Blog

Festivals and open days are a friendly way to meet gua sha, sound bowls and other traditions. Enjoying a demonstration is different from evidence that a therapy treats a condition.

A welcoming introduction

Cultural festivals and open days can be a friendly way to meet traditions such as gua sha, sound bowls and tai chi for the first time. The atmosphere is relaxed and curiosity is encouraged. Enjoying a demonstration, though, is different from having evidence that a therapy treats a diagnosed condition.

Curiosity is a great starting point. It simply needs to be followed by good questions.

From demonstration to care

A public demonstration shows what a technique looks like. A treatment session involves assessment, consent and goals that relate to you. Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, runs relaxation-focused sound sessions at her Lane Cove rooms, and you can ask her how a session there differs from what you saw at an event.

A lovely afternoon at a festival places no obligation on you. Feeling touched by a performance is a good memory, not a reason to sign up for a course of anything.

Shaping a relaxing session

If you decide to try sound after an event, comfort can be adjusted in several ways:

• lower or higher volume;
• more distance from the instruments;
• a chair rather than a mat;
• breaks whenever you need them.

You are not expected to feel moved, and keeping still is not a rule. Explain what feels right, and keep the enjoyment of a calm session separate from the treatment of any illness.

Comparing what you sampled

Events often showcase several practices in one afternoon. Afterwards, you may feel drawn to one more than others. At a multi-therapy clinic, that interest can be explored alongside options such as massage or counselling, depending on what you are looking for. A health concern you noticed during the day, perhaps while trying a demonstration, is worth mentioning to your GP as well.

If a festival stall sparked your curiosity, mention it when you contact the Lane Cove clinic and start from there, with as many questions as you like.