At first, I was fully prepared to show up to Maison Movement—the two-level yoga, Pilates, and strength training studio in Toronto—for their second-ever sound bath session in a bathing suit. Thankfully, I checked the dress code beforehand. Turns out, a sound bath is a completely dry experience—the “bath” is purely metaphorical, referring to being immersed in sound rather than, you know, water.
Now that I’ve saved you from an outfit mishap you’d never live down in a studio full of people in athleisure, let’s talk about what a sound bath actually is, its benefits—and what the experience is really like! If you’re curious to try one yourself, the next sound bath at Maison Movement is happening on March 27.
The Sound Bath Experience
For a studio that champions the philosophy that “Your body is your home”—as reflected in the name Maison (French for “home”)—it’s only fitting that they offer restorative, meditative sessions like sound baths. Their approach emphasizes treating the body with care—nurturing it as the centre of strength, balance, and mobility, all essential for vitality and longevity.
Sound baths align perfectly with this mission, offering numerous benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep, enhancing focus, and supporting emotional well-being—areas often overlooked in traditional studios that prioritize physical strength over internal wellness. By using soothing sounds and vibrations, these sessions promote deep relaxation and mindfulness, making them a natural fit for Maison Movement’s holistic approach to wellness.
A brand-new offering, the 75-minute experience takes place on the first floor of the studio, a space otherwise reserved for yoga and strength training. We’re instructed to lie down on our mats in whatever position feels most comfortable, pull blankets over ourselves, and cover our eyes. With the lights turned off and only the soft glow of candlelight remaining, the studio fades away as the sounds wash over us completely. (Hey, look at that—another semantic play on the word bath!)
What are the Benefits of a Sound Bath?
Sound baths use therapeutic sound waves from instruments like crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, tuning forks, and ocean drums or shakers. Each instrument plays a role in stimulating brain waves, guiding the listener through different layers of relaxation, emotional processing, and energetic alignment. When combined, they create a full-body sensory experience that promotes deep healing, overall well-being—and, apparently, the best sleep of your life.
Sound bath instruments use specific frequencies that interact with the body’s natural energy, shifting the brain from active beta waves (normal waking state) to alpha and theta waves (associated with deep meditation and healing). These sound waves travel efficiently through water, and since the human body is largely composed of it, vibrations from sound bath instruments can indeed be felt at a cellular level, creating a gentle massage effect.
Research in vibroacoustic therapy suggests that sound frequencies can affect the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Some studies also indicate that low-frequency vibrations (such as those produced by gongs and singing bowls) may help with pain relief, improved circulation, and reduced muscle tension, further supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
The Natural Roots of Sound Healing
The origins and growing popularity of sound baths can be traced to our natural affinity for nature and deep connection to its sounds—birdsong, rustling leaves, flowing water, and wind through trees. These natural soundscapes have long signaled safety, harmony, and balance, helping to regulate stress and emotions. Research shows that listening to birdsong and nature sounds can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and induce relaxation, much like modern sound baths.
Book Your Sound Bath at Maison Movement Today
The next 75-minute sound bath sessions at Maison Movement will take place at 7 PM on Thursday, March 27, and Thursday, May 29. The cost is $55 + HST, and it’s open to everyone—no membership required! —Christina Armanious
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