Jo Paloma Gong Bath

Sound healing is a form of vibrational medicine that helps balance all aspects of your being- physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. When you are out of balance- that is when you can feel stressed, anxious or unwell.

What sound therapy does is restore the natural flow of vibrations through the conscious application of certain sound frequencies. For instance, using gong sounds, the vibrations can bring an individual back to a state of complete harmony. The sounds will relax, balance and calm you, bringing your chakras and your energy fields and even your cells back into balance. Did you know that our cells have little antennae on them, and they therefore react to sound? In short, Sound Healing is about bringing us back in tune.

What will happen at a Gong Bath:

Participants will be guided into relaxation by Jo. The session will start with Himalayan Singing Bowls assisting you to further relax then followed by the main attraction - the Gongs. Jo uses 3, or sometimes 4, Gongs allowing the sounds to carry you where you need to go. Instruments like shakers and chimes will be used to help ground you before the Shunyata - a time of silence to allow space for healing. The time will finish with Jo talking you back and closing the session.

Gong baths are different from a music concert, in that you're not there to listen and react to the music. You don't think about the sounds; rather, you allow the sounds to enter your deeper self and send you into a meditative state.

Everyone is accepted for who they are but please do be respectful to other participants e.g. by making sure your mobile phone is turned off. If you need to leave the room at all during the sound bath e.g. to use the toilet then please do so as quietly as possible. It is understood that some people may fall asleep, and snoring is nothing to be embarrassed about! You may also find that some emotions are released during the session, and if you feel the need to laugh or cry then there is no judgement. I will continue with the gong bath and come and check how you are at the end of the session.

Is it suitable for children?

The gong bath can be suitable for a teenager of high school age and above, if they are able to lie very still and be quiet for an hour and aren’t oversensitive to sound, and they are accompanied by an adult.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to provide whatever you need to relax comfortably for an hour. Most people bring a yoga mat, blanket and pillow and lie on the floor. If you don't think you can comfortably do that, then if you have a garden recliner chair that works well. It needs to be something you are supported in - sitting in a normal chair is not recommended as you need to be able to relax completely and be safe and supported if you were to fall asleep. The room is quite light so something to cover your eyes can also enhance the experience.

Is it okay for everyone to have a Gong Bath?

Please do let me know if any of the following apply:

• You are pregnant.
• You have a pacemaker, metal implant, osteoporosis or a recent fracture or surgery.
• You have epilepsy which is affected by sound, or a psychotic mental health disorder where you experience a loss of a sense of reality e.g. schizophrenia.

What is special about Jo’s Gong Baths:

Jo has trained in Reiki with the Gaia School of Natural Health to the level of Reiki Master Practitioner. Her Reiki practise has been enhanced with further study through Gaia in drums, tuning forks, crystals and aroma.

She is a qualified Gong and Singing Bowl Practitioner having studied with the College of Sound Healing for 12 months for the gongs and a further 6 months for the singing bowls. She is now a full member of the College of Sound Healing and is fully insured.

Before her Sound and Energy work, Jo worked as an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years and sees her current work as a continuation of her desire to help people heal and achieve their highest potential.

Her Sound Baths will focus on the Gongs. She will use the resonance of these instruments to help your body shift from a state of stress and tension towards a state of calm, creating a space where it can repair and heal.