What is a Gong?

Stunning Disk-Shaped Instruments, Handcrafted from metals such as Bronze Alloy

Gongs Range from 7" to a massive 92”, these instruments, often incorrectly referred to as gongs (though technically, I’m talking about Tam Tams) are members of the idiophone group. This means that when struck, they create sound through their own vibrations. A single strike generates a range of complex overtones. Pretty fascinating, right?

These beautiful instruments have been around for over 5,000 years, possibly even longer. While their exact origin is uncertain, it’s believed by some (myself included) that they may have originated in ancient Sumer, within the region of Mesopotamia, land that is now known as Iraq, Iran, and the Middle East.

Gongs, especially Tam Tams, are some of the most powerful tools used in sound therapy. They are not only heard by our ears but felt throughout the entire body.

Through a process called resonance, gongs bring us into a state of harmony by aligning our vibrations with theirs. It’s a simple concept: *like attracts like*. Many believe that gongs produce the primordial sound of the universe *Aum*, or the *Tone of Life*. When we align with the gong’s harmonious vibration, it’s said that we are returning to, and flowing with, the original sound of the universe.

Because of this deeply connected nature, gongs are often seen as sacred instruments, capable of opening portals to deeper levels of consciousness places that are often overshadowed by our modern lives filled with action, survival, and the constant drive to achieve.

Healthline describes sound baths as:

*"Waves of soothing, echoing sound from traditional wind and percussion instruments, also known as a ‘sound bath,’ may help with stress, fatigue, and depression symptoms. Since stress is associated with other conditions like diabetes and heart disease, engaging in sound baths might be a good preventive strategy to reduce the risk of chronic conditions, too. There have been studies that indicate a sound bath may improve your mood and release tension in your body, among other things.”*

People claim that sound sessions trigger a phenomenon called "sound healing," which has been a favored remedy in many cultures for thousands of years. A practitioner trained in sound therapy techniques uses one or several instruments to create soothing, overlapping vibrations. These vibrations lead you into a deeper state of contemplation or relaxation, switching off your body's fight-or-flight response.

I recently came across a study where participants had blood samples taken before and after a 20-minute gong session using a medium-sized gong. The results showed that the markers for inflammation were significantly reduced after the session.

There are many other studies available, and as gong practitioners, we hope more research continues to demonstrate what ancient cultures have known for millennia.

If you haven’t experienced this beautiful art before, consider joining one of the monthly group Gong Baths in Totnes from The Yoki Way

Group Gong Bath Totnes

Held on the 4th Friday of each month, Follaton Community Hall, Totnes, Devon.

Totnes..