Sound has long been used as a healing modality to retune body, mind and spirit. Sound therapy promotes relaxation, inner peace and overall wellness.
Since 1996, FDA-approved devices for whole body vibration (WBV) therapy and physioacoustic therapy have been available. [45]
Benefits
Sounds we hear throughout our daily lives can have an immense effect on our mood and emotions, from traffic noise and urban bustle to tranquil sounds like birds chirping or waterfalls – they all play a part in shaping how we feel both emotionally and physically. Sound therapy has long been used to improve physical and emotional wellbeing; military troops use it for morale-boosting while premature babies benefit from hearing an orchestra perform their breathing exercises during birthing sessions. Stress contributes significantly to health issues and dis-ease; therefore it is vital that we take time out to reduce tension and recharge – music may play a vital role in alleviating tension while healing them both physically and psychologically. A growing body of research suggests music may play an effective part in relieving stress levels as well as healing them both physically.
Vibrational sound therapy employs specific frequencies and vibrations to realign and balance the body’s energetic systems. It operates under the principle that everything vibrates at some frequency or another; when our bodies’ energies become trapped or stagnant, physical discomfort and illness result. By providing targeted frequencies and vibrations for therapeutic use, sound therapy can help clear away blockages to achieve deep relaxation and vitality in its recipients.
Vibrational sound therapy offers numerous benefits, including decreased stress and anxiety levels, better sleep, enhanced focus and concentration abilities, greater immunity, stronger overall well-being and even reduced cancerous tumor growth. Studies have even demonstrated how specific sounds may help with conditions like arthritis, autoimmune disorders or even tumor reduction.
Binaural beats is an increasingly popular type of sound therapy, comprising two slightly differing frequency tones played into each ear and combined by your brain to form one single tone that may help synchronize brainwaves and promote feelings of relaxation and calm. You can listen to binaural beats either on headphones or speakers; often recommended for people suffering insomnia and stress-related conditions.
Vibrational sound therapy entails other forms of vibrational sound therapy such as tuning forks, singing bowls and gongs as well as chanting and drumming. Practitioners may incorporate vibrational sound therapy into other modalities like reiki massage acupuncture. When choosing a vibrational sound therapist it’s wise to search for credentials as well as reviews from past clients and testimonials to make an informed decision.
Techniques
When exposed to sound and vibration, our bodies react on a cellular level, which can release energy blocks and foster healthy alignment of energies for greater physical, mental and emotional well-being. This phenomenon is called music vibration therapy; its foundation lies in ancient belief that our seven chakras correspond with various areas of life. A vibrational sound therapist utilizes therapeutic singing bowls in one-on-one sessions in order to produce vibrational sounds directly on our body using therapeutic singing bowls – something music vibration therapy cannot do!
A practitioner may use a tuning fork to apply specific frequencies to various parts of the body, similar to acupuncture but without needles. Studies have demonstrated that such frequencies can relieve pain while helping with other conditions such as stress and anxiety.
Vibrational sound therapy sessions involve lying down while your practitioner uses instruments and various tools to produce sounds and vibrations designed to heal your whole being, such as Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, gongs or tuning forks. As these vibrations envelope you, they encourage relaxation as well as a state of meditation or altered consciousness.
Scientists have long supported the benefits of music therapy; while many may view it as new-age bohrabnakish, studies have proven its value. Researchers have discovered that certain music can induce relaxation and boost immune systems; additionally, music rhythms may influence our natural brainwave patterns by “brainwave entrainment.”
Studies have demonstrated the ability of music to improve memory, reduce depression, anxiety, increase bone density and speed wound healing. Music has even been used as a treatment for conditions like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis as well as helping those living with Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, some research indicates that it may stimulate neuron growth, providing potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Instruments
Since the dawn of humanity, sound and vibration have long been part of spiritual practices, meditation rituals and healing philosophies in various ancient cultures. Instruments like sacred chants, gongs and drums have long been used to induce meditative states while also aiding healing.
Vibrational sounds are produced by sound healing instruments which produce resonant frequencies that penetrate deep into the body, relieving tension and encouraging relaxation. Crystal singing bowls, for instance, are well known for producing soothing vibrations while frame drums offer deep resonance which supports meditation and deep healing. Crystal Harps are another popular choice that many find deeply relaxing and calming; resembling xylophones yet producing much ethereal sounds can also offer deep therapeutic relief.
Many of these instruments produce a wide range of tones and have their own distinct energy. Cymbals can feel both empowering and introspective at the same time; wind chimes have melodies which seem almost celestial; gongs emit powerful multidimensional vibrations to cleanse, balance and restore energetic pathways while flutes provide melodic tones with symphonic tones while the sweet rhythmic beat of a kalimba lulls you into restful relaxation.
A sound therapy session typically features multiple instruments as well as other elements, like essential oils or light and color effects to create an ambience of peace and serenity. There are even sound healing devices which transmit vibrations directly into your body via mat, pillow or similar means; one such device called Body Scanner has been found to significantly decrease chronic back and neck pain in its users.
Binaural beats is another form of vibrational sound therapy, using two slightly differing tones played into each ear to produce a difference in frequency that can synchronize brainwaves and induce theta waves, inducing meditative trance-like states and possibly treating conditions such as insomnia, depression and anxiety – and is even being studied for its potential to treat chronic pain.
Practitioners
Music vibration therapy is an integrative practice that uses musical instruments to aid healing. Music can be played individually with a sound practitioner or used collectively during sound bath sessions; participants listen to sounds such as chimes, gongs, drums, flutes, timbales, rattles singing bowls tuning forks and human voice among many other sounds.
Sound baths aim to relax and release stress in order to facilitate spiritual and energetic connection, creating a non-treatment therapy experience which is both spiritual and meditative in nature. After attending one, many experience feelings of relaxation, peace and overall increased wellbeing.
Before attending a sound bath, participants should discuss their desired goals with the practitioner. This allows the practitioner to select appropriate sounds and align themselves more closely with client energies.
Sound practitioners offer sound healing sessions in various environments, from private homes and massage studios to yoga classes and yoga retreats. Sessions typically last 90 minutes and participants should dress comfortably in loungewear; blankets or pillows may help them remain relaxed throughout.
There are various organizations that offer vibrational sound and music therapy training programs. Many offer certification of completion that could prove helpful when applying for employment in this field. Individuals can also find training programs at traditional colleges and universities that last up to two years and include general studies, psychology classes, as well as music therapy modules.
Music vibration therapy, among other practices, includes other techniques. One such method, developed by the Monroe Institute, involves listening to music with an embedded beat frequency that syncs the brainwaves of each ear; other practitioners utilize chanting or rhythm as methods of improving health and well-being.
The International Sound Therapy Association is an organization with the aim of spreading knowledge on sound therapy methods through community outreach events and workshops. Comprised of musicians, sound therapists, medical professionals and academics; its members share information regarding techniques and research on its benefits for sound healing.
