Sound Healing Myths Busted: What’s Real and What’s Not

Sound healing and sound baths are capturing attention worldwide. With more people curious to try them, it’s natural that questions, misconceptions, and mixed messages have started to swirl. Some see them as deeply spiritual, others purely relaxing, and some are unsure what to expect at all.

To help separate fact from fiction, here are some of the most common myths about sound healing and the truths behind them.

Myth 1: “You need to know how to meditate to enjoy it.”

Truth: You don’t need any meditation skills at all. One of the beautiful things about a sound bath is that it does the work for you. The vibrations and frequencies help slow down your brainwaves naturally, guiding you into a calmer state without effort. People often drift into different degrees of meditative states, but even if you feel unable to quiet your mind, you’ll still receive the benefits, leaving you more relaxed and lighter. If your mind wanders, that’s fine, the sound holds the space.

Myth 2: “Sound healing is for spiritual people.”

Truth: Sound has a measurable impact on the body and nervous system. Vibrations can influence heart rate, breathing, and even nitric oxide release in the body, which supports relaxation and circulation. While many people have spiritual experiences in sound baths, you don’t have to believe in anything mystical to feel the benefits. If you’d like to explore this further and see why sound healing isn’t necessarily a spiritual practice, take a look at our Is Sound Healing Only for Spiritual People? post.

Myth 3: “All sound baths are the same.”

Truth: Just like no two yoga classes or therapists are identical. The instruments used, the intention, the energy in the room, the venue, the way you show up, and the style of guidance - all create a unique experience that changes from one session to the next one. The personality and presence of the facilitator play a big role too.

If you’ve ever had what felt like a disappointing sound bath, it may have been due to overuse of certain instruments, the facilitator not spending enough time easing you in, high expectations, or simply being in physical discomfort during the session. Rather than giving up on the practice, consider trying again with a different facilitator or setting. The experience can vary greatly, and you might discover something completely different next time.

Myth 4: “It involves water”

This is NOT a sound bath ;)

Truth: Despite the name, most sound baths don’t involve water at all. The “bath” refers to being immersed in waves of sound, as though you’re bathing in vibration. Yes, some practitioners run sessions in pools or the ocean, but traditionally, the only thing washing over you is sound.

Myth 5: “You need to believe in it for it to work.”

Truth: Sound affects the body whether or not you believe in it. Just as music can calm you or energise you without effort, the frequencies in a sound bath interact with your nervous system naturally. An open mind helps, but belief isn’t required.

Myth 6: “Sound healing cures all illnesses.”

Truth: From my own experience and from what clients often share, sound healing can be profoundly supportive for both emotional and physical wellbeing. It can facilitate healing by calming the nervous system, easing stress, supporting emotional release, and creating the right internal conditions for the body’s natural healing processes to take place. Research backs this up too, showing benefits like stress reduction, improved sleep, and greater emotional balance. It’s not a replacement for medical care, but it can work beautifully alongside it, complementing other forms of treatment and self-care. You can learn more about the physical and emotional benefits of sound healing in this post.

Myth 7: “It’s just lying down doing nothing.”

Truth: While you are lying down and relaxing, a lot is happening internally. Your brainwaves shift, your body releases tension, and many people notice improved mood, energy, or clarity afterwards. It might look like “just resting,” but the nervous system is busy recalibrating.

Myth 8: “It’s not for everyone.”

Truth: Sound baths are accessible to almost anyone. You don’t need experience, special equipment, musical skills, or a particular belief system. Whether you’re stressed, curious, or simply want to relax in a new way, you’re welcome.

Myth 9: “Sound baths are only group activities.”

Truth: While many people first encounter sound baths in group settings, they are often even more powerful in one-on-one setey.com.au/tings. Private sessions allow the facilitator to go much deeper, tailoring the experience to your specific needs, working directly with you, and even incorporating on-body techniques with instruments.

Group sound baths are usually cheaper and create a shared energy that can feel uplifting in a different way.

Private sessions, on the other hand, provide a uniquely personalised depth. Both formats have value, and you can choose whichever resonates most with you.

Final Note

Sound healing is simple yet powerful, and often misunderstood. It can support deep relaxation, emotional release, and create conditions where the body’s natural healing processes are encouraged.

By clearing up these myths, I hope you feel more comfortable exploring it for yourself. If you still have any questions, feel free to comment or send me an email.,

If you’d like to experience a sound bath, check out our upcoming sound bath events in Sydney. Come as you are, settle in, and allow the sound to support you in the way you most need.