Could Sound Therapy Improve Your Athletic Performance?
Sound therapy is a practice that uses music and sound to improve well-being. The treatment is gaining popularity in various fields, including sports. Listening to things like wind chimes, wave machines, or ocean sounds can help calm us down when we’re feeling really stressed. A study in 2016 showed that listening to calming sounds can make us feel less tense, angry, and tired. Another study in 2014 found that listening to soothing sounds can also help people feel less nervous and anxious after having surgery. Have you heard about YogaWithVikas?Sound therapy could be very much beneficial for the ones living in hustling and bustling cities like Mumbai where finding peace and calmness is as tough as finding water in the desert. Therefore Mr. Vikas Gaikwad, a well known Yoga Therapist and practitioner came up with the idea of inspiring and motivating the ones interested to practice sound healing and sound therapy. Getting to know about that, The Sportz Planet founder, Rishi Sutrave wasted no time in joining a blissful sound therapy session, attending a therapeutic workshop organized by Vikas Gaikwad at the Breathe Studio in Khar West, Mumbai. The session turned out to be a peaceful mind massage and a source of calmness. It gave Rishi and the ones who were alongside him practicing an opportunity to unwind, let go of stress and feel rejuvenated. Coming back to whether sound therapy really enhances athletic performance? Let’s try and find an answer to this riddle. What Exactly Is A Sound Healing Session?When asked to Mr. Vikas Gaikwad, he said “A sound healing session is an ancient wellness practice that combines different healing sounds, music, and sound healing instruments to promote relaxation, self-care, and overall well-being.A few of the instruments used in such sessions are as follows:ChimesGongsHimalayan singing bowlsCrystal singing bowls” What Exactly Is Sound Therapy? Sound therapy involves listening to specific sounds, such as music or rhythms, to evoke physical, mental, and emotional responses. These sounds can affect brainwave patterns, heart rate, and even hormone levels. For athletes, the potential benefits of sound therapy are intriguing. Impact On AthletesOne major way sound therapy could impact athletic performance is by influencing mood and mindset. The right music can pump up energy levels, boost motivation, and alleviate stress or anxiety before a game or workout. Just imagine listening to your favorite upbeat song before hitting the track or field – it could be the extra push you need to perform at your best. Moreover, certain types of music can synchronize with movement, helping athletes maintain a steady pace or rhythm. For example, listening to songs with a consistent beat might improve running cadence or help maintain proper form during weightlifting. This synchronization could lead to more efficient movement patterns and reduced risk of injury. Sound therapy may aid in enhancing focus and concentration, crucial elements for peak athletic performance. By blocking out distractions and creating a conducive environment for concentration, calming music or sounds could help athletes get “in the zone” and stay there during competition. Furthermore, sound therapy might facilitate recovery and relaxation post-exercise. Gentle music or natural sounds can promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and lower cortisol levels, which could speed up recovery time and improve overall well-being for athletes. Does Sound Therapy Work For Everyone?Despite these potential benefits, it’s essential to recognize that the effectiveness of sound therapy can vary from person to person. What works for one athlete might not work for another. Individual preferences, personality traits, and even cultural background can influence how someone responds to different types of sounds. Moreover, while music can be a powerful tool, it’s not a magic solution for athletic performance. Proper training, nutrition, rest, and mental preparation remain fundamental pillars of success in sports. Sound therapy should be viewed as a complementary tool rather than a standalone strategy. Sound therapy holds promise as a tool to enhance athletic performance. By influencing mood, mindset, focus, and relaxation, it could provide athletes with an extra edge in training and competition. However, its effectiveness depends on individual factors, and it should be integrated thoughtfully into a comprehensive training regimen. So, next time you hit the gym or step onto the field, consider tuning into some uplifting tunes – it might just help you reach new heights in your athletic endeavors. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
