A balance of science and spirit, a sound bath is a meditative experience that can be done effortlessly by anyone wanting to feel refreshed and renewed. Combining tones and vibrations from different instruments, sound frequencies wash over your body as you lie on a mat, providing a deep sense of relaxation.
A sound healer will design and create the flow for the session. Among the health benefits are lowered blood pressure, reduced stress, improved sleep, alleviated pain, boosted immune system, and lowered heart rate.
Treat yourself to a sound bath at one of these Upstate locations.
Upstate Sound Bath Locations
Owner Abbey Garcia offers “a community vibe that brings together fun and healing” in this tranquil light-filled space that welcomes everyone. Sound healer Austin Shook has done more than 1,000 sessions during his nine years of experience.
He plays fourteen instruments—including the flute, hand pan, gong, didgeridoo, harmonium, Chinese harp, singing bowls, rattles, and rain sticks— that represent ancient cultures, and he strives to create a space that enables people to calm their minds along with their nervous systems.
14 S. Main St., Travelers Rest, zenrabbityoga.com; $40 (member discount is available) for 90 minutes
Melissa Manto and Nichole Martini, owners of Raven & Moon in Simpsonville, have years of experience in energy healing. Manto, an herbalist, and Martini, a yoga teacher, are also both Reiki masters and certified sound practitioners.
Here, sound baths are done two ways—one in the traditional yoga studio, and one inside the smaller Salt Room where three inches of crushed Himalayan salt crystals line the floor. In the Salt Room, surrounded by salt lamps, a halo generator disperses microparticles of salt into the air to help draw toxins from the body—a great way to alleviate allergies and boost the immune system.
413 S.E. Main St., Simpsonville, ravenandmoon.co; $20/hour, $45/hour for salt room and sound bath together
Owner Nancy Habib-Davis is a 20-year health and wellness veteran who books Ivy Galliano for sound baths at Elite. Galliano, a sound practitioner and Reiki master, is also studying for a degree in metaphysical healing.
Her sound baths begin with a hot cacao drink blessed by a shaman, which serves as a focus for energy. A meditation centering on chakras follows, and then the instruments and the bowls begin to vibrate.
At the end of the session, Galliano has a specific message she imparts to each person, based on their energy. During the summer months, sound baths are held poolside at various locations.
732A Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, elitemedspaandlaser.com; $30/hour
