Picture this: You walk into a room and lie down on a yoga mat. Musical instruments sit at the front of the room. You close your eyes and hear a sound that's somewhere between a gong and a bell. Then a few rings of an actual bell, like the all aboard on a trolley if the conductor wanted you to focus on your own consciousness. Then a chime like a grandfather clock with an intriguing resonance. By this time, if all is going well, youre in a bit of trance.
Reporter Raine Kuch visits a sound meditation workshop
People have many ways of coping with stress, from comfort food to walks and bubble baths. Now, some people in Southwest Michigan are trying sound baths when they need to relax. Theyre going to sessions led by sound immersion therapists, who believe that the technique can help people to heal.
Every organ, every system, every cell in your body has a vibration, says Kalamazoo-based sound therapist Judy Huxmann.
Theres the healthy optimal vibration, and then, when we come down with a disease or an illness or a trauma, that sets off a series of vibrations that are irregular and irritating.
Thats probably further than science is willing to go. But instruments like singing bowls have been used in healing for thousands of years. And some studies have found that sound therapy can reduce peoples stress.
Huxmann began studying sound meditation therapy in 2012 and has incorporated it into her massage and yoga practice ever since. She says that sound immersion meditation has a significant effect on her.
I like to think of it, what happens to me is I like leave the room: psychically, spiritually, mentally. Everything just kind of, goes into that quiet ethereal place and my body is able to resonate with the sounds.
Huxmann says that every session of sound meditation is different. There is no set routine in the order she plays her instruments. She lets her intuition and the responses of the participants guide her choices.
Early in the session she uses a ghanta, an instrument that Huxmann says breaks up stagnant energy. She walks around the room as she plays it. Next, you might hear the sound of crystal pyramid, which Huxmann says pulls participants deeper into a trance-like-state where healing can begin.
Tibetan bowls, which have been around since before modern civilization, are also played at different pitches. Huxmann says each one aligns with different energy centers in the body, known as chakras.
The crystal bowl is played in the key of F. Huxmann says that this key has measurable positive effects on the body. Deanna Bush is a music therapy faculty member at Western Michigan University. She also claims that pitches can affect the body differently.
All the different tones that we use, again can affect different parts of us. Like when I use tuning forks, Ill use a C and a G, because that helps with relaxing those cells that we have, clearing them out. Im not saying that sound is healing, I feel like, to me, sound is something that adds to the healing process.
Huxmann says that certain sounds may trigger an intense emotion that could make a participant want to leave the room. Like the ocean drum, which can bring up intense emotions associated with water. But thats not all that participants might experience.
I had people tell me that they had visitations from relatives, dead relatives. People that they loved and missed a lot would come. And somebody said they swore there was somebodys hand on their shoulder.
Karin Larsen, a regular participant of sound immersion, describes it as a full-body experience.
When the session was over, I cant tell you when the background music stopped. And that it was just full sound therapy that was going on because my whole body had adjusted to the frequencies that were being played.
Not everyone comes into sound immersion session expecting it to work, but Huxmann says she invites the skepticism.
Skepticism is a good thing. Its like, prove it to me, and if they are willing then their mind is open enough to experience it.
Huxmann says that more and more people have begun incorporating sound immersion into yoga classes and meditation sessions. A Kalamazoo non-profit founded in April of 2019 aims to educate the Kalamazoo community on the benefits of sound meditation. The Wind Willow Consortium will present a Sound Immersion Workshop each year featuring local and world-wide guests. Theyre still working on a date of the 2020 conference.
See more here:
Healing Through Sound In Kalamazoo - WMUK
- Trance Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2016]
- Trance (Final Fantasy IX) | Final Fantasy Wiki | Fandom ... [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Trance Movie Review & Film Summary (2013) | Roger Ebert [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2017]
- Trance Sample Packs, Loops & Construction Kits | Producer Loops [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2017]
- Urban Dictionary: trance [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2017]
- Psychedelic trance - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2017]
- Goa trance - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Armin van Buuren offers first glimpse of new A State Of Trance studio - DJ Mag [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Scream at a Wall: UNEARTHLY TRANCE Bring a Heavy Sense of Doom - Nerdist [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- What We Like || Tech Trance - EDM Identity (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Pastor called as pupils fall in trance - Chronicle [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- 6 Artists to watch out for at Vh1 Supersonic - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Armin van Buuren records 800th A State Of Trance radio show from new studio: Listen - DJ Mag [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Pastor called as pupils fall in trance - Nehanda Radio [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Urban Dictionary: Trance Music [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Does Trance need to be saved? - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- 6 Indian Acts to watch out for at Vh1 Supersonic - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Insomniac reveals teaser for trance-only Dreamstate stage at EDC Las Vegas 2017: Watch - DJ Mag [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Arty Revives Trance Project Alpha 9 with the Inspiring The Night Is Ours - EDM Sauce [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- [Speculation] Are W&W Returning To Trance At Ultra Miami? | EDM ... - EDM Identity (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- W&W Looks to be Returning to Trance for Ultra Miami - Some Shade ... - EDM Sauce [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Andrew Bayer & Ilan Bluestone Drop Massive Heater: Trance Fans Rejoice - EDM Sauce [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Maidstone: DJ Nathan Martin starts trance event at Social Chill Bar in Week Street - Kent Online [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Evian Christ's Trance Party tours UK with Laurel Halo, MssingNo - FACT [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- What Happens When A Bass Head Interviews Armin Van Buuren About Trance [Exclusive] - Your EDM [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- 15 Trance Melodies for Your Valentine - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Dance, trance and get your yoga on at Blue Lotus - Ruidoso News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- ARMADA Music Announces debut ARMADA Night China Tour - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Arctic Moon Premieres New Powerful Trance Anthem on Future Sound of Egypt - EDM Sauce [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- GAIA to play closing act at this massive Trance festival - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- A State of Trance on Youtube LIVE Every Thursday at 2P.M. EST ... - exstreamal [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Voices on wellness: Hypnosis and the trance of everyday life - Richmond News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Andrew Rayel Announces 'Moments' Album & World Tour - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Music Review: Psychedelic Trance - The Point News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Investors in a Trance as Stocks Shuffle Higher - MarketPulse - MarketPulse (blog) [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Black Country driver tasered by police during diabetic trance after ... - Halesowen News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- 'Trump Trance'? Media Sure It 'Heard' Sweden Comment Trump Never Said - PJ Media [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- In a slot machine trance - Castanet.net [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Unearthly Trance Premieres Pre-Release Full-Album Stream Of Upcoming New Album "Stalking The Ghost" - Metal Underground [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Cy and David's Picks: Musical Notes from Native California, Trance Blues, and Bell X1's High-Flying Pop - KQED [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Trance-fusion festival Camp Bisco to return to Pavilion at Montage Mountain - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Under 2500: Will Vance Puts Listeners In A Trance With New Tune Days Go By - EDM Sauce [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Try 'Orb' to experience Psychedelic Trance genre - The Ionian [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Brixton Trance Underworld The Return - BrixtonBuzz [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Is Mat Zo making a return to trance? - EARMILK (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Trance | Electronic Dance Music | EDM | Free Downloads [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Stalking the Ghost - PopMatters [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Borscht Diez's Coral Orgy With Animal Collective Lured Audiences Into a Trippy Trance - Miami New Times [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Preview W&W's New Trance Collab with Armin Van Buuren Under New Alias - EDM Sauce [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- The Necks and Battle Trance offer two different takes on experimental music - PGH City Paper [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Album Review: UNEARTHLY TRANCE Stalking The Ghost - Metal ... - Metal Injection.net [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- The 40 Best Trance Songs Ever - EDM Sauce [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Interview with Luminosity Events founder Bo van Eck | Trance Hub - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- March: 10 trance releases you need to hear this month - Mixmag [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- 'Poker was like being in a trance': readers' experiences of problem gambling - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Smith entered 'trance' in captain's ton - The West Australian [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Trance Arena: A New Beginning For Trance in Chicago (Event Review) - EDM Chicago (blog) [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- DMNW Selects: Uplifting Trance For The Broken Heart - Dance Music Northwest [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- Unearthly Trance : Stalking the Ghost - Treble [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- 10 Vocalists Above & Beyond Should Collaborate With | Trance Hub - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- INcoming Artist Corner: Darin Epsilon - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- The 5th Holi Reloaded festival will feature trance legends Above ... - Gizmodo India [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- First Look: 2017 Giant Trance 1 - Singletrack [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2017]
- Trance and beyond - The Hindu [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2017]
- You be trippin' out with trance - The Nation [Last Updated On: March 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 10th, 2017]
- Tattooed devotees transform in Thai temple trance - Channel NewsAsia [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- UNEARTHLY TRANCE Premieres New Music Video For Into The Spiral - The Gauntlet [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- The week's best mixes: Lorenzo Senni's trance classics and jackin' moves from Clone boss Serge - FACT [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- English Trance at a desi festival - Mid-Day [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Tattooed devotees transform in Thai temple trance - Reuters [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Solarstone shows off his 'State Of Mind' with ethereal trance - Dancing Astronaut [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2017]
- Central Europe's biggest trance event Transmission announces date - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Chartwell Dutiro, Niyaz & Riyaaz Qawwali Set for A WORLD IN ... - Broadway World [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- The trance of the Tungna - The Kathmandu Post [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Five Trance Artists You Must Catch at EDC Las Vegas 2017 - EDM Identity (blog) [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Trance Duo Announces New Album After 10 Year Hiatus - EDM Sauce [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- This New Trance Event in UK Announces an Incredible Lineup - Trance Hub (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Take A Journey Into Space with Trance Pioneer Ferry Corsten - EDM Sauce [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Trance Is Springing Down in Orange County This Saturday - Mix 247 EDM [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- 'Techno trance for tiny ears': taking your newborn to a rave - The Guardian (blog) [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]