Meghan Markle is a big fan of gong bathing, but what is this next big wellness holiday trend?
Duchess of Sussex has revealed her interest in the form of sound healing, where you relax while being ‘bathed’ in sound waves from gongs. How does it help and where can you try it out in luxury?
First of all, gong bathing has nothing to do with water, bubbles and tubs.
Dr Sam Kankanamge, the osteopath and founder of Sen Wellness Sanctuary in Sri Lanka, says: “A gong bath is a form of sound healing where participants lay down while wearing comfortable clothes, and they’re ‘bathed’ in vibrational sound waves to help relax the body.”
“The sound waves work to release tension, stress and energy blockages, and cleanse the subconscious mind.”
A gong bath is a form of sound healing where participants lay down while wearing comfortable clothes, and they’re ‘bathed’ in vibrational sound waves to help relax the body
Believed to hail from China, this ancient practice is quickly becoming a regular fixture at luxury holiday destinations around the world; after all, where better to experience its true benefits than when you are away from the bustle of everyday life?
Check out some of the best wellness retreats offering sound healing sessions fit for a princess (or prince!).
Sen Wellness Sanctuary, Sri Lanka
Prepare for a full-on Ayurvedic immersion at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, in Netolpitiya, where gong baths happen on the yoga shala overlooking the treetops of the south coast of Sri Lanka.
With the beach on one side, and a turtle nesting site on the other, start your session with stretching and pranayama (breathing exercises), before being bathed in reverberations as a gong is played by the sanctuary’s local Buddhist monk.
The sound waves [during gong bathing] work to release tension, stress and energy blockages, and cleanse the subconscious mind
Totally Zen, retreat to your stilted cabana for some serious self-reflection. Also on the schedule: dancing as if no one is watching and a cacao ceremony – a ritual of drinking pure chocolate.