The concept of the 3 R’s is interchangeable, and sound healing circles might use different variations.
The purpose of this theoretical approach is to identify key mechanisms of the practice in a simple and accessible way.
A common combination is:
- Resonance – One vibrating system influencing another vibrating system.
- Rhythm – Repetitive patterns which regulate physiological processes such as breathing, heart rate, and brainwaves.
- Relaxation – The response that results from sound meditation, singing bowls, gongs, chanting, or music.
I have included references to the above in the footnotes from some original studies, not just from the perspective of sound healing.
My sound teacher taught me another version, one which to me feels more deeply rooted in the ancient teachings of Tibet and Nepal. I will explain…
Sound Healing as Cellular Healing
Sound healing is healing at a cellular level.
It enables us to listen to our bodies at their deepest layer, which is where our emotional experiences come from. Here, we are using our bodies, not our brains, to root out stuck emotions and bring them into our awareness.
When thinking about these principles, the 3 R’s could be:
1. Relaxation
Through sound meditation, we can enter a deep state of relaxation and calm, which can allow us to access the deeper layers within our body.
We can now become aware, bringing our emotions into a conscious state, as we may not have been aware of them before.
2. Release
Now we need to integrate this emotion into our consciousness so we are able to release it.
This is about reliving the emotion and feeling into it so that it can be released.
That can take many forms. Our bodies may react physically through tingling sensations, crying, smiling, or other responses.
3. Rewiring
This is the beginning of healing.
Rewiring can come in many forms, such as:
- Forgiveness
- A change in patterns or behaviours
- Having certain conversations
- Self-reflection
These steps are just the beginning of the healing journey, allowing the feeling of your emotions to become integral to moving forward in life.
I hope these ideas have left you feeling creative.
If you created your own 3 R’s that mean something personal to you, what would they be?
References
- Hermann von Helmholtz, On the Sensations of Tone (1863)
- W. Gray Walter (1953), studies showing rhythmic stimulation can synchronize brain activity
- Tamara Goldsby et al., “Sound Healing: Mood, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-Being Interrelationships” (2022)
- Herbert Benson, The Relaxation Response (1975)