Sounds that Calm
Sound plays an important role in creative a relaxing atmosphere. A good song can set the tone for a soothing session for both the massage therapist and their client. Likewise, terrible music can get on your last nerve and nearly ruin an experience. Selecting the perfect music can be a subtle art in a space where relaxation is evoked. Creating an environment that evokes a sense of calm when preparing for a massage is important. Also, sound and music is subjective here is a list of what most people consider soothing: nature sounds, color-labeled sound (e.g. white noise), calming instrumentals.
Water Noise
When most of us feel stress, we gravitate towards water. Consider all of the major vacation hot spots in the world and what keeps people coming back. Think of a water front property listed on a real estate guide. Most of us associate water with deep relaxation and in all different forms. Imagine snow gently falling on the rich green of a forest on a winter day ; turquoise waves rhythmically lapping on a golden sandy shore or the low rumble of billowing thunder clouds in a distance announcing the rain.
The Human Voice
Do you fall asleep listening to the sound of someone’s voice? A tone so soothing that you find your eyes getting heavy and you can quickly fall asleep. Listening to a voice that eases your troubled mind works much like white noise. It grounds you in a state of pleasant focus where you can simply let go. Sleep is often elusive to many and the quality of it is a health concern for many. You are joining millions of people seeking what some of us found so much joy in as a child, having someone read to us as we fall asleep. All we’re missing is the “tucking in” part. Listening to a voice in a distance also creates a sense of security deep in our psyche. Sleep is a vulnerable time and our brains seek out the comfort of another person’s presence, even if it is artificial and coming from our phones at night.
Color Noise
White noise is the most traditional of this genre of noises. Continuous in nature , white noise is a constant that some find reassuring. In those that suffer from anxiety and attention deficit, this style of noise creates a mental anchor. In recent years, a spectrum of colors have been introduced into the world of calming sound. Others color sounds differ in frequency and you may find some more relaxing than others. If you enjoy white noise, try this array of color sounds to see which resonates with you : pink, brown, blue or violet.
Recommendations
Gathered below is a list curated by massage therapists across the United States and their client’s requests these specific playlists. Take a listen and see if you love them too. Massage therapist Carine Dionne-Peters says “Wind and Mountain Dueter. I’ve listened to this over thirty years. My clients love it and I change up someone will ask ‘Can we do the one you usually use?’ “.
Piano in the Background
Deep Focus
Chill Out Music
Calm Radio
Deep Sleep
Relaxing Massage
Covers
Instrumental Pop Covers
Calm Instrumental Covers
Pop Goes Classical
Artists
Deuter
Liquid Mind
Bill Laswell
Pryve
Reading Music
Calming Music
Cat Music – best for anxious animals when left home alone
Dog Music – see above
Sleep Music
Piano Para Dormir
Detox
Relaxing Guitar Instrumentals
Musical Therapy
Dreamy Vibes
LoFi
Lofi Hip Hop
Lofi Jazz
Lofi Massage and Bodywork
ChillHop
Frequencies
Binaural Beats
Kids
Soothing Strings for Sleeping Babies – best for baby massage
In conclusion I would like to highlight one auditory experience that is rarely considered when helping us relax. Silence. It is the underdog of this genre but silence is needed if your world is filled with loud noise, chatter, clanging, alerts and demands. Does silence unnerve you? Explore that, as there is much to learn from it. Wishing you a restful respite for your ears, mind and heart as you explore slowing down as you listen.
