How it works
Like sound frequencies, brain waves are measured in Hz, or cycles per second. There are five brain wave frequencies, each correlating to a specific state. In general, the slower the frequency of your brain waves, the more relaxed you feel.
During a sound bath, the multi-layered soundscape offers a range of frequencies (Hz) and through entrainment (more below) your brainwaves move between states. You will start in an awakened state but move to alpha, typically associated with stress reduction, relaxed focus and positive thinking. You might slow further into theta, which is where we enter a state of deep relaxation and inner peace (where you are just before you go to sleep).
It is also possible to reach delta; the brainwave state we’re in during deep sleep. This is the slowest brain wave state, connected to pain relief, anti-aging (through cortisol reduction) and rejuvenation.
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Gamma - heightened perception and problem solving - 30-100 Hz
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Delta - awake, alert, thinking - 12-30 Hz
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Alpha - stress reduction, relaxed focus and positive thinking - 8-12 Hz
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Theta - deep relaxation, inner peace, creativity, intuition, mental relaxation - 4-8 Hz
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Delta - deep sleep, pain relief, anti-aging, rejuvenation, slowest brainwave state - access to the unconscious - less than 4 Hz
It is common for people to fall asleep; we often hear people say they’ve seen colours, shapes or enjoyed other visual experiences.
Soundwaves / frequencies / Hz
Entrainment
Brainwave entrainment involves introducing a stimulus with a frequency that matches the desired brain waves, with the goal of synchronising the two. For example, if you want to relax, you might play audio with a frequency of 8 Hz to enter a low alpha state. Your body’s internal rhythms, including heart rate, breathing, and brainwave patterns, gradually sync up with a slow, steady external stimulus.
When the instruments produce low, sustained tones, your nervous system interprets the environment as safe and begins shifting from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) one. Heart rate drops, breathing deepens, and muscles release tension without any conscious effort on your part.
This is why practitioners typically uses several bowls at once, creating layered tones that overlap and interfere with each other. These interactions produce subtle pulsing patterns called “binaural beats” or “monaural beats,” which the brain perceives as a gentle rhythmic fluctuation. This pulsing is thought to encourage brainwave activity in the theta range (4 to 8 Hz), the same frequency band associated with deep relaxation, light sleep, and meditative states.
"Of great significance on the world of sound healing is the fact that the human body is a complex vibratory system...responding to all sorts of different frequencies."
Johnathan Goldman, 'The 7 Secrets of Sound Healing', Hay House 2008
Benefits
Nervous‑system regulation
Sound baths guide the body out of fight‑or‑flight and into a parasympathetic state. This shift supports reduced stress, improved sleep, and sets a calmer baseline for daily life and work.
Emotional release and reset
The resonance of the sound waves helps loosen stored tension and emotional residue. It can be quite emotional, people often describe feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded after a session – each experience is unique.
Mental clarity and focus
By quieting mental noise, sound baths create space for clarity, creativity, and renewed perspective - especially valuable in today’s world.
Deep rest and recovery
The immersive nature of sound encourages profound rest, supporting recovery from burnout, overwhelm, and chronic stress.
Connection and presence
anama sessions cultivate a sense of inner connection and collective stillness, strengthening resilience and emotional wellbeing for individuals and teams.
Accessible wellbeing
No experience is required. You are invited to lay (or sit) down, breathe, and receive - making it an inclusive, low‑barrier wellbeing practice for all.