Part 1: Waking Up to Sound Healing

By Devi Mambouka, Sound Therapist 

 

I remember waking up one day with the term “sound healing” ringing in my mind—just that feeling you get after a memorable dream that lingers.

I couldn’t shake it, so I did what any sensible person would do when they want to learn more: I Googled it. The description matched exactly what I was looking for. A few weeks earlier, I had been experiencing changes and pondering the big life questions, such as, “What am I really doing with my life?” And sound healing was exactly what I could see myself doing for the next chapter. 

Immediately, I began looking for training programs to pursue.

I wanted something that would delve deep into the subject. Back then, in 2016/2017, there were not many options, but I found two programs offering degrees: one in London and the other in San Francisco. The San Francisco program was hosting an open house the following weekend, so without hesitation, I flew in. 

As soon as I arrived at the school, I felt a sense of familiarity, as if I had been there before.

While I was waiting for the open house to begin, a staff member at the front desk asked if I wanted to try out the sound healing lounges. “Of course,” I said. The moment the music started, I fell into a deep meditation and recalled a traumatic experience I had stored in my body since childhood. I immediately released it with deep relief and with the tears washing away the pain. When the sound healing was done, I remember feeling in awe of the experience and how this healing method needs to be shared with more people!

Afterward, we were greeted by the school director, who shared information about the programs they offered. Suddenly, he mentioned that he didn’t do much marketing but that people from all over the world came to study there, jokingly adding that he had “marketing angels.” Right then, I felt it was a sign.

I spent the next four years learning all aspects of sound healing, recording sound healing music, and more. Now, almost nine years into my practice, I’ve noticed something was missing in my training: the art of sound bath. 

While what we called “sound meditation” in my school has now been rebranded as “sound bath,” the terms “sound healing” and “sound therapy” have been used interchangeably, and there is much confusion. To clarify, there is no difference between sound healing and a sound bath; however, sound healing is exclusively used in one-on-one sessions, whereas sound baths are typically conducted for a group of people.

Many sound therapy training programs, including mine, focus primarily on one-on-one sound healing techniques, often neglecting the proper techniques for playing sound instruments and how to hold space for a group. This gap made me realize that, with my background as a degreed sound therapist and musician, I could create a framework to help others who want to embark on the journey of leading sound baths. 

I could share real-life examples and the many years it took for me to  develop a unique style of sound bath that supports and fosters community. And also share everything I had learned during my degree program and beyond. This way, students wouldn’t just learn how to play the instruments; they would also gain the skills to hold safe space for a group. 

One day, while talking to a friend, they asked if I would consider teaching a sound bath training.

They mentioned that the sound training they had taken felt overwhelming, and they still didn’t feel confident leading a sound bath. This was my final sign. As a result, I was inspired to create a training program that addresses these concerns by providing a clear path: starting with the art of leading sound baths, then moving into how to conduct one-on-one sessions, and ultimately progressing to the master practitioner level.

A Note from 5 Koshas:

5 Koshas is offering a workshop for teachers and healthcare providers on the art of sound bath  in June. This in-studio event is a 3-day intensive sound bath practitioner training with Devi Mambouka.

To learn more or register for this workshop, visit https://www.5koshasyoga.com/special-events/in-studio-event-3-day-intensive-sound-bath-practitioner-training-with-devi-mambouka/