. It’s cool, relaxed with soft furnishings. You have a choice of incense/candles or no scent at all. I took my own candle and my own blanket. A thorough emotional and physical health check is taken (obviously you decide what information you are prepared to share). A brief medical history is also taken i.e. heart problems, chemotherapy etc. for contraindications.
At the start of the session, Pareena introduced me to various gongs, tuning forks, drums, cymbals etc. and we explored tone and pitch. She then matches her tone and pitch too for her vocalisations too. Then it’s just a case of lie down and relax in a quiet space, designed just for you.
Sound healing is based on the ancient belief that our bodies are constantly vibrating. Usually, the layers are formed to resonate with different parts of the body:
174 Hz for pain relief
396 Hz for alleviating fear
432 Hz for reducing stress and insomnia
So how did that change with my sensory needs? I loved the gentle sounds of the flumie mallet and hated the sounds of the cymbals. I adored the ocean drum as it brought back happy memories as a child putting a shell to my ear and ‘hearing’ the sea. It was the only drum instrument that I could cope with. I wasn’t a fan of the tuning forks either, their vibrational sounds were uncomfortable. And I hated the xylophone. It made me want to rip my ears off.
This meant I could only cope with the lower hertz. In the pain relief range. My intention wasn’t about ‘healing’ pain. Nor was I looking to ‘heal’ my autism. It’s not a disease and there is no cure. And I wouldn't want one anyway. But it allowed me to relax enough and to feel connected to my body. I was actively listening to my body's needs and wants. And that’s what made the difference. When you spend so much time and energy masking, you’re constantly fighting against your mind and body. This experience was the complete opposite.
I now also have another tool in my Autism Toolbox. So the next time I have a sensory overload, masking burnout or a PDA meltdown, I know I have this option to help me.
Comments