From : KERRY H.
The Sound and Cacao Sage - where art meets science in a beautiful acidic fusion

I’ve worked in the UK for the past 18 years but have recently returned to live in Australia. I’m an academic and I’ve been researching sensory ways of knowing care for a number of years. So, when I was catching up with Melanie, who I’ve known for more than forty years, and she told me she’d been studying, working and conducting ongoing research in the area of sound therapy, I was interested in finding out more. We had a few conversations about how there is so much that Western knowledge systems are still trying to catch-up with in terms of more sensory ways of knowing and Melanie was able to provide me with an update on some of the science that supports what some people still understand as ‘quackery’ and ‘hippy-dippy’ stuff. Alternative medicines and approaches have had to struggle for credibility within the prevailing Western medical model. On Tuesday, I thought I’d find out more and I visited Mel at her sensory, sound studio for a sound therapy session. Before arriving, Mel checked if there were any parts of my body that I was having problems with and I reported that I’d been experiencing upper back and lower neck problems. I’d been preparing a lecture on arts-based research approaches and the long hours working at my computer had aggravated the pain that had been almost constant when I was working full time.
On arrival, we went into the sensory studio, which Mel had prepared using lighting that corresponded to the part of my body that she was focusing on in the session. There were also specific essential oils that she had chosen to work with, and the atmosphere she had created in the room was very soothing. Gregorian chants played softly in the background. We started with some simple stretches and then some breathing exercises. We did this together and I was easily able to follow her lead. Next, an unexpected but delicious taste experience with a warm, chocolate-based infusion. Each part of the preparation was done for a specific purpose and Melanie explained what she was doing, and why, during each of these steps. I was now ready to lie horizontally, with my eyes closed and experience the most amazing aural performance that I’d ever heard. There is no other word to describe the sounds that Melanie created using her various sound bowls than addictive. Rich, unearthly sounds filled the space and I was transported to another planet, another world, another time. I don’t know how long Melanie performed the futuristic, harmonic symphony but for the duration of this incredibly creative sound experience, I knew that I didn’t want it to stop. Even though my eyes were closed I could see beautiful swirls of acidic lemon yellow. This wasn’t an LSD trip but it was a trip like no other. When the session ended, with Melanie gently bringing me back to the present, I quietly soaked up the visual panorama from the back window of her house. Lake Macquarie is spectacular on a sunny afternoon. An uninterrupted and blissful sleep followed that evening and I awoke feeling energised and ready to embrace the new day.

Short review:
A sensory extravaganza that was beyond anything I could imagine. Highly recommended. 5 stars.



From: P.B
Thank you so much The Sound and Cacao Sage.
I have participated in group sound healing experiences before, but having a session just for me was wonderful.
Mel helped me to feel immediately comfortable, cosy and at ease. The unique arrangement of crystal bowls and gentle breathwork helped me truly relax. Mel played the crystal bowls beautifully, and I could feel the physical tension in my body quickly dissipate. My mind became quiet and it was honestly easy to give myself over to the bliss of the music.
After the session, I immediately described my whole body as feeling ‘carbonated’ ! I don't know another word for it, but I felt tingly all over in the best way possible. Like the bowls and their sounds truly shifted whatever needed shifting in me.
I really look forward to having another session again soon.
I encourage anyone to try this without any expectation or comparison to others' experiences. What a gift to give yourself. You deserve it.
Thanks again Mel xx

From: Anne M.
I have now had two sessions of sound therapy with Mel. My sessions start with an amazing spiced hot chocolate that helps relax and unwind me while Mel speaks about what you're looking to focus on during the session & helps direct and manifest your thoughts. By my second session I reached a deeper level of relaxation - like being at the stage between asleep and awake, where your mind is floating, where you dream but are still conscious of where you are and the sounds around you.
In both of my 2 sessions that I have had so far, I have felt the vibrations on the skin on my face (from my cheek bones to my forehead & the top of my head). Also on the soles of my feet, almost as a gentle pins and needles feeling.
But the strongest sensation I get is when my eyes are closed - I can see the vibrations as colours. It's like moving coloured blobs / a lava lamp / ink on water effect. When sound strike starts its a golden blob, then the colour slowly mutates as the blob grows into the dark purples and pinks, then fades out to black. This continues the entire session and is very relaxing and hypnotic.
I definitely walk away from the end of the session feeling less stressed and more balanced than when I arrived. I was extremely sceptical going into this as I’m not a ‘tree hugger’ or a person who has ever been drawn to alternative healing, but I certainly highly recommend Mel and her sound therapy techniques.

From Andrea.B
This experience was wonderful. I’ve been recovering from being sick with a lung infection and Mel took me through breathing exercises and humming before the wonderful experience of the sound bowls.
I feel wonderful and very positive that I’m on my way to healing now.
I thoroughly recommend this experience for learning ways to relax and look after yourself.