Sound healing, once considered a fringe wellness practice, is gaining legitimacy in Pittsburgh, evolving from a niche trend to a subject of academic interest. Renowned violinist Monique Mead, director of music entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), has been at the forefront of this movement, offering sound baths at the Awareness and Wellness Center in Shadyside for the past three years. These sessions utilize instruments like violins, quartz crystal singing bowls, and gongs to create calming auditory experiences aimed at stress relief and mental wellness.
Mead’s initiatives have inspired CMU students to launch the Scottie Sound Bath, the first university in-house sound bath program in the U.S. This program reflects a growing acceptance of music therapy within American medicine, despite sound healing’s roots in ancient Eastern traditions and a current lack of extensive scientific validation.
In collaboration with a researcher from the University of Pittsburgh’s Public Health department, a co-founder of the Scottie Sound Bath conducted a survey of 200 participants to study the effects of sound baths. Preliminary findings suggest benefits in stress reduction and mental clarity, prompting further academic interest in the practice.
To expand accessibility, Mead is developing a sound bath app, aiming to bring guided sessions to a broader audience. This digital approach seeks to democratize access to sound healing, allowing individuals to experience its potential benefits regardless of location.
Sessions at the Awareness and Wellness Center are available for $35, attracting a diverse clientele seeking alternative methods for stress management and mental well-being. As interest grows, Pittsburgh positions itself as a hub for integrating traditional wellness practices with modern academic research.
Source: Axios
