Gongs for healing
Gongs are among the oldest instruments used for sound healing. They have been integral to meditation, ceremonies, and rituals for thousands of years. Today, gongs feature in yoga and meditation classes, sound therapy sessions, group gong baths, and even in palliative and cancer treatment centres to promote health and wellbeing.
The secret of the gong lies in its tremendous potential for healing and rejuvenation. Covering the full spectrum of sound, it vibrates at the cellular level—through bones, organs, and tissues. Many people report an influx of energy as its resonance reaches their ears, body, and soul. Acting like a divine engine, the gong influences the body’s meridians, often leaving one with a profound sense of calm, relaxation, and inner peace—a feeling of being healed by the spirit of nature.
Sound from a gong travels from the outer ear throughout the body via the vagus nerve. This process can impact brain waves, respiratory and heart rates, and help release tension and blocked energies. In this way, the gong’s soundwaves work to rebalance the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies. The soothing effect of being bathed in an ocean of sound creates deep relaxation and may help reduce stress, a key factor in healthy living.
Gong types
Gongs are flat bronze discs that produce little fundamental pitch yet offer a rich tapestry of overtones and a long sustained resonance. Modern gongs are mostly made of electrolytic copper and tin. Traditionally, they are played with a large, soft mallet that produces a distinctive, roaring crash—befitting their namesake. These instruments are carefully lathed on both sides and come in small, medium, and large sizes.
Our Chao Gongs and Wind Gongs, for example, are typically available in a medium size—around 60 centimetres in diameter—which strikes a balance between portability and a powerful, expansive sound. These gongs are popular not only in sound healing sessions but also among rock drummers, especially when played with a nylon-tipped drumstick to evoke a sound reminiscent of old-fashioned coil chimes. All suspended gongs are mounted by a chord threaded through holes near the rim, and for safe transport during sound healing sessions, a gong bag is advisable. We also offer a few gong stands. The smaller table gongs, measuring roughly 16–40 centimetres, produce a more bell-like tone due to their thickness and reduced diameter.
Using the gong in your practice
Daily rituals
Begin and end your day with a gong ritual. In the morning, gently strike a gong—one or several intentional strokes—as you reflect on what you wish to achieve or feel. The sound sets a tone of focus and fresh energy. In the evening, a few soft strikes cleanse the room’s energy, helping you release what you do not want to carry into the next day.
Meditation and yoga
A gong lends itself beautifully to meditation and yoga. Its resonant tones can mark the start and finish of a meditation session, guiding your attention inward and easing you into a deep, reflective state. At the end of a yoga practice, a single gong stroke can facilitate complete release, offering a satisfying sense of closure.
Resetting energy
When a room feels heavy or unsettled—perhaps after a conflict, a busy day, or a visit—a gong can act as an effective energy reset. As you move slowly through the space and gently strike the instrument, imagine its sound sweeping away negative energy and replacing it with clarity and renewal.
Setting intentions
The gong offers a powerful tool for setting intentions. Whether embarking on personal growth or a new project, take a moment to articulate your aim—say, “I bring more balance into my life”—and then strike the gong gently as you repeat your intention aloud or silently. With regular practice, your intentions become more deeply anchored.
Group practices
In group settings, gongs enhance collective healing. They play a significant role in sound baths and healing ceremonies, helping participants release blockages and relax deeply. During rituals such as new moon or full moon ceremonies, a gong can signal the close of one cycle or the welcome of a new one, empowering participants to set their intentions with renewed energy.
Feng shui for your space
A gong can also improve the Feng shui of your environment. Place it in areas where energy tends to stagnate—such as a dark corner or a room with little natural light—and use it to stimulate the flow of chi. Directing its sound toward these spots encourages a more harmonious energy throughout the space.
Sacred moments
Carve out a sacred moment in an otherwise ordinary day with a gong. Whether during a short lunch break or a pause between tasks, a gentle strike can remind you to remain present and bring clarity to the rest of your day. It can also accompany significant transitions—seasonal changes, birthdays, or new phases in life—marking both an end and a beginning.
Mindfulness for children
Gongs offer a simple way to introduce mindfulness to children. Encourage them to tap the instrument lightly and listen to its fading sound; this quiet exercise can help them relax and focus, teaching them about calm and presence.
Personal introspection
On a personal level, use the gong for introspection. As its vibrations ripple through your body, imagine old tensions and emotions dissolving away. After a gong stroke, close your eyes and reflect on a pressing question or theme, allowing the sound to lead you into a receptive and calm state of mind.
Gong as art
Even when not in use, a gong can serve as a striking piece of art—a visual anchor that reinforces your intentions. Choose one with a design that speaks to you, whether it features sun rays, a lotus, or abstract patterns. Simply gazing at it can serve as a reminder of the tranquility and balance you seek.
Tips for beginners
If you’re just starting out, choose a gong that suits your space—typically a table or wind gong of at least 40 centimetres, which is easier to manage in smaller settings. Learn the proper technique by striking gently against the rim rather than the centre, and experiment with different strokes to discover a range of tones and effects. Establishing a regular time for your gong practice will help make it a natural part of your routine.