Introduction to Sound Healing ~ HAPI drum edition
If you have experienced a Yoga class, chances are there was some sound played during the experience. Most likely this sound was an enjoyable playlist delivering a nice backdrop to complement the physical movements and mind-calming effects that Yoga facilitates. The experience of complimenting sound during an activity that delivers a form of betterment of the body and mind is the introductory aspect of Sound Healing. Most commonly, facilitators will accomplish delivering a Soundbath over a Sound Healing experience, but the difference between the two is a larger topic to be discussed in a different post.
The human body is made of more than half in weight by water, so it is a great conductor for the vibration of sound waves. Those sound wave vibrations can be manipulated through various instruments, both acoustic and electronic ones. One type of the traditional acoustic instruments used over the ages across the globe are percussion type instruments. One that I have enjoyed using is the HAPI drum.
HAPI stands for Hand Activated Percussion Instrument. It comes in various sizes but I have the little one, which is a great practical instrument that anyone can play without needing any musical background. It makes a great sound that can be used to relax or uplift the listener as well as the player. I like to bring my HAPI drum sometimes to the Yoga classes I teach at times to play its soothing sounds during Shavasana. Since I have the small HAPI drum, I can pack it and carry it with me anywhere in a small bag. Aside from Yoga classes, I have brought it to Soundbath events and used it with other gentle hand drums and rattles, creating somewhat of a tribal auditory experience.
As explained by the creators of the HAPI drum on their website, the unique tone of the HAPI drum is created by a vibrating tongue of steel that is tuned in either C Major or D Akebono.
- C Major ranges from C4 (middle C) to E5 known as a “natural” scale. It has a nice neutral to uplifting sound that can be played at various rhythms.
- D Akebono, a scale that originates from Japan, produces a meditative sound great for relaxing and soothing tunes.
Here is a brief audio of the HAPI drum mini, which I use in my classes sometimes, tuned in D Akebono played with small rubber mallets:
And here is a brief video of the same model drum played with finger tips, presented by the creators of the HAPI drum.
There are various other styles of the HAPI drum which creates other sounds. To learn more about HAPI drums, you can visit the official website.
I hope you have enjoyed learning about the concept of Sound Healing / Soundbathing and being introduced to the HAPI drum. I would love to hear about any good experience you have had with sound utilized in a successful way in a Yoga class, as well as Soundbaths, HAPI drum or any similar instruments. If you have any questions about the HAPI drum or Sound Healing in general, I am happy to answer them and have a conversation about the benefits of utilizing sound to help relax the body and mind. I also have several Soundbaths recorded and shared on my Youtube channel and you can enjoy them here. If you are interested to experience a private Soundbath, you can send me an inquiry here.
*** This post is NOT sponsored by HAPI drum and there are NO affiliate links anywhere in the post. I am simply a genuine fan and supporter of this product, and happy to share Soundbaths as one of my offerings.***
