Vibration Therapy For PTSD
Vibration therapy boosts production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which help regulate mood and reduce stress levels. Furthermore, vibration therapy helps lower cortisol levels – an anxiety-inducing hormone often associated with depression.
Rosado, Boerema and Regterschot conducted three separate studies that investigated the effects of WBV therapy on cognitive functions in seated participants during treatment sessions. All three showed improved performance on color word interference tests and stroop differences tests.
EMDR
EMDR, or eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is one of the most effective treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition caused by trauma such as being involved in an automobile accident or experiencing a panic attack. Symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks, being easily startled by things or people suddenly, feeling depressed or angry or avoiding places, people or activities which remind one of a traumatic event.
EMDR differs from traditional counseling in that instead of discussing traumatic events that brought you to therapy, the therapist will ask you to identify negative thoughts and emotions triggered by disturbing memories, as well as help you create new positive beliefs to replace negative ones.
Researchers still aren’t completely clear on how EMDR works, although many theories exist regarding its application. One hypothesis suggests it helps unstick trauma memories so they can be processed more appropriately by your brain reducing anxiety or other negative emotions triggered by upsetting thoughts or images.
Your loved one may experience discomfort when thinking back on trauma-related memories, but these should only last briefly. If they continue, you could suggest writing down their negative thoughts and emotions so they can discuss them with their therapist in future sessions.
Assessment and Prep are the initial phases of EMDR therapy. Your healthcare provider will explain what EMDR entails as well as provide tips on how to stabilize yourself between sessions. When the Reprocessing phase commences, they may ask you to think back on an upsetting memory or image and notice any associated emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations before using bilateral stimulation to trigger eye movements; traditionally this has meant moving their fingers side-to-side in front of your eyes – though tapping on the body or sounds are also used – each set lasting approximately 25 seconds.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy uses different sound frequencies to help people relax and heal, including music therapy, binaural beats (which combine two frequencies into what seems like one), singing bowls, tuning forks and guided sound meditations.
Many find this form of treatment to be soothing and restorative, providing relief from anxiety or the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have demonstrated how certain kinds of sound can alter brainwave patterns to induce deep relaxation states.
Studies have also demonstrated how sound can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system to relax clients, stimulating release of endorphins and cortisol levels and leading to less stress, depression and anxiety as a result of therapy sessions. Furthermore, sound can assist with sleep issues as well as decrease pain levels.
These sessions use various sounds, but some common instruments include Himalayan singing bowls and tuning forks. Although their sounds aren’t melodious like music, they can still produce soothing noises that elicit feelings of euphoria or deep peace in participants. Clients usually lie down during these sessions while wearing eye masks or blankets to stay comfortable.
Sound vibration therapy therapists can tailor each session to each client’s individual needs by gathering both verbal and nonverbal feedback from clients, then adapting treatment accordingly. This provides for more holistic approaches to treatment that improve results for individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders like mental illness and substance abuse disorder; when combined with other therapies and case-by-case medication management programs sound vibration therapy can become part of an effective comprehensive program of care.
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Vibroacoustic Therapy (VAT) uses sound and vibrations to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and accelerate healing. VAT works on the assumption that our bodies are intimately tied to rhythm and sound frequencies such as 40 Hz; certain frequencies may help restore nervous system equilibrium while supporting mental wellness.
At a VAT session, participants relax on a specially designed sound bed which emits gentle vibrations synchronized with soothing music or therapeutic sounds, creating a multisensory experience which harmonizes body and mind, encouraging relaxation while relieving stress, anxiety, depression and alleviating physical pain. VAT has also been proven to decrease heart rate and blood pressure as well as alleviate other ailments.
Researchers reported in 2022 that college students who utilized vibroacoustic devices experienced improved mood, lower fatigue levels and stress reduction, higher levels of energy and better sleep quality. Furthermore, another research team conducted by them demonstrated how whole-body vibration reduced cortisol production in rodents.
At Mattapoisett Wellness Center, we utilize an Opus SoundBed device which converts sound frequencies into mechanical vibrations that can be felt throughout the body. Researchers believe these vibrations help stimulate parasympathetic nervous system activity which lowers heart rate and decreases stress; circulation increases; beneficial chemicals released; nerve cells fire signals directly between brain and cells – these effects all result in positive health results!
Music Therapy
Music therapy has proven itself an effective treatment option for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research studies have established its efficacy in relieving symptoms while decreasing associated depressive and anxiety disorders. Music therapy uses both psychological and musical techniques – singing, playing an instrument, improvising and songwriting among them – to promote self-expression and interpersonal connection.
Music can help regulate internal systems, such as heart rate and blood pressure, as well as help people recall memories or experiences from their past. Furthermore, it can stimulate positive emotions and aid cognitive processing – for instance listening to your favorite tune can reduce negative emotions like anger and fear while prompting recall of positive experiences such as happiness or pride.
Music therapy practitioners are skilled in using music to stimulate both an emotional and cognitive response from people, making this an especially helpful therapy method when working with complex psychiatric conditions or those who have limited speech capabilities. It can especially aid children with autism, older adults who cannot speak verbally or individuals suffering from brain injuries that impede verbal communication.
A music therapist will select music carefully in order to select music that is safe and suitable for their client, such as selecting Mexican corrido which tells of deceased relatives to help clients who are grieving. Music from one’s own culture may also be effective provided it has been evaluated by a music therapist for cultural appropriateness by considering lyrics as well as traditional use in that culture.
Guided Sound Meditations
Sound therapy for PTSD can help promote relaxation and emotional regulation by helping individuals release pent-up emotions and gain control back over their lives. It provides a holistic approach to mental health care as an alternative or supplement to traditional talk therapy treatments.
Music has long been used as a form of meditation, offering numerous health and healing benefits. From Tibetan singing bowls to Aboriginal didgeridoos, music can bring immense pleasure or peace as individuals connect more deeply with themselves through it. Guided sound meditation sessions feature pleasant music or sounds designed to relax participants while encouraging them to let go of any worries; sessions can either take place face-to-face in group settings or online from the convenience of your own home.
There are other alternatives to traditional guided meditation, including sound baths and other improvised sessions, like those led by Madeleine Grace as a professional sound practitioner and healer. She specializes in Sonic Elixir sessions where she incorporates voice intonation, gong vibrations and tuning forks into unique soundscapes for each session.
These sessions feature soothing sounds to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and aid individuals with sleep issues like insomnia. Furthermore, these sessions can assist individuals in releasing any negative emotions connected with past traumas, such as anger or grief.
Sound meditations are an effective form of vibration therapy for treating various conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may be combined with other forms of therapy like EMDR, or used alone as a means to assist individuals who struggle to focus their breath. Sessions may be led by either a trained professional or self-led at home using recorded music or audiobooks as accompaniment.