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Part 1 Sound Therapy - Restoring Your Authentic Energy


Written by Ellen Masters Postel

Photography by Marie-Josée Bédard


Curious about sound therapy and what it’s all about? Dounia Marei, Integrative Wellness Therapist shares her expertise and insights…  


Having previously worked in the corporate world, in 2020, Dounia retired from corporate life and dedicated herself full-time to her practice as Alternative & Holistic Service provider. Today, she facilitates weekly sound therapy sessions and organizes workshops regularly, at Sequences Wellness Centre.  By collaborating with multiple bodies, she creates wider awareness and facilitates easier access to those in need. 


What exactly is sound therapy?

The practice of sound therapy involves receiving through listening to, or physically by being exposed to the frequencies transmitted the vibrations of a large variety of instruments. It aims to bring back balance of body, mind and heart; which in holistic therapy is called homeostasis.

Some of the instruments used in sound healing practices include drums, gongs, tuning forks (weighted and non-weighted), rain stick, crystal and quartz bowls, Tibetan bowls, hand pan, and crystal chalices – Dounia’s favorite. Chants or regulating one's own voice is also common and can be used to facilitate self-expression with confidence and love.


What might one expect in a sound therapy session?

Dounia dedicates a few minutes at the beginning of each session to engage the senses and allow oneself to simply be in the moment. She starts with establishing presence and connection with the body by asking some reflective questions such as How are you feeling generally? How does your body feel? (any cramps, twitching? irritations?)  Mentally, what is going on? (thoughts, memories) She noted, it is important to observe without interference or judgement. Taking time to initiate yourself in the session helps optimize the effect and create the needed balance - emotionally, psychologically and energetically.

The general aim of the practice is to help bring the body back to its homeostasis state or “factory setting”, an analogy used by Dounia. It is preferable to close your eyes to signal to your body that you are safe and to engage your senses. As that could be challenging for some people – especially at the beginning – it is not a must. There are no rules - just to be in the here and now through guided exercises of body movements and breathwork, explained Dounia.



As one might expect, each individual can anticipate a completely different experience. For example, some may fall asleep while some others will become very alert. It may be easy for some to relax and feel the transformation whereas it may take a few sessions for others to notice anything at all. Regardless of whether it’s your first or fifth time, Dounia recommends bringing an open heart and mind to the sessions. 


Sound resonance may show up in a number of ways. The following are examples of what you may experience; however, it is never a condition or limited to it.  You may feel relaxation or tension in muscles and joints or digestive tract, drowsiness and/or sleep, some thoughts and memories may flash up triggering emotions like anxiety, sadness, anger, fear…etc, All of that is expressed through physical reactions that may include but never limited to: coughing, change of blood pressure, tears, sneezing, needing to use the restroom, burping, sweating, change of body temperature. The physical resonance opens the gate to the wisdom of your body.  As the session facilitates openness and connection with yourself, some vulnerabilities may be exposed, and Dounia encourages embracing it all and allowing the transformation. “Let go, shed off what doesn’t belong to you; restore your authentic energy. Expect everything, anything, or nothing. Regardless of what comes up, honor it and explore it”, urged Dounia.


During the practice, brainwaves oscillate from beta (active intelligence 13-30Hz), alpha (mental resourcefulness and relaxation 8-12Hz), theta (dream-like awareness 3.5-7.5Hz). Some people may fall asleep during the session shifting to delta (deeply relaxed restorative state 0.1-3.5Hz). All these states have an overall effect on the person attending the Sound Therapy Session. Reactions to such effects vary from one person to another and that is perfectly normal and expected. Hence, it is crucial that the therapist must be seasoned and qualified to hold the safe space for the attendees.  



One of the things Dounia finds most fascinating and rewarding about the practice is matching the flow with tunes and seeing how the body responds to vibrations received and felt through air, water, and solids. “The shifts that take place during sessions are remarkable,” Dounia shared. 



Sequences


Burj Marina Tower, 6th Floor Lusail City,

Doha, State of Qatar


Contact

Call/WhatsApp +974 5111 7700

Call +974 4142 1881

Dounia Marei's instagram





Ellen Masters Postel

​Ellen is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach supporting individuals reach and even exceed their personal goals.

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© 2022 Marie-Josée Bédard

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