Gongs for Sound Therapy
Posted by Michael Kopel on Tue, Jul 06, 2010
There are plenty of instruments for sound therapy but one of the best and often overlooked instruments is the gong. Steeped in history, the gong is used for ceremonies, initiations, celebrations and for healing.
Gong masters such as Don Contreaux point out that the gong helps to remove anger and negative feelings by cultivating the feeling of compassion, especially towards yourself. The tension created in the body by anger is released and as you know, the result is better health.
There is no wrong way to play a gong and its nature allows you to
play it as many different instruments. Playing on the edge of the gong will create a different sound than playing in the middle. You can also create unique effects by using different types of mallets.
Gongs come in many different sizes. The larger the gong, the deeper or lower the tone. Paiste makes several different types of gongs, the most popular being the Symphonic Gong and the Planet Gong. The main difference is that Planet Gong is more precisely tuned (to the planets) whereas the Symphonic Gong has stronger overtones.
Gong Yoga
"The gong is a sacred threshold. It is the portal that links the finite and the infinite experience of the Self. As such, the gong is the most sublime instrument of the Yogi. It is a cauldron in which you can create alchemical blends of qualities that open and develop the Inner Self." - Gurucharan Singh Khalsa
Many yoga instructors will use the gong with the yogic practices of asana, pranayama, mantras and meditation to work with kundalini energy. A few years ago Mehtab Benton published his book, Gong Yoga: Healing and Enlightenment Through Sound where he tells how the gong is used effectively in Kundalini Yoga and Nada Yoga.
The gong is a terrific instrument for sound healing. Contrary to what some believe, it does not take a lot of room. Small footprint floor stands are available as are gong stands which hold 2 gongs, one above the other.
For more information on gongs, visit our gong store or email us with your questions.