What is sound healing and how does it work?

“Everything in our world vibrates at a certain frequency, including our bodies,” explains Carla von Anhalt, sound healer and founder of Sacred Tones. “When we experience stress, illness or emotional heaviness, our natural frequencies can fall out of balance. Sound healing works by using specific vibrations – whether from singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, or even the human voice – to bring us back into harmony.”

The science behind this lies in the way sound waves interact with the body, particularly our nervous system and brainwaves. Studies have shown certain frequencies can slow the heart rate, lower cortisol levels, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and healing. Killian Campbell, a sound therapist, says sound healing isn’t just about relaxation – it can be a powerful tool for mental clarity and focus. “The right frequencies can help clear brain fog, enhance cognitive performance, and even support emotional resilience. We see this in the way music affects mood, but with sound healing, it’s more intentional.”

Tell us more about those benefits…

According to Killian, sound therapy is a surefire solution for deep relaxation. “Many of my clients say they feel a deep sense of peace after a session,” he says. “It’s like a reset for your nervous system.” Plus, certain frequencies can also help the brain transition into a deeper sleep state. As Carla explains, “Listening to specific frequencies before bed can help quiet a racing mind and encourage deep, restorative sleep.” Other frequencies, such as those used in binaural beats, are known to improve cognitive function and concentration. “I work with a lot of CEOs and creative professionals who use sound therapy as a tool to get into a flow state,” Killian notes. Other sounds can unlock old memories or trapped emotions, enabling powerful self-healing. “I’ve had clients start crying during a session without knowing why,” Carla adds. “Sound has a way of bypassing the logical mind and going straight to the emotions.”

What can you expect from a sound healing session?

If you’ve never tried sound healing before, count on a deeply immersive experience. “At Sacred Tones, we hold our sessions with participants lying down comfortably, allowing them to fully receive the sound vibrations,” Carla explains. “Some people feel a warm, tingling sensation or enter a dreamlike state, while others simply feel deeply relaxed.” Each instrument used in sound healing serves a different purpose. Tibetan and crystal singing bowls create pure, resonant tones that promote deep relaxation and emotional balance. “The vibrations from crystal bowls, in particular, resonate at such a pure frequency that they can create a profound sense of peace,” Carla says. 

Gongs, on the other hand, offer a full-body experience. “The sound of a gong can feel like a wave washing over you,” Carla describes. “It’s intense but deeply cleansing, helping to shift stagnant energy and emotional blockages.” Tuning forks, meanwhile, are used for more targeted healing, applied directly to the body to promote physical recovery and nervous system regulation. “A 128Hz tuning fork placed on the chest, for example, can help calm the heart rate,” Killian explains. Regardless of the method used, most people leave a sound healing session feeling lighter, calmer, and more in tune with themselves. “It’s a holistic reset,” Carla says. “You don’t need to do anything – just allow the sound to work its magic.”

How does it compare to other relaxation techniques like meditation or breathwork?

While meditation and breathwork require active participation, sound healing is more about receiving. “It’s perfect for people who struggle with traditional meditation because the sounds naturally guide the mind into a meditative state,” Carla notes. “Many of my clients who find mindfulness difficult say sound healing is the first practice that really works for them.” Killian also sees sound healing as a bridge between traditional relaxation techniques and more immersive therapies. “It’s a gateway into deeper states of awareness. It can complement everything from yoga to therapy.”

So, how often should you do it?

Even one session can make a noticeable difference, but regular practice deepens the benefits. “For stress relief, two to three times a week is ideal,” Carla says. “For deeper emotional or physical healing, daily exposure – even just five or ten minutes – can be transformative.” Killian emphasises consistency: “Just like meditation or yoga, sound healing works best when it becomes part of your routine. I tell my clients to think of it as a mental and emotional hygiene practice.” 

Can you do it at home?

You don’t need a professional sound bath to experience the benefits, says Sonia Rose, sound healer and founder of Uma Touch. “YouTube and Spotify have endless sound baths, binaural beats and frequency-based tracks to explore. Artists like Jhené Aiko incorporate healing frequencies into their music, blending modern sound with ancient energy work.” Carla also says toning – using your own voice to create sustained sounds – can be a powerful self-healing tool. “Humming, chanting or even singing in the shower can activate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation.” 

What’s the future for sound healing?

As more research emerges, the benefits of sound healing are becoming harder to ignore. Killian believes it will soon be a staple in mental health and wellness programmes: “The more we understand about the power of sound, the more we realise its potential to heal on a deep level. It’s not just about relaxation – it can be transformative.” Carla agrees, adding, “Sound healing is a tool that allows people to reset their bodies and minds in a natural, accessible way. Whether you use it for stress relief, better sleep, or deeper emotional healing, it’s something everyone should experience at least once.” As NASA continues to explore its applications in space, there’s no doubt sound healing is on its way to becoming a mainstream wellness practice here on Earth, too. 

Visit SacredTones.co.uk, UmaTouch.co.uk & KillianCampbell.com