Making Peace
ELLE Singapore|October 2022
SOUND HEALING IS ONE OF THE NEWEST ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES OUT THERE, AIMED AT HELPING PEOPLE DEAL WITH EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES, WHILE FINDING PEACE. THOUGH ITS EFFECTS AREN'T QUITE VISIBLE, IT'S BACKED BY ENOUGH RESEARCH TO MAKE IT WORTH A TRY
AMANDA LEO
Making Peace

Whether it's because of the stress from living through a global pandemic or burnout from hustle culture, it's undeniable that more and more people are looking for ways to recalibrate their inner balance. And sound healing is proving to be one of the ways that busy urbanites use to intentionally create calm in their lives, the kind of calm that usually comes from a week-long retreat to an island with no connection.

But leaving the city for a retreat is like putting a plaster over an open wound - it's a temporary measure that doesn't quite get to the root of the issue. Going back to the hustle means gradually accumulating stress again, says Masumi Nelson, sound healer at Altered States.

"What we need to realise is that we have everything we need within us, without having to go look for it elsewhere. Being connected to our true self and having gratitude for our surroundings is the best [way] to live our lives in the city," she says.

Nelson's connection to sound is an intimate one. Growing up in the deep countryside of Japan, she's forged a strong connection to both the natural world and the spiritual one, but it wasn't until her pregnancy in 2012 that she discovered crystal singing bowls.

"I felt my energy shift. Some fundamental part of myself was illuminated and I began to feel a strong sense of gratitude for who I am. From there, my sound healing journey began," she says. And what a journey it has been - she's performed at the Ise Shrine, known as the spiritual home of Japan and the most sacred temple in the country, as well as the Bali Spirit Festival in 2017.

Surrounded by crystal singing bowls in iridescent shades of white, amber and pale green, she creates a harmony by tapping or circling the bowls, and each produces a different tone.

This story is from the October 2022 edition of ELLE Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2022 edition of ELLE Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELLE SINGAPOREView All
Miami Vibes
ELLE Singapore

Miami Vibes

Urban art, dreamy beaches, Latin flavour...find out why these have made MIAMI a sought-after destination.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
The Language Of Flowers
ELLE Singapore

The Language Of Flowers

Young designers are falling for the subversive power of a classic motif.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
The Joy Luck Club
ELLE Singapore

The Joy Luck Club

The duo behind YanYan takes play very seriously. Phyllis Chan and Suzzie Chung share how they are shaking up the world of knitwear while having absolute fun.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Wild West
ELLE Singapore

Wild West

For its latest collection, WEEKEND MAX MARA teams up with American actress Lucy Hale to embrace the season's rustic charm.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Men Of The Hour
ELLE Singapore

Men Of The Hour

Fresh off the success of their drama, 4MINUTES, Thai actors Bible Wichapas Sumettikul and Jespipat Tilapornputt are on the cusp of international stardom.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Conquer The Day
ELLE Singapore

Conquer The Day

As a versatile everyday watch with panache, LONGINES' new Conquest collection gets the job done very nicely.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Woman On A Mission
ELLE Singapore

Woman On A Mission

Rebecca Lim may have taken a step back from showbiz to settle into her new role as first-time mum, but the actress wants everyone to know that they haven't seen the last of Becks. She talks to ELLE about reconciling motherhood and career.

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
The Making Of An Icon
ELLE Singapore

The Making Of An Icon

"SHOUT, SHOUT, LET IT ALL OUT," sings Fann Wong as glittering creations from Buccellati are carefully put on her.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Million Dollar Woman
ELLE Singapore

Million Dollar Woman

With her dazzling confidence and supermodel aura, GIGI HADID is the embodiment of Rabanne's new Million Gold For Her fragrance.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Breast practices
ELLE Singapore

Breast practices

Cancer coach ISABEL GALIANO offers five coping strategies to help women survive and thrive after a breast cancer diagnosis.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024