Good Vibrations at the Zen Den

An ancient practice that utilizes an ever-present component of life to achieve good health, relaxation, and well-being is gaining mainstream popularity as a means of offsetting the corrosive effects of stress and achieving other health benefits.    

Sound therapy is its name, and the technique is featured in an aptly named, relatively new business on Marco Island, The Zen Den.  

Also known as sound bathing, the therapy uses specific tones, frequencies, and vibrations to promote healing and relaxation. But, unlike music therapy, which can involve singing, sound therapy doesn't include lyrics, although it may incorporate vocal tones or chanting.  

Its roots harken back to ancient civilizations, such as those of Egypt, Greece, and India, where chanting, music, and vibrations were employed for healing and spiritual purposes. Today’s practices evolved from those traditions, achieving the desired effect through such Tibetan Singing Bowls, gongs, and other instruments.  

“There is scientific research showing that vibrations within the body can heal many ailments because our body is made up of 70 percent water,” said Zen Den owner Amy Moret. “Water vibrates within the cells of our bodies, and it does promote healing. Everything vibrates. The entire Earth vibrates. Everything has a vibration, so vibration does have a cellular impact.” 

Zen is defined as a state of meditative calm.  

At the Zen Den, offerings include everything from sound baths, meditation, chakra balancing, breath work, sound healing for neurodivergent kids, chakra flow somatic movement – a blend of internal-focused body movements with the ancient chakra energy system, using breath, sound, and intuitive motion to release emotional blockages, align energy centers, and restore balance -- a women’s circle and more.  

Sound therapy’s potential benefits include enhanced mood, improved cognition, and pain relief. 

Aside from glass bowls, Moret’s uses chimes, an instrument called “the wave,” gongs, a crystal harp, and other “instruments that deal with vibration” at Zen Den, which opened in August. 

A certified sound practitioner, Moret is occasionally assisted during sessions by husband, Nathan. Her introduction to the practice was sparked by a massive heart attack the previously healthy Nathan sustained three years ago at the age of 48.  

“He went from taking zero medication to being put on six different medications,” she said. “His cardiologist said he needed to find a way to relax and to get good quality sleep, to be as stress-free as he can be. So, I went on a journey to find more natural ways to induce relaxation and I came across sound healing. So, I looked into it. I actually went to a sound bath and I was blown away. I walked out feeling so much more calm and relaxed and I had the best night's sleep.”  

That led her to begin studying the practice and then exposing it to the public by conducting sessions on the beach here.  

“People were curious and they started asking questions,” she said. “I started inviting them to sit down and join, and I got a great response. From there, I started buying more sound bowls and more instruments and bringing them to the beach. And I started developing a following. Three years later, I decided to open up a small studio.” 

Sessions last about 80 minutes and include a short guided meditation, 45 to 50 minutes of sound healing and to wind down, a soothing cup of green tea. She conducts individual and group sessions, as well as sessions for corporate wellness events, bridal showers, and other gatherings. Sessions can also be arranged outside the studio. Participants are invited to lie back comfortably and let the frequencies wash over them.  

Moret said she’s seen dramatic evidence of sound bathing’s benefits with her clients.  

“I see people come in and I can tell they're wearing the weight of life on their shoulders, and they walk in, and nine out of ten times I get a, ‘Oh, this is just what I needed.’ It's just a great vibe. I use a lot of essential oils, so the studio smells really good. You just walk through the door, and you're like, ‘Ah, yeah.” 

That reaction is beyond gratifying for the Long Island native who has lived on Marco for five years,  

“I can't even explain it, she said. “It's amazing. The technical term is sound healer, but I'm not the one healing. I'm just the vessel and it's the people that are receiving the sounds. They're healing themselves. I get such satisfaction. It makes my heart feel good when I know that I can offer people a way to relax and heal and just feel better, all around.” 

The Zen Den is located in the Circle Plaza at 601 E. Elkcam Circle. For more information, please visit thezendenmarcoisland.com/ or call 239-777-8518.