Sound Therapy: The Most Effective Form of Meditation?

Meditation. You’ve read the studies and downloaded the apps, but for those of us married to keyboards and smartphones, slipping into that mind-clearing state is easier said than done. Sound therapy may sound far-fetched, but an increasing number of urbanites are seeking out its restorative powers.

At the forefront of the sound movement is Denise Leicester. As the founder of world-renowned skincare brand ila, and a qualified aromatherapist, yoga teacher and yogic healer, Leicester lives and breathes wellness. Sound therapy has long been at the heart of ila’s treatments (think healing vibrations crossed with chakra-balancing), but it’s Leicester’s latest venture, Soul Medicine, that’s making waves.

Culture Trip: What’s the story behind Soul Medicine?

Denise Leicester: Hearing sound is one of our primal senses – the first developed in the womb and the last lost when we die. Sound has incredible powers to relax, alert, soothe and inform. Ila has always championed the power of music, but this relationship changed when I was introduced to the powers of the 432hz frequency a few years ago. I quickly realised the transformative effects music at this frequency was having on my clients during treatments and meditation. Spurred on by independent research confirming the sound-body connection, I joined forces with composer Tom Simenauer.

CT: Can you say more about the 432hz frequency?

DL: In short, everything is in a constant state of vibration, and the most elemental state of vibration is that of sound. Everything has an optimum range of vibration (frequency) and that rate is called resonance. When we are in resonance, we are in balance.

CT: Who can benefit from sound therapy?

DL: Sound therapy can activate the deepest healing responses, making it ideal for those looking to make long-term changes to negative thought patterns. Those who’ve previously struggled with traditional meditation will also appreciate the frequency’s ability to enact deep change without conscious effort.

CT: How does sound therapy differ from a sound bath?

DL: A sound bath is a type of meditation that uses sound healing via instruments such as crystal singing bowls, gongs or electronic tools. With no melodies or lyrics for the mind to attach to, sound and simple rhythms reduce brainwaves to an alpha or theta state (out of ‘thinking mind’), bringing people more in touch with their subconscious, where healing can happen. However, Soul Medicine combines the voice vibration of specific Sanskrit syllables at 432hz with instruments attuned to the same frequency, making it a more focused and efficient method of meditation.

CT: Any tips for first timers?

DL: Soul Medicine will be holding monthly Sunday Live Healing concerts in London, but you can see the same results at home. Just remember to use a pair of headphones. This is essential to block out background noise and guarantee the best possible results. It really is as simple as plugging in and pressing play.