Sound baths: the new wellness ritual that will define 2025!
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You don’t come out cleaner from a sound bath, but just as relaxed. Sound baths, or sound baths in English, are gaining popularity in France after being a hit in the USA and other European countries like England and Germany finally arriving in our country. The concept: a gentle meditation session where you let yourself be rocked by the sound of Tibetan bowls. This is an intense relaxation technique that usually takes place in yoga studios. The sound and vibrations of the bowls influence your mood and mind, bringing you calm and a state of deep relaxation. Are you still there? Great, let’s take a closer look at this wellness ritual whose only goal is to do you good.
Sound baths: an immersive and meditative experience
The first time I tried a sound bath, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. To be completely honest, my best friend started offering sound baths in a yoga studio in Berlin. (Boaré studio for those interested)
Reclining in a beautifully decorated silent room, eyes closed, I first heard a bowl gently resonate, then another, deeper one, like a low rumble vibrating through my chest. Gradually, the sounds enveloped me like a slow and continuous wave. I thought of nothing. My body was there, but my mind floated somewhere between two thoughts. There was nothing to do, just listen and let it wash over you. It was so pleasant and a bit different from the meditation I practice, well, I try, daily. By the end of the hour, I had this sensation of having slept for ten hours straight, my mind invigorated, my breathing controlled. In short, I felt good. It’s a timeless moment, a true sound cocoon that we should all treat ourselves to at least once… a month!
The benefits of sound baths
To truly understand the benefits of sound baths, one must turn to science. Sound baths are not just a trend: studies show that the frequencies emitted by Tibetan bowls or gongs reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and stimulate endorphins, promoting rapid relaxation. These deep sounds act like a “sound massage” that releases tension and anxiety.
Research has also observed that these practices synchronize brain waves (alpha and theta), typical of deep meditation, thus helping to achieve an advanced state of relaxation. Other measured benefits include better sleep quality, decreased chronic pain, and eased anxiety. In short, sound baths offer a true letting go for the body and mind. And today, science confirms it.
An inner journey, not a magic wand
However, be cautious not to expect everything from a single session. The sound bath is not a medical therapy, and it does not solve anxieties, for instance. It is rather a ritual to integrate into a broader wellness routine, alongside meditation, yoga, or a walk in the woods.
And if the magic happens the first time, all the better. Many participants speak of a floating state, a body that “vibrates” from within, of memories or emotions gently resurfacing. Others simply come out feeling very calm, ready to face their week with a new serenity.
How to find sound baths that do good in France?
Paris has not escaped the trend. Addresses like Lomey Yoga, Bloom, Le Tigre Yoga Club, and La Maison du Tigre regularly offer sound baths, often at the end of the day or on weekends. The price generally ranges between 20 and 40 euros for a one-hour session. In Lyon, immersive experiences can also be found in places like Yoga Korner or Le Centre Élément.
The phenomenon also touches wellness festivals and spiritual retreats: from Drôme to Brittany, therapists are now integrating sound baths into their programs. And if you don’t have any of this nearby, good news: some sessions are accessible online, live or in replay. It’s a great way to test it at home, in peace, in pajamas, with a blanket over your knees. You can even invest in a small Tibetan bowl to use before sleeping or during meditation. But there’s no need to break the bank: a good pair of headphones or a quality speaker is enough to create a soothing sound bubble.
The final word
You are the only judge of what you need. Like any other yoga class, therapy, and wellness practices in general, it is essential to feel good in your practice, comfortable with the instructor, and to choose a yoga studio that you like. Did this make you want to relax? Great, that was the goal. Having tried this practice quite a few times, I can only recommend it.
If, like me, you live in the city and are overwhelmed by notifications, sound baths are a luxurious and benevolent moment of silence where you lie down to listen to Tibetan bowls vibrate. It may seem trivial, but giving yourself a break is an act of love towards yourself.
So, when is your next vibrational break?
Featured image: © Photo by Magic Bowls / Unsplash
