Pupils bang the gong for therapy

Wellbeing project Gongs by Julia visited Aughton Junior Academy last week to help children get in tune with their mental health by playing the “gong bath”.

The gong bath concept works by “thinking of all matter as vibrating, pulsing energy,” said Aughton head Toni Tomlinson.

“A rock, a tree, a vegetable, mineral, or human body cell — each has its own distinctive frequency wave patterns.

“When bathed in sound, the body naturally relaxes and begins to re-balance.

“Gongs by Julia’s aim is to equip children and adults alike with techniques and knowledge for a happier, healthier life.”

Ms Tomlinson said mental health was central to life at the academy, adding that since the Covid pandemic, “we are all more aware of the effects our mental health wellbeing can have on our day to day lives when it is not supported”.

She said: “We put the mental health and wellbeing of our children at the forefront of our curriculum.

“We first partnered with Julia from Gongs by Julia in early 2022.

“This year, Julia will be delivering a session each term for the pupils for their wellbeing and mental health with the gong bath — a holistic and natural method of meditation compared to traditional meditation.

“The children were excited to see Julia and had brought blankets and pillows to cuddle into, and relax on mats.

“After the event, the children were asked how they felt and their comments included: ‘It made me feel relaxed and Zen’like’ and ‘I liked the feeling of the sound.’”