WHAT TO BRING:
- Yoga mat or camping mattress (single)
- Pillow/blanket to stay comfy
WHAT TO WEAR:
- Comfortable loose clothing
What is a Gong/Sound Bath?
The instruments are set up in the middle of the room (I mainly use large gongs and add in rainstick, ocean drum, Himalayan metal bowls, shruti box, chimes and voice).
When you participate, you wear comfy clothes, and use a cushy mat (though some prefer a chair), a pillow, and a blanket. You’ll set up in your spot around the instruments.
After some gentle movement, you’ll lay down. I verbally guide you in some muscle and breath relaxation, then move to the instruments to “bathe” you in sound for about 45 minutes. (Note- it’s called a gong/sound “bath”, but there’s no water involved!)
How do Gong/Sound Baths contribute to overall health?
In short, they help us to relax. Our modern way of living is very busy, for both our bodies and our minds. When we lie down for a gong/sound bath we immediately offer rest to our bodies; when the sound begins, this also invites our minds to rest. Gong vibrations are strong, so we also feel the sound that we are hearing, which brings our awareness into our body. Studies have shown that gong/sound baths shift brainwaves from beta to alpha, theta, and delta waves- which invites our bodies into a more regenerative state.
Our lifestyles tend to have us operating mainly with the sympathetic nervous system stimulated. Because of this, it is very important to have practices that allow us to activate our parasympathetic nervous systems. Gong/Sound Baths can do that.
Who is Jennifer Bell? What is Ottawa Sound Therapy?
Jennifer offers treatments at her in-home studio for individuals and groups of 2 and 3. She also works outside of her studio, offering public group treatments and private sessions for small and large groups. She has worked at corporate/professional wellbeing days from the Château Laurier to community centres, with physicians on retreat, and at various fundraisers. She trained as a Sound Therapist at the College of Sound Healing in the U.K. where she is still a member. She worked as a Sound Therapist in the U.K. and then moved back to Ontario and established a private practice here (Ottawa Sound Therapy). In her treatments, Jennifer uses instruments she has gathered through the years, along with her voice. She aims to create space for people to move forward in their journey to better health – whether at the physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual level.
