The information contained within details the health contraindications and awareness that attendees should have prior to attending a Soundbath Session with Neural Rhythms. Please contact us on neural.rhythms.uk@gmail.com should any of the Health Awarenesses apply to you and you have further questions to enable us to make any necessary adjustments.
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO SOUNDBATHS/SOUND THERAPY
PREGNANCY – 1ST TRIMESTER
Whilst there is no evidence that Sound Therapy can harm unborn babies and in fact be very beneficial for those who are pregnant, like most therapeutic practices we do not treat those who are less than 3 months pregnant. This is a standard requirement for insurance purposes across many holistic practices and therefore we are unable to admit for those reasons.
SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES (not including mild depression/anxiety)
Unfortunately due to the nature of Soundbaths and this particular form of sound therapy, this can induce individuals into entering an Altered State of Consciousness. Due to this, we are unable to admit those who have severe mental health challenges such as (to include but not limited to:) severe clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dis-associative disorders, paranoid schizophrenia and/or any other severe mental health condition, or those who are currently experiencing vivid suicidal tendencies etc. Whilst we understand that this could cause disappointment, as there remains a high risk of individuals relapsing into these conditions, we are unable to admit for these reasons.
SOUND INDUCED EPILEPSY / GRAND MAL AND/OR TONIC CLINIC SEIZURES
Whilst it is unlikely that sound frequencies we use would trigger a seizure, we would advise that you seek medical advice from your GP/Consultant before attending a sound session. Should you suffer from epilepsy which is frequent or grand mal/tonic clinic seizures then we would not recommend this type of Soundbath/therapy.
SOUND BATH HEALTH AWARENESSES:
The below information contains various health challenges that you may need to be aware of prior to attending a session. If you do suffer from any of these below, then we would request that you contact Neural Rhythms to advise of the same so we can make any necessary adjustments for you.
Low Mood, Stress, Anxiety or Mild controlled/medicated depression
Sound Therapy can be hugely beneficial for those who suffer from low mood, stress, anxiety or controlled mild depression. All we would ask is that on the day you are feeling comfortable and stable, and please do not hesitate to contact us before the session if there is anything you wish to discuss.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
It is generally safe for those with a diagnosis of PTSD to attend sound therapy, although we acknowledge that sometimes individuals can have triggers to certain sounds etc. All we would ask is that you are in a stable place to embark on a therapeutic process and perhaps reflect on how you may have reacted to other holistic therapies you have tried. If you are in any doubt or wish to ask any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, or if you wish, speak to your GP/Consultant should you need any further reassurance or guidance
Pregnancy – post 1st trimester
Soundbaths can be very beneficial to those who are in stages of pregnancy (post 1st trimester) but there are some awarenesses that attendees should have. If you are 20+ weeks pregnant, then we would not advise you to lie flat either on your back as the weight of your baby can lie heavily on your organs. Therefore we would advise that you lie on your side and bring either a folded blanket or cushion to go between your knees to help align weight, and any extra padding or support to be placed under your bump or anywhere you feel you would need support when lying on your side.
Also you should be aware that blood pressure can drop/rise quite rapidly so please be aware of any blood pressure challenges you may have been alerted to by your GP. Should you require any further guidance, we would suggest you seek further targeted guidance from your GP/Consultant and discuss this with us prior to attending.
Hearing induced issues, such as tinnitus, wearing hearing aids or fitted cochlear implants
Whilst very rare, sometimes sound frequencies can set up what is known as ‘sympathetic resonance’ with metal implants in the body. There is usually no problem with people attending with cochlear implants; however it is always good to know in case the implant causes you pain or discomfort during a session – if so, then please feel free to take a few moments to remove yourself from the sound.
If you wear hearing aids then it is suggested, if you are able to, to either turn down or remove these prior to the start of the playing of instruments – sometimes the instruments/certain frequencies can cause aids to buzz or whistle, which could cause discomfort.
If you suffer from tinnitus, then sound therapy could help distract and relax from the symptoms; however you just need to be self aware that some instruments in very rare cases may possibly aggravate individuals suffering from hearing issues.
Recent Surgery/Surgical Procedures
It is usually the case there are no contraindications to attend sound therapy sessions unless your surgery was major and very recent (in the last 14 days), then please contact us to discuss whether there would be any issues. In general, we would request you follow the advice of any GP/Consultant regarding your surgery and recovery times and if in doubt, please seek further guidance from them.
Anaphylaxis/ Life Saving medication
In the case of the unlikely event of an emergency, we would not be able to administer your medication unless provided with a letter of consent. Alternatively, you could bring someone with you to do so should you wish. If you are in any doubt, please contact us.
Serious Medical Condition / Special Need
Depending on what your serious medical condition or special need is, to include life threatening conditions, please contact us prior to the session to ask how we would be able to assist you for the session and/or in the event of an incident/emergency.
Metal implants in your body, such as pins or joints
Whilst it is extremely rare, sometimes sound frequencies set up sympathetic resonance with metal implants in the body. There is no problem with this but it is always good to know should your implant cause you any pain or discomfort. If at any time during the session you experience any symptoms, then please feel free to take a few moments to remove yourself from the sound. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Mobility
Soundbath sessions will require you to lie on the floor. If you are unable to lie on the floor, then we would suggest for you to bring a chair with you or we can provide a camping chair with prior notice.
Group Soundbaths
In a group setting it is not possible to give targeted 1-2-1 sound therapy to meet a specific need. Your Group Sound therapist is giving a general group session which may have an aim or theme such as relaxation or energising for example. These sessions may have a therapeutic effect but are not a substitute for any orthodox medical treatment you are receiving at present. If you have any concerns regarding your health and wellbeing, you are advised to see your GP/ health consultant. By attending a session you will potentially be asked to give feedback which could be written or recorded by audio or video and by attending you agree that you are happy with these terms.
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
A treatment CANNOT take place if you:
- have a current fever
- have or have had thrombosis in the last 2 years
- have suffered diarrhoea/vomiting within 48 hours
- are under the influence of drugs/alcohol
- have an infectious disease/infection
- have medical oedema (swelling that does not pop back up when pressed)
- have a urinary tract infection
- have phlebitis
- have whiplash
- are undergoing radio/chemotherapy
- have head lice
- have cuts and wounds to the head
Consent from your GP or consultant may be required if you have:
- abnormal blood pressure that is NOT controlled by medication
- a history of stroke
- cancer or have in the past
- a nervous system disorder (MS, Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone, for example)
- diabetes and take oral medication or insulin
- epilepsy
- any nervous/psychotic conditions
- haemophilia
- osteoporosis
- had a heart attack / any heart conditions (past or present)
- had a recent operation
If you are unsure please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Neural Rhythms 