What are the benefits to working with gongs?

1. Restful Brain States & Deep Relaxation*

The gong’s rich, resonant tones guide your brainwaves into slower, more meditative frequencies—such as theta and delta—promoting deep mental rest, memory consolidation, and emotional release. With one stroke of the gong it’s like being in a deep state of sleep while being awake—we’ve got sleep data that shows this. ☺️ Bring your sleep rings or headbands like Muse and test the experience of being in theta and delta for yourself.

2. Mood, Tension, & Physiological Relief

Participants routinely experience significant reductions in stress, tension, fatigue, and depressed mood. Physically, the sound supports healthier heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rhythms—easing into a state of calm. Because of the way the gongs help bring the brain waves into a sleep-like / meditative pattern, the mind stuff (thoughts) is frequently released and areas of the body holding tension may feel their own releases as well—a twitch in the hand or foot. A movement of the shoulder… these releases are a part of the body’s natural balancing process.

3. Mind-Body Integration & Resilience

Meditative practices like gong immersion have been linked to brain changes in areas responsible for attention, emotional regulation, memory, and self-awareness. Even brief sessions can enhance emotional balance, and ongoing practice supports long-term mental resilience. Gong meditations also may help with sleep. (In my case the gong has not just been “linked” to the above. My personal experience coupling gong meditations with therapy assisted me in coming out of depression, extreme anxiety, and fear.)

4. Renewal & Intention-Setting

Held during the new moon—a symbol of fresh starts—this meditation becomes a powerful conduit for intentions. In the moon’s darkness, you are invited to pause, reflect, and plant the seeds for what you truly wish to cultivate in your life. During a new moon gong meditation, because it is an nurturing energy, you tend to float in a state of almost consciousness where you are accessing both the conscious and subconscious mind. Intentions set in this mind state become faster and easier to see life changes around.

5. Unique, Intuitive Experience

Each session is uniquely tuned to the energy of the group or person (if in a private session). As we settle into the experience together, some may feel physical releases, others receive deep insight or creative clarity. This intuitive responsiveness makes every meditation different and a personal journey of transformation.

What can i expect at a gong meditation at Sanctum with eve?

You’ll be welcomed into a calm, supportive environment. Yoga mats and bolsters for under the head are provided, along with blankets to keep you warm. Eye covers are available, though it’s always better to bring your own if you have one you love.

To make yourself as comfortable as possible, bring anything that helps you feel completely relaxed—extra pillows for your knees, your favorite blanket or sleeping bag, or any personal comfort items. You’re welcome to bring crystals for charging during the session, and you’ll also find citrine, amethyst, and other stones available for purchase, all charged under the sounds of many moons.

Water is provided in cups, but bringing your own bottle is encouraged so you can sip throughout and after the meditation.

How can I prepare for a gong Meditation and What should I expect after?

Hydration is important both before and after the session, as sound work can stimulate energetic and physical release. You may feel deeply relaxed, ready for sleep, or surprisingly energized. That energy can sometimes feel like restlessness or agitation—though it’s often excitement as your body returns to balance. If that happens, gentle grounding practices such as tai chi, qigong, or restorative yoga can help you integrate.

Many people enjoy staying afterward for a casual group conversation, while others choose to go home and rest. The most important thing is honoring your own needs—whether that means connecting with others, moving your body, or heading straight to bed. Your comfort and alignment with yourself matter most.

Reiki

What is Reiki?

Reiki (from Japanese Rei meaning "universal/spiritual" and Ki meaning "life force energy") is a gentle, spiritually guided energy practice that nourishes the whole person—body, mind, emotions, and spirit. During a session, you may experience a warm glow-like radiance or deep sense of calm as life force energy flows where it's needed most. This energy is intelligent and, by activating your inner healer, you begin to rebalance.

This life force is present in all living things and is the element that animates us and keeps us in balance and harmony. When Qi is balanced vitality, purpose, and peace follow.

What can you expect in a Reiki session with Eve?

At Sanctum with Eve, Reiki is delivered intuitively—you are never just a body, but a dynamic system of energy. I tune into your Biofield, measurable energy around and in the body, and identify where imbalance may appear.

There are a variety of possible reasons for these imablances—physical or emotional tension, influences like food, and environmental stressors.

Reiki gently moves these stagnations, activating your body’s innate healing wisdom so balance can naturally return.

What might I feel during or after a reiki session?

After Reiki, many people report shifts in mood, ease in their body, and clear mental space—often for the better.

As Reiki works to balance your physical, emotional, mental, and soul, Reiki lifts a veil in a way.

With the clearing of one area, other areas that were previously hidden under more dominant tensions may be revealed. You may, for example, feel pain or awareness in a new area—perhaps a stiff neck or jaw—as deeper healing of the body unfolds.

This pain isn't caused by Reiki, but revealed by it, so you can listen to your body’s signals and integrate practices—movement, meditation, etc.—that will assist you working with your body towards balance. Reiki isn’t a cure but a catalyst for listening to and understanding your healing process. Reiki fosters relaxation, reduces stress, and supports emotional and physical harmony. It is discussed in my recent book, Reiki Journeys: Understanding Pain for Reiki Practitioners (written for anyone interested in learning more about Reiki and pain).

Always to be used in conjunction with conventional medical care, research on Reiki has shown enough merit in reduction of anxiety, pain relief, and creating a sense of well-being that it is used in prominent hospitals and care centers around the United States.

Is Reiki Safe? Are there side effects?

Reiki is very safe—a noninvasive, gentle practice. Generally people feel a sense of well-being and peace while receiving. Some people may experience emotional release, mild discomfort, or vivid sensations during or immediately afterward. There is nothing to be concerned about if this happens.

These are signifiers, not warnings—observe them, note them, and they will lead you to information about how come into further balance. Always continue any medical treatments you’re receiving, and let Reiki be the complement, not the substitute.

What is bengston Energy Healing?

Resources

*My knowledge is in continual development and refinement. These are the knowledge holders from whom I have learned considerably and form the basis of this description. (Ordered by extent of learning.)

Dr. Mitchell Nur

Dr. Thomas Orr Anderson

Don Conreaux

Mike Tamboro

Martha Collard

Aiden MacIntyre

Tim Byford

Roxanne Lowery

Metab Benton