Group Acupuncture with Sound Healing
What happens when you combine sound healing with acupuncture?
The photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor shows a hand reaching for light in the forest.
What happens when you combine sound healing with acupuncture?
I recently experienced this combination of sound healing and acupuncture the other day in a community setting where each person received the same “recipe” or set of acupuncture treatment points to support the transition of the seasons while the sound of singing bowls and gongs focused the attention on states of inner quiet. The idea is that each participant would receive a little acupuncture treatment during a group “sound bath” led by a sound healer.
How the session went
Our acupuncturist welcomed us with gentle words and told us about the points that would be used in the general treatment. We each got a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to prime the points. As participants receiving the treatment, we were asked to wear loose fitting clothing that can easily be moved to both knees and elbows with a loose collar or v-neck shirt. All participants filled out an acupuncture waiver at the start to delcare their readiness to participate.
Then, the sound healer, led us in some centering and breathing practices with a gentle striking of a singing bowl as the group exhaled audibly. Already, the breathing accompanied by gongs began to shift my nervous system into a state of calm and receptiveness. My busy day of classes and clients had left me exhilarated and a little tired. My allergies had made me a little headachy as I started the day, but as the group healing continued, my headachy feelings began to diminish, and my body and mind became quiet. Sound healing is an ancient technique for meditation through focusing attention. So, the sounds of bowls and bells focused our attention also relaxed us so that we would be in a receptive state for the acupuncture. A “sound bath” is what happens when you let the sounds wash over you. I felt especially receptive. I do a regular sound healing session at one of the pain centers where I work, and I know that healing shifts are possible. That day, it was great to be a recipient, and the addition of acupuncture felt like my healing session was especially effective.
The tiny acupuncture needles then went in. It took a few minutes for the acupuncturist to get to each person, but there was never a feeling of being rushed. The process was efficient, and this set everyone at ease.
Acupuncture is a medical technique that uses small needles placed directly onto the strategic locations called acupoints in the body. The points are locations where energy and Qi flow, as in an inner river that communicates with the internal organs and systems of the body. An acupuncture treatment sends signals to the nervous system to encourage balance and regulation. This can lead to a decrease in pain and an increase blood flow. The needles are very thin, but there can be a sensation of needle insertion that varies from person to person. Some people experience a small pinch like a shot at the moment of insertion, which goes away after a little while. Other people experience little or no sensation of the needles being inserted. At the site of the needle, I did notice a feeling of fire or tingling that did not last but for a few minutes. This “Qi sensation” is a sign that the treatment is working and Qi is flowing. These were signs the immune system and blood flow were being influenced by the needle, the setting, and the singing bowls and tones.
A Healing Group Experience
The acupuncturist made their way to each person and deftly and kindly inserted needles in a set of points meant for balancing the body’s energy. They spoke in low tones. When the needles were all in, we all rested 30-45 minutes. I had an eye pillow blocking out the light, and I sank into my yoga mat and soft blanket. When you have the needles all in, you need to lie still. This is not a problem for me. But lying face up on your back, unsupported can be too much. We were encouraged to bring our gear (which I did!), and to use the blankets and bolsters in the yoga studio. It was kind of like building a nest to make sure the body, with all its sensations and wakefulness, was alert, relaxed and receptive. I put a bolster under my knees and a blanket over my body. I so needed some deep rest after some busy weeks of family and work. During the treatment, I did not sleep, but some people near me did sleep and did snore a tiny bit. It was okay! Mostly, the room felt quiet, and the sound healing provided a kind of healing force field that you could feel vibrating your skin and bones, taking you deep into a spacious and healing realm. I love how sound can give you a sense of space. The needles vibrated, too! Or so I was told. I did not feel the needles vibrate at all. I just felt myself returning home, coming back to myself and finding a great state of balance and harmony. The light of my attention that had been shining out onto the world was now shining only in my mind and body for the time being. It was like a system reboot!
After 40 minutes, the needles came out. The acupuncturist came by and collected the needles for each person gently and efficiently. There was a little bit more sound healing as the group rested in the spacious quiet. Then, the bright sound of tingshas, little metal cymbals, struck ten times. It was the signal to start coming back to ordinary life. About two hours had passed. It was amazing. I felt I had been deeply nourished in a way that felt light yet effective. I appreciated the healing intentions and good care.
Combining acupuncture and sound healing is amazing: The acupuncture balances your energetic system and the sound healing helps mind and emotions relax into a receptive state. It is basically receiving two treatments in one that can put you in deep states of meditation that can lower stress, soothe emotions and reduce pain. Many times, after sound healing, people often report being able to sleep better and experience less anxiety. At the pain center where I teach mindbody classes, I offer sound healing sessions regularly to groups of patients. Patients have reported positive outcomes, including pain reduction and lowering stress levels, after the sound healing sessions. I believe this comes from the experience of deep states of meditation that sound healing can bring about. Adding acupuncture to a group sound healing experience can be especially healing!
Contraindications
As much as I extol the virtues and goodness of sound healing with acupuncture, this combination of healing modalities is also not for everyone. Caution and medical clearance are advised for participating in sound healing and sound baths with acupuncture for people who have:
Metal implants (e.g., pacemakers, electronic implants, defibrillators)
Epilepsy that can make a person susceptible to sound-induced seizures
Active infections
Bleeding disorders
Severe mental health conditions
Heart conditions with vascular issues (consult with medical provider)
First-trimester pregnancy (consult with medical provider)
Recent surgery (where sutures are not to be subject to vibration)
The combination of sound healing and acupuncture is not a replacement for medical care, and it is not used as a substitute for professional medical treatment for serious illnesses or conditions. If you are not sure your health and medical situation makes the combination of acupuncture and sound healing a good choice for you, consult a doctor or healthcare professional before engaging in sound healing with acupuncture, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns.
Interested in trying a session of community acupuncture with sound healing? Click the button below (it takes you to EventBrite) for an upcoming mini retreat day that features a session of acupuncture with sound healing on October 12.