As we navigate through a second UK lockdown, we continue to battle with ongoing anxieties - whether worrying about the loss of a job, an illness of a friend/family member, or just an overwhelming uncertainty - the crisis has undoubtedly triggered a sharp rise in mental health issues. According to data from the Office of National Statistics published in June, over a third of UK adults (37.4%) have said that the pandemic has impacted their well-being in some way.

Like me, many of us have been looking at different tips and tricks to help us cope and look after our mental wellbeing. A firm favourite is meditation, which has amazing benefits, however can be a little tricky to master. Traditional relaxation practices, like meditation, require a clear mind or a particular focus, whereas sound therapy has a more passive approach which might be easier for people to engage with. 

Sound therapy covers a range of treatments - from music therapy to sound baths. Like massage therapy, which delivers healing through touch, it’s a form of sensory therapy, and it has been used by various cultural groups for centuries. The most prominent form practiced in the UK is music therapy, but the use of individual sounds and frequencies has been growing. Essentially, sound and music are noninvasive, simple, and cost-effective therapeutic tools.

Healing with sound is believed to date back to ancient Greece, when music was used in an attempt to cure various mental health disorders. Throughout history, music has been used to boost morale in work environments, improve productively, and even ward off evil spirits by chanting. More recently, research has linked music to a number of health benefits, from boosting immune function and lowering stress levels.

Where can I find out more?

There are many different types of sound therapy to choice from, but here are a few people/organisations you could start with:

The Sound Therapist

Mother Ocean

Crystal Sound Lounge

The British Academy of Sound Therapy

Sound Therapy Music