Palm Springs has a history of being known for its healing properties. The geothermal waters drew people to the desert even before Hollywood made it a popular place to play and relax. While the waters continue to soothe the souls of those who indulge, another healing modality is gaining greater ground in the desert using the power of sound. 

What if there was a way to ease your anxiety, calm your mind, and boost vibrant energy within you? Sound baths are touted for doing just that, and more. 

The History of Sound Healing

Sound healing practices extend back thousands of years in Greek, Indian, and Tibetan cultures. The tradition was translated to modern culture in the 1960s and ’70s when experimentation with alternative methods and meditative states were explored more extensively.  

Quartz crystal and metal Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, chimes, rattles, and even drums are tools used in sound baths. These promote relaxation and increase well-being, with the most popular being the quartz crystal bowls. 

The Integratron experience

The sound bath at Integratron near Joshua Tree has perhaps the most fascinating evolution. George Van Tassel built the structure, asserting that plans for the 38-foot high, 55-foot, two-story wooden dome came about through extraterrestrial communication. It was completed without the use of any metal nails, bolts, or screws so as not to interfere with transmissions. Howard Hughes was a major donor in funding the project with the purpose of it being a space for human rejuvenation and time travel. After Van Tassel’s death in 1978, the space was used for retreats until 2000, when a trio of sisters took over the site with perfect acoustics, exclusively offering sound baths. Reservations typically book up four to six weeks in advance. 

Where to enjoy sound baths in Palm Springs 

A Sukha Life sound bath should be experienced by all Palm Springs visitors. Photo: A. Kim

For desert dwellers and visitors who would like to experience a relaxing session sooner, Palm Springs offers a selection of sound baths. You don’t have to travel far — some small hotels are so accommodating that the sound bath will come to you. 

The Sukha Life: Certified sound therapist Lisa Botts leads sound baths at her studio on South Palm Canyon Drive. Mats, cushions, bolsters, and blankets are all provided for your ease and comfort. The journey includes breathwork, guided relaxation, and a variety of instruments, including crystal singing bowls, gongs, and chimes. 

Group sound baths are available Fridays and Saturdays or book a couple’s sound bath for a unique date night. Private group sessions are available both on and offsite. L’Horizon, Sparrows Lodge, Ingleside Estate, Terra Palm Springs, and Villa Royale are just some of the places that have partnered with The Sukha Life to bring the sound baths to you. 

Drift Palm Springs: Drift partners with The Den Meditation to offer monthly sound baths that sometimes include a cacao ceremony. The cacao plant is rich in magnesium and antioxidants while being touted to improve mood and brain function.

Terra Palm Springs: For those planning a getaway with friends, Terra offers the experience of a private sound bath at the hotel. Available with a full buyout only. 

Dive Palm Springs: This spirited property recently introduced its new wellness offerings, inspired by the ease of a timeless St. Tropez escape. Guests are invited to use the sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, then heated pool, before enjoying a guided yoga session and immersive sound bath.

Crystal Fantasy: In addition to an array of spiritual tools, Crystal Fantasy offers donation-based sound baths on Saturdays and Sundays. A perfect place to relax into the sound and then stock up on candles, books, oracle cards, crystals, and more. 

Power Yoga Palm Springs: Combine your sound bath experience with yoga on a rooftop overlooking downtown Palm Springs. Soak in the energy of the mountains for an extra charge to your energy. 

What science says about sound healing

Scientific research is steadily catching up by studying the benefits sound has on the body. UCLA Health reports that listening to singing bowls can reduce blood pressure, calm down heart rate, and help quiet the mind. The National Library of Medicine cites a study on singing bowls that posits it may be an affordable method of decreasing tension, anxiety, and depression while elevating well-being. In a 2023 study, the European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology, and Education found that just a single sound session with Tibetan singing bowls had a measurable physiological response, increasing relaxation and reducing anxiety compared to that of a control group.

For spiritual reasons or scientific research, the sound bath seems like a sound idea for experiencing what so many of us are searching for: a space to relax and greater peace of mind as we move through life.