Recent studies reveal discomfort and health impacts caused by noise exposure. Most of these impacts involve high-frequency sound waves; few research efforts focus on low frequency sounds.
The purpose of this experiment was to assess the influence of constant low frequency vibration (40 Hz), with and without nature sounds, on heart rate variability and subjective assessment of acute stress before and after intervention.
Physiological Effects
Although studies on noise’s effect on human health abound, few specifically focus on low-frequency sounds. While such noise may have significant detrimental impacts due to humans having lower auditory systems sensitivity levels than before, such noise can still cause hearing loss, discomfort, irritability, tinnitus and cardiovascular disease risk; and may cause acoustic discomfort by altering perceived pitch of sounds as well as decreasing ability to perceive low frequencies.
Numerous practitioners in vibroacoustic therapy claim to have experienced positive outcomes from applying LFS; however, objective physiological measurements remain scarce, leaving it unknown to what extent these claims are valid. To investigate this question further, 54 international university students participated in our pilot double-blinded randomized controlled trial randomly allocated into either vibration group (LFS+music) or control groups; heart rate variability (HRV) and subjective stress response measurements were conducted both before and after this experiment.
The results indicate that experimental group had a significantly reduced perceived stress level on the Perceived Stress Scale than their control counterparts, as measured by HRV scale. Furthermore, experimental group had more pronounced increases in parasympathetic activity relative to control group on HRV scale; these findings support LFS having some influence over sympathetic nervous system activity by increasing parasympathetic activity thereby decreasing stress and tension levels; further research must be conducted into LFS effectiveness within clinical settings in order to verify these initial results and understand specific mechanisms involved.
Psychological Effects
Sound frequency therapy has been shown to reduce stress levels, increase focus, and promote mental wellness – quickly becoming a popular alternative treatment option for anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Furthermore, sound frequency therapy can alleviate pain from conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis – one study showed patients receiving 10 treatments of low frequency sound therapy reported improved sleep quality as well as decreased pain medication needs (Naghdi, 2015).
Psychological effects of sound frequencies are partially attributable to their vibrational tactile sensation on the body, stimulating touch fibers that stimulate nervous systems and induce relaxation. They may also help release certain chemicals which reduce feelings of fear and anxiety from within our minds.
As well as vibrational stimulation, acoustic frequencies can also play an integral role in how we perceive noise and music. A study by Huang and colleagues explored the effectiveness of low frequency vibratory stimulus (LFVS) for improving tinnitus perception by participants with various subtypes of sensorineural hearing loss. They measured comfort, pitch match loudness, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Visual Analogue Scale minimum masking level and tympanometry using various measurements such as Acoustic Comfort Index Pitch Match Louness Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Visual Analogue Scale minimum masking level and Tympanometry results showed that LFVS significantly reduced Tinnitus perception depending on duration of exposure as well as frequency of stimulations used in an experiment by Huang & colleagues.
Low frequency sounds have the ability to alter and synchronize brainwave patterns, known as binaural beats or brain entrainment. Under brainwave entrainment, your mind syncs its own frequencies to any differences in hertz between tones played into each ear – this results in beta waves being activated as well as more relaxing theta waves entraining with them.
Vibrobed was designed and created by Acoustic Brothers, s.r.o and employed by its authors; these authors had a conflict of interest as they participated in its design; therefore they did not take part in participant recruitment process, randomization procedure, research experiment, data measurement/analysis nor data measurement/analysis activities themselves; however they do not believe this affected the findings of their findings.
Emotional Effects
Sound has an immense effect on our emotional and mental wellbeing. It may affect the limbic system, which controls emotions and memories; music in particular can evoke various responses, while certain frequencies stimulate vagus nerve stimulation which activates parasympathetic nervous system response resulting in stress reduction and relaxation.
One woman living with cancer who used Himalayan singing bowls as sound therapy described feeling more resilient and energized after using the vibrations as healing therapy to deal with chemotherapy and radiation treatment. She credits their power as helping her manage it all better.
Vibroacoustic therapy has long been recognized for its ability to relieve chronic pain, reduce mood disorders and increase cognitive functioning. Furthermore, this therapy may increase energy levels while speeding recovery from exercise as well as improving sleep and decreasing noise sensitivity.
Sound therapy using low frequency sounds has an impactful vibrational effect on heart and blood vessel walls, helping relax muscles and relieve pain, improving breathing and digestion, as well as overall health benefits. Furthermore, sound therapy has unique ways of stimulating creativity while increasing focus.
Vibroacoustic therapy has been found to increase parasympathetic nervous system activity by increasing neural oscillation frequency, thus decreasing heart rate variability and perceived stress levels. Unfortunately, this study was only a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial; further research with objective measurements is necessary in order to confirm results.
Participants were randomly divided into two groups for this study; one group received vibration with low frequency sound combined with music listening while the other listened to a recording of natural sounds. Their acute stress responses were measured via visual analog scale for stress measurement, heart rate variability (HRV), and subjective perception measurements.
Researchers believe LFS to be an effective therapeutic tool for university student stress management. This is particularly true when combined with holistic strategies like yoga or meditation as a non-drug, holistic stress reliever. Furthermore, therapists can personalize each LFV program for each client and set frequency and amplity of sound to achieve the desired effects; 40Hz has been identified as producing parasympathetic nervous system responses which contribute towards LFS treatment programs.
Spiritual Effects
Sound healing offers an invitation into deeper states of awareness. Practitioners of mono-frequency practices such as singing bowl meditation, bells, chimes, cymbals and gongs frequently describe it as more than simply physical exercise or an outward journey; rather, sound healing offers the potential for deep self-connection and harmony through its spiritual qualities.
It may also be due to how these frequencies resonate with our own natural frequency vibrations – for instance, low frequency sounds such as those produced by Tibetan singing bowls have been shown to influence brainwaves through a process called brain entrainment, leading to altered states of awareness known as higher consciousness states for practitioners.
Lower frequencies of sound therapy can provide stress and pain relief, while higher-frequency sound therapy offers emotional and energetic balance. Tuning forks, crystal bowls and other sound therapy devices that produce precise frequencies may be used to address specific ailments like insomnia or anxiety.
As sound frequency science expands, this ancient healing practice is increasingly being integrated into modern healthcare systems. Hospitals are including sound therapies into their pain management protocols while psychologists employ sound frequency as a treatment tool for various mental health concerns.
Sound healing sessions usually produce relaxation; however, they may also serve as a platform to release emotions triggered by trauma or past experiences. Therefore, it’s essential that practitioners who understand and support this form of treatment offer sound therapy services to clients.
Other potential side effects of sound healing sessions could include allergic reactions to certain instruments or frequencies, or feeling disconnected during or after the session. It is essential for those living with mental health conditions to discuss any concerns or negative experiences with their practitioner prior to scheduling sound healing sessions and communicate openly while experiencing it as each person’s results may vary significantly.
