Sound healing in different cultures – an ancient practice

Sound healing is not a modern invention – sounds have been used for thousands of years around the world for healing, meditation and spiritual connection. Here is a deeper look at some traditions:

Indigenous cultures and shamanic drumming

• Siberian shamans used drums to enter trance states and communicate with the spirit world.

• Native American tribes regarded the drum as the ‘heartbeat of the earth’ – its rhythmic pulse helped to synchronise body, mind and community.

• Sámi shamans (Noaidi) in Europe have used drums for shamanic healing and divination since the 17th century.

Ayurveda (Indian healing art)

• Ayurveda has been using sound and music as a healing remedy for over 5,000 years. Methods such as Nada Yoga (deep relaxation through sound) and mantra chanting aim to harmonise doshas and promote physiological states of rest.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

• In TCM, sounds correspond to the five elements (Wu Xing), and depending on the element/sound, they influence specific organs and meridians – e.g. clear tones for the liver or rhythmic sounds to strengthen the flow of qi.

Conclusion: A universal healing method

These examples show that sound healing is deeply rooted in global cultural history – from shamanic drumming to Ayurveda and TCM. Sounds have always served as tools for healing, balance, spiritual connection and community.