FAQs

Q: What is sound therapy?

Sound has been used therapeutically for thousands of years, forming an important part of many ancient cultures, civilisations, and spiritual philosophies, including Chinese, Indian and Egyptian. Over the last few decades, the healing and therapeutic use of sound has been rediscovered and brought to the mainstream so it’s available to all.

Sound therapy, or sound healing, includes the combination of different healing sounds to produce sound waves that are both audible and inaudible to the human senses, creating a relaxing sonic experience to calm the body and mind and improve wellbeing. Sound therapy techniques use instruments such as gongs, singing bowls, drums, chimes, flutes, tuning forks and the voice, and can be experienced in group sound baths or a one-on-one session.

Q: How does it work?

We now know that all matter is made up of energy vibrating at different rates, including us! We also know that our bodies naturally want to synchronise with harmonious sounds and energies around us - a phenomenon known as entrainment, which helps us understand that the powerful vibrations of one thing can influence the vibrations of another. Dutch scientist Christian Huygens concluded that “Any two vibrating bodies will entrain if exposed to each other for long enough”.

So by using the vibrational frequencies of harmonious instruments, alongside the right surroundings, and the healing intention of the sound therapist, the sound is received by the client and can guide, or resonate, them back to balance.

Q: What are the benefits?

Sound therapy is deeply relaxing, helping to slow brain waves and switch us from our ‘alert mode’ or sympathetic nervous system to our ‘calm, relaxed mode’, or parasympathetic nervous system. In this way, spending time surrounded by the resonance of different harmonious sound frequencies supports our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, allowing the body and mind to release stress and find peace and calm, promoting a sense of wellbeing.

While the science is still emerging, sound therapy may help you manage stress, sleep problems, emotional states like overwhelm or anxiety, and it’s a wonderful way to practice self care, giving you precious time to yourself to relax, reconnect with your inner world and switch off from everyday life.

Q: Is sound therapy right for everybody?

There are some people who are advised to be cautious before participating in group or 1-2-1 sound therapy, and would benefit from consulting the sound therapist and their doctor before taking part. These include:

Pregnant women, especially in the first trimester
Those with sound-induced epilepsy
Those with an implanted pacemaker, stent or shunt
Those with knee or hip replacements
Those with serious mental health issues.

Q: What happens in a sound therapy session with Luminous Sound & Wellbeing?

Each sound therapy session lasts for one hour. We'll start by talking about how you are feeling and what you would love to receive from the session, then we'll go through some sound therapy basics and important information. After that, I'll settle you in and make sure you're really comfortable before we begin. You'll be fully clothed, lying on a padded treatment couch, and there will be blankets, cushions and an eye mask available to you. The light in the room will be dimmed and candlelit.

Once the session begins, I'll start by helping your system to fully relax using breath work and visualisation, while I hold deeply calming energy points to help your system feel safe and ready to receive the sound frequencies. Unless you prefer to avoid essential oils, I use a blend chosen specifically for you, applied to key acupoints and diffusing in the air, to help bring peace and relaxation. I'll then play a range of instruments, such as gongs, drums, crystal bowls, chimes and flutes to take you on a sonic journey designed to relax and restore. I'll build and vary the sound over the course of the session, layering instruments and creating different sonic techniques and experiences.

I'll finish the session by allowing some essential integration time to rest in silence before I gently bring you back from your journey, using essential oils to help restore and awaken your senses. Then we'll have a quick chat so I can take note of anything important before you move on with your day. I'll send you away with an aromatherapy gift to help prolong the benefits of the session.

The sound therapy journey experience varies from person to person - for some people it can be very powerful, bringing emotions, insights, sensations, colours, visions and more. For others it can be a much more subtle journey of stress relief and relaxation.

Q: How do I get to you, and where should I park?

Luminous Sound & Wellbeing is located in Totnes, South Devon. There is private parking onsite, and the practice is also a short walk from Totnes station, and walking distance from Dartington and Totnes town. After booking, you'll receive a detailed confirmation email with all the information you need.

Q: Where does the session take place?

Your sound therapy journey will take place in a private, quiet and secure space dedicated to the practice of sound therapy. You will have access to a toilet, hooks and space to leave your coat, shoes and belongings, and there is a comfortable place to sit and read should there ever be any need to wait. The space is regularly energetically (and physically!) cleansed, and lightly scented with essential oils and natural incense (unless you have told me beforehand that you are sensitive to essential oils). I only use eco friendly and non-toxic cleaning products and laundry detergents, so you won't be exposed to any unwanted chemical fragrances on your pillow or in the air.

Q: What should I wear, and bring?

You are advised to dress in comfortable, warm clothing. You don't need to bring anything else, as everything you need will be provided - the comfy treatment couch (or padded double floor mat if it's a session for 2), blankets, eye pillows, and filtered water. You are welcome to bring small items, such as a favourite crystal, to charge up with the frequencies during the session.

Q: How do I book?

You can book a sound journey for one or two people with Emma by clicking this link. Bookings must be paid for in full in advance of your session. The 1-2-1 journeys are for women only. Men are welcome to attend a shared journey with a female partner or friend.

Q: What is your cancellation and late arrival policy?

I kindly request at least 24 hours notice by email to cancel or rearrange your appointment - this allows time for me to offer your appointment slot to another person. Cancellations made within this period will be charged at 50% of the full price. Missed appointments are charged at the full price. I reserve the right to waive this fee under exceptional circumstances.

If you arrive late, you may receive a shorter session, depending on whether I have an appointment booked in after you.

"I came to see Emma with some real need for self care and healing and hoped that sound therapy would support me. The experience exceeded my expectations! My session with Emma was a wonderful journey of relaxation and healing - I felt a sense of complete safety and peace. My energy body responded in the most amazing way too, with colours and sensations that will stay with me. Thank you so much Emma, I will definitely be back."

Katy