SOUND THERAPY’S GROWING RESONANCE IN AFRICA.

Sound healing has come a long way in addressing the challenges of modern life, offering solace to those grappling with stress, anxiety, and emotional disconnection. Narissa’s work stands as a testament to its transformative potential, not just for individuals but for communities across Africa. For her, it is more than a stress relief tool—it is a path to self-discovery and healing.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, stemming from various factors such as life changes, traumatic events, everyday tasks, relationships, or financial challenges. It manifests physically and emotionally, especially when paired with inadequate sleep or overwhelming responsibilities. However, when stress becomes chronic or unavoidable, it can take a severe toll on both physical and mental health, necessitating effective coping mechanisms.

Sound healing therapy, also known as sound therapy, is a wellness practice gaining popularity for its ability to alleviate stress and promote holistic well-being. By using sound waves generated through instruments like singing bowls, chimes, and gongs, sound therapy fosters emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. These soothing vibrations trigger the body’s relaxation response, countering the damaging effects of chronic stress. The therapy recalibrates the brain, helping it better manage stress and restoring vitality through high-frequency sounds.

One of the leading advocates of this practice is Narissa Allibhai, the Founder of Sound Healing Africa—a community of practitioners, musicians, and sound healing enthusiasts across the continent. With over seven years of experience, Narissa is a general holistic wellness practitioner dedicated to introducing more people to the transformative power of sound healing.

A Personal Journey to Healing

As a child, Narissa always felt deeply connected to nature. She was drawn to the rhythmic sounds of ocean waves, the whistling wind, and the melodic chirping of birds—natural harmonies she credits as the foundation of her interest in sound healing. However, it was a personal tragedy that catalyzed her journey into this practice.

In November 2017, Narissa lost her childhood best friend to cancer. Seeking solace, she traveled to Thailand shortly after the loss, where she explored various healing modalities. It was there that she attended her first live sound bath, an experience that changed her life.

Inspired by this transformative encounter, She immersed herself in learning the art of sound healing. Narissa found a mentor in Nepal, whose expertise in the historical and practical aspects of Tibetan singing bowls became a cornerstone of her practice.

The Science Behind Sound Healing

A typical sound healing session involves participants lying down in a comfortable space, closing their eyes, and immersing themselves in sounds produced by instruments like chimes, gongs, and singing bowls. Tibetan bowls, also known as Himalayan singing bowls, are particularly significant. Handcrafted with a blend of seven metals, each representing a celestial body, these bowls produce harmonic overtones that resonate with the body’s energy centers, or chakras. Their vibrations are believed to promote relaxation, energy flow, and a sense of balance.

Narissa explains how the bowls’ vibrations work on multiple levels: “You can place the bowls on the body, allowing the vibrations to penetrate the skin, shake up the cells, and release built-up tension. Alternatively, they work off the body, creating an aura of therapeutic sound. No other instrument has been scientifically proven to have similar effects.”

The soothing tones from these bowls recalibrate the brain, engaging its relaxation response and reducing cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. Studies have shown that sound therapy can help treat conditions like anxiety, high blood pressure, depression, and even sleep disorders, making it a holistic approach to wellness.

The Roots of Sound Healing in Africa

While Tibetan bowls are central to Narissa’s practice, she emphasizes that sound healing isn’t foreign to Africa. “Drumming, chanting, and singing are forms of African sound healing,” she explains. “These practices have been integral to our cultures for centuries, used in rituals and ceremonies to foster connection and healing.”

At Sound Healing Africa, Narissa and her team strive to highlight these traditional practices while incorporating global sound healing techniques. Their mission is to create a fusion of cultural wisdom and modern wellness practices, offering training and workshops to spread awareness of sound healing across the continent.

Becoming a sound healer wasn’t without its challenges. “Energies can be very infectious,” Narissa notes, recalling how she often felt emotionally overwhelmed when starting out. Working closely with clients required a heightened sense of self-awareness. “Maintaining spiritual hygiene is crucial,” she advises. “You must ensure that you’re not projecting your personal issues onto others during sessions.”

To maintain her well-being, She prioritizes daily meditation, spending at least one hour each morning centering herself. She also retreats into nature regularly to rejuvenate. “Walking in open spaces, surrounded by trees and the sounds of birds, helps me release negative energy and restore my inner calm,” She shares.

Narissa’s journey taught her the importance of intention in holistic wellness. “You must be intentional and in the right mental state before working with clients. This ensures that you can provide a safe and nurturing environment for their healing.”

The Transformative Impact

The effectiveness of sound healing is evident in the experiences of Narissa’s clients. Idah, a first-time participant, shared her impressions: “I had my first sound bath a month ago, and it was amazing. I didn’t know what to expect, but the vibrations were incredibly soothing, helping me relax completely. I’m eager for a longer session.”

Joris Schefold, a Project Leader managing a high-stress workload, described how sound healing provided a much-needed mental reset. “It felt like My mind stopped racing, and I could finally breathe freely,” He said. “The session left My Partner and I feeling calm for three days after our first session abroad. It was a beautiful experience.”

These testimonials highlight the therapy’s ability to address modern stressors while fostering long-lasting emotional and mental well-being.

Sound Healing as a Lifestyle

Narissa believes sound healing is accessible to everyone, regardless of their musical background. “It’s not hard to start,” she says. “All you need is an experienced teacher to guide you.” Her training in Nepal, rooted in the historical traditions of the bowls, greatly enriched her practice, and she now passes that knowledge on through workshops.

One of the key advantages of sound therapy, Narissa notes, is its non-addictive nature. Unlike substances like alcohol or drugs, often used to cope with stress, sound healing offers a sustainable and healthy alternative. “It helps people reconnect with themselves,” She explains. “That reconnection is a powerful and lasting benefit.”

Sound Healing Africa not only offers individual sessions but also provides training courses for aspiring practitioners and enthusiasts. The organization aims to create a network of healers and instrumentalists, fostering collaborations and nurturing the growth of this ancient yet evolving practice.

Narissa’s ultimate goal is to make sound healing a recognized and widely embraced practice in Africa. Through her organization, she seeks to bridge the gap between traditional African sound practices and contemporary wellness trends. Her work creates opportunities for exploration, therapy, and conscious connection, making sound healing an integral part of healthier lifestyles.

Her journey with sound healing is a reminder that healing often begins with reconnection—to oneself, to one’s roots, and to the rhythms of life. Through Sound Healing Africa, she has not only created a platform for personal and communal transformation but also redefined wellness by bridging ancient traditions with modern needs. As sound healing continues to gain traction across the continent, its resonance promises to uplift not just individuals but entire communities, offering them a pathway to peace, balance, and wholeness.

Edited by Pius Okore.