If you’re new to Gong Baths, you might be wondering what to expect. And why it’s even called a “bath” when there’s no water and certainly no need to remove clothes!

The reason is simple: when you’re in a room with the gongs, their vibrations wash over you. You become immersed in sound, ‘bathed’ in resonance that re-tunes us on every level - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual - helping to restore balance and harmony.

During a session, you simply lie down on a mat or sit in a chair if you’d prefer, wrap yourself in a blanket, rest your head on a pillow, close your eyes, and relax. The gong is sometimes described as “the greatest guru of all musical tone producers.” It is a powerful instrument for sound healing, sending vibrations through the whole body and guiding the mind into a deeply meditative state. Many people describe a sense of expanded awareness and wholeness.

Every Gong Bath is unique. You may have a very different experience from others around you and even from one session to the next. For some, it can take a few sessions before the body fully surrenders to the depth of relaxation they are seeking. I remember my first Gong Bath left me feeling unsettled rather than soothed. If that happens for you, please don’t be discouraged and perhaps try again. It is likely to be different from anything else you have tried before, and can take time to get used to. Once your body and mind learns what to expect, the relaxation can feel profound, and the benefits ripple out well beyond the session.

Once everyone is settled in the room, the gongs and occasionally other therapeutic instruments are played. Some participants become so relaxed that they fall asleep, and the body uses this time to re-balance, restore and nurture itself. However, by keeping your eyes closed and not falling asleep, you can often have a far richer experience. Most people come in and out of consciousness and notice their physical, mental, and emotional responses during the experience. You may feel that you travel with the sounds, you may see images in your mind, perhaps even colours or hear other sounds. Most importantly your only requirement is to be present and allow the gongs to do the work. There is no right or wrong way to "do" a gong bath, just simply be. However it unfolds, the gongs will offer what you most need in that moment. Most people leave feeling lighter, clearer, calmer, and re-energised.

Occasionally, strong emotions or memories may surface. If at any point you experience something that feels difficult or triggering, please know you’re not alone. As a qualified psychotherapist, I can support you, and if you wish, we can gently explore this together in individual therapy.

A Gong Bath is quality “you time”. An opportunity to de-stress, restore, and reconnect with yourself.

Think of it as a reset button: a nourishing gift for your mind, body, and soul

Potential Benefits of a Gong Bath

Sound therapy is a gentle yet powerful experience. Research and personal accounts suggest it can support overall health and wellbeing in many ways, including:

• Quietening the mind

• Reducing anxiety and stress

• Creating deep relaxation

• Supporting the nervous system to regenerate and restore

• Lowering blood pressure

• Improving sleep quality

• Easing physical pain and tension

• Encouraging the flow of vital energy, enhancing creativity, intuition, and motivation

• Bringing stability and balance to emotions

• Improving memory and mental clarity

• Strengthening the immune system

• Supporting freedom from unhelpful habits and behaviours

• Promoting energetic balance (aura cleansing, chakra alignment)

Group Gong Baths and FAQs

"Let the sound go right through you, as though you weren't there at all."

Gong Bath FAQs

When and Where can I attend a Gong Bath?

For upcoming dates and locations, please see the Events and Booking page

Do I need any special clothing for a gong bath?

No special clothing is required. Wear whatever you are most comfortable lying or sitting down in for an hour. Think comfort and warmth. Layers can be useful as the body relaxes and drops in temperature.

Do I need any special equipment for a gong bath?

You don’t need specialist equipment, but bringing the right items will help you feel comfortable:

• If lying on the floor: Bring a yoga mat, camping mat, or even an airbed. You’ll be on the floor for an hour, so comfort is important.

• If sitting: Chairs are provided, but you’re welcome to bring a camping chair, recliner, or sun lounger if you’d like more support and comfort.

• For comfort: A blanket or sleeping bag, a cushion or pillow (for your head, knees, or back). If you live with back pain, you may prefer lying on your side with cushions for support.

• Other helpful items: A bottle of water to drink afterwards (hydration is important over the next 48 hours as your body processes the experience), and an eye mask if you’d like to block out light.

How long does a Gong Bath last?

Most community Gong Baths last around one hour. This includes settling in, the main sound session, and a gentle closing period to return to awareness.

Can I eat or drink beforehand?

It’s best to eat lightly beforehand and avoid alcohol, as heavy meals or alcohol can make it harder to fully relax. Hydration is important, so bring a water bottle for after the session.

Are children allowed?

Community Gong Baths are open to those aged 14 and above. For younger people, look out for family-friendly sessions where the gongs are played more gently and for a shorter time.

Do I sit in a bath?

No water is involved. You are “bathed” in sound waves and vibrations.

Is the gong bath suitable for everyone?

Taking part in gong baths is generally considered safe for most people, regardless of age or fitness level. However, considerations should be taken for the following people:

• Mental health conditions

  People with mental health conditions, such as paranoid schizophrenia, severe personality disorder, or psychosis, should not participate in gong baths. If you have PTSD or trauma that may need to be considered, please also make contact so that we can discuss any further support needed.

• Pregnancy

  Individuals who are pregnant in the first trimester should not participate in gong baths. Caution should also be taken during other trimesters as studies have not been undertaken on pregnant women. If you are pregnant and want to participate, please talk with a healthcare professional to make sure they’re a safe option for you and then let me know of any considerations that need to be followed.

• Epilepsy or seizures

  People with epilepsy or a history of seizures should not participate in gong baths.

• Hearing impairments

  People with hearing impairments may still be able to participate in a gong bath, but the experience may not always be comfortable. Caution should be taken with tinnitus. However, by sitting further away from the Gongs and wearing ear plugs, the vibrations may still be felt and the experience enjoyed.

• Sensitivity to sound

  People who are sensitive to sound including individuals with Ménière’s disease may experience discomfort or agitation during a gong bath. Caution is advised. Please talk with a healthcare professional to make sure attending is a safe option for you and then let me know of any considerations that need to be followed.

• Metal implants

  Caution should be taken by people with metal devices in their body, such as a pacemaker, coronary shunt, artificial heart valves, or metal pins or staples as discomfort may be experienced. It is recommended that it be a minimum of 12 weeks post surgery and that if you are concerned or are unsure whether you should attend that medical advice be sought. During a group Gong session, the vibrations are not directed at specific body locations and so the impact will be indirect, however discomfort could still be experienced. It is recommended to sit further away from the Gongs initially.

Ultimately, individuals should listen to their bodies and consult with their healthcare provider if they have any concerns or underlying health condition before participating in a Gong bath.

Do I need experience of meditation?

Not at all. This is the beauty of a Gong Bath: the sounds themselves help your mind and body to relax. Even if meditation has felt difficult in the past, you may find yourself drifting naturally into a deeply restful state.

Can I book a private session?

Yes! I offer private and bespoke Gong Baths, for individuals, small groups, or corporate sessions. Private sessions can be tailored to your needs and intentions. Please get in touch to discuss options.