Sound Healing 

Echoing across millennia, ambient music is the gentle pulse of human history, narrating the best of us with quiet strength. 

For almost 2500 years, Buddhist faithfuls have chanted as a form of ritual, meditation, and education. The bullfrog ‘Oms’ of the Himalayas may sound the loudest, but many traditions — from Nichiren’s worship of the Lotus Sutra to Pure Land vision — spread benevolence and prayer across the globe. Reciting mantras (a repetitive phrase) or scripture is transformative, calming the body and the autonomic nervous system. Art, music, and the virtues of silence are contested topics in the Buddhist world — though in many cultures, chanting is considered the most expedient vehicle for spiritual growth. Something as routine as ‘calling the bell’ in a formal meditation session — striking a singing bowl to guide meditation practice — soothes the body, easing tension and inviting concentration.

Hypnotic, the repetition of Hindustani ragas sinks beneath the skin. Simple yet emotive, the use of motif and meditation has profound effects, lending gravity to the wiry thrum of sitar and the urgent knocking of tablas. 

Rising from the mud of medieval Europe, the roots of Western musical notation were sketched out by monastics transcribing Gregorian chant — once an oral tradition. This soaring liturgy rang through monasteries and caressed ancient stones, unlocking faith and freedom.

An explosion of technology and artistic daring rocked the 20th Century, and the gilded road of new-age music was paved with stunning landmarks: 

A true pioneer, the hummingbird grace of Brian Eno — British composer, producer, and savant — earned him great reverence as the founder of modern ambient music. Calling on the French school of ‘musique concrete,’ Eno’s uncompromising work gestated in tape recordings and synthesizers — a floating, ethereal genre meant to ‘create a tranquil environment for listening.’ The restless minimalism of Steve Reich left the world divided and speechless, while collected works, such as Mother Earth’s Plantasia by Mort Garson — an album performed on a Moog synthesizer and composed for the benefit of houseplants — simmered in the background, pruning the culture. 

Along came new-age composers like Steven Halpern, weaving sonic tapestries in service of art, healing, and motherhood — resonating beyond race, creed or nationality. Drawing on Mort Garson’s precedent, Halpern even composed music meant to enhance cannabis use, sparking creativity and euphoria. 

Montreal’s artistic renaissance of the 1990s witnessed the celestial march of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, A Silver-Mount Zion, and Set Fire to Flames. These groundbreaking ensembles rose to the gates of heaven, buoyed by their yearning, impassioned brand of ‘orchestral rock.’

It’s total heresy, but even heavy music found inspiration in the smoke and mirrors of ambiance. Titans like sunn O))), Earth, and OM emerged with an earthquake roar of bone-shaking ecstasy. 

Take all-star producer and synth wizard, Mike Dean, whose golden touch has bolstered chart-topping hits of 2Pac, Beyonce, and The Weeknd — bringing understated charisma to the chaotic pop canvas.  

Ambient music is the tender white noise sparkling on the surface of our existence.

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A silhouette of our coastal cadence, sound healing has taken root, flowering into a sacred and beautiful industry across Maine. Hosted in the lullaby dark of weekends and sleepy nights, sound baths have swept across our state, stealing the hearts of energy healers and yoga instructors. Venues, from Leaping Waters to the Portland Yoga Project, EnergyMend to Biddeford’s premier crystal shop, Flourish — host these harmonious events… 

Speaking of baths, the Washington Baths feature ambient music, where melody drifts through sweat and steam, absorbed through yawning pores.

Veteran sound healer and reiki practitioner, Rachel Rivera, reflects that she was “called to use [my] voice to heal, from as early as middle school! I found myself singing and connecting with a universal energy.

With my opera background, I’m able to use my voice and various instruments in a harmonious way, gently guiding attendees through their healing journeys.” 

Backed by a harem of crystal bowls, all tuned to resonate with one of seven chakras — Rachel leads with her voice, facilitating group and private sessions, augmenting her reiki practice, and even teaching others how to connect with their innate healing muse. 

Earning attention from Down East and boasting collaborations with hip-hop’s hottest young stars, Westbrook producer J-Wizdum is a jewel of the scene. Known for his gritty, jawbreaking beats, the 26-year-old wandered into new territory on Daze, his 2024 ambient album. Taking a risk, J traded click-lock snares and the perfect bass tone for codeine daydreams and spiraling synths.

“What drew me to ambient music?

I’d say it started with just wanting to create different sounds. I’d been in a routine of making instrumentals for artists and wanted to branch out with the use of synths and layering.

I was very inspired by Grouper, a producer by the name of Telepath, and Hans Zimmer’s movie scores. Film scores got me more into that range of sound as well.” 

Beyond musicians, alternative and holistic therapists utilize sound healing, reaching beyond the normal array of traditional practices. 

“I believe that we are all primarily vibrational and that our physical bodies are a small part of who we are,” ponders Dr. Karen Roberts — one of Maine’s premier DOs, specializing in Cranial Osteopathy. Schooled in yoga, meditation, and energy work — she operates across planes of healing, augmenting her practice through unique modalities (like sound healing). While not all patients ‘resonate’ with such a forward-thinking method, many do — inspiring Dr. Roberts to explore sound healing as a viable trajectory for her osteopathic practice. 

“It is my goal to help people achieve their optimal vibrational existence and well-being in body, mind, and spirit,” she propounds. “Ultimately, in my office, healing happens via my hands and my heart.”