How does it work?
Vibroacoustic stimulation, commonly referred to as sound healing, lies at the intersection of sound, touch and nervous system science. It provides a noninvasive means of working with the body when stress, pain or disregulation has become chronic and challenging to change. Many find rhythmic, low frequency vibration similar to that experienced during massage therapeutic treatments helpful in relaxing their bodies into more stable states.
Vibration therapy to support vagal regulation aims to decrease overactive muscles and create conditions favorable for parasympathetic activity. Vibrating devices typically produce different effects; lower frequencies often feel grounded and immersive while higher frequencies tend to stimulate or mobilize us further.
Vibrational therapy devices come in various shapes and price points, from full-body vibration beds and mats to cushions and treatment-table conversion kits. Their basic function is to play audio tracks containing low frequencies through embedded transducers that then transfer these vibrations directly into your body when resting against surfaces containing low frequency music or tones (music, tones or relaxation tracks); but it’s the vibration itself which provides its therapeutic benefit.
Although vibration feels good, it does not provide sensory input; rather it activates mechanotransduction – a process that triggers healing responses in muscles, fascia, nerves and brain cells – often described by clients as feeling like “cellular micro-massage”, with lasting calming effects lasting several hours post treatment.
Vibroacoustic therapy has proven its usefulness in mental health settings by aiding relaxation during psychotherapy or meditation sessions as well as serving as an add-on service to holistic services like yoga, breathwork, massage therapy and energy healing. Montare Behavioral Health in Los Angeles provides vibroacoustic therapy alongside other evidence-based approaches that focus on client needs in helping manage anxiety and depression in adults. If you would like more information, reach out to one of our clinicians – they would be delighted to discuss how vibroacoustic therapy could benefit you personally!
Are there any side effects?
Vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS), commonly referred to as music therapy or vibroacoustic stimulation (MT), combines sound vibration and music therapy with other holistic services for treating various conditions and symptoms. VAS is noninvasive treatment that uses various frequencies to stimulate the body, such as speakers, transducers or other devices. VAS dates back to the 1970s and 80s when mental health experts and inventors developed tools and techniques using sound waves therapeutically.
Studies demonstrate the power of VAT to help significantly alleviate pain, anxiety and stress. Studies show it increases delta and theta brainwave activity associated with deep sleep and relaxation as well as improving frontal alpha asymmetry that correlates with reduced cognitive arousal levels. It can also increase vagal tone which has been associated with lower blood pressure and better heart rhythm; ultimately leading to reduced anxiety as well as better breathing patterns, mood improvement and focus enhancement.
Studies have proven the efficacy of yoga therapy to aid PTSD and depression patients by stimulating the thalamus, an area involved with emotional processing and memory. Furthermore, yoga therapy also works well to relieve neuropathic pain by activating vagus nerve to lower cortisol production thereby relieving nerve-based discomfort. Furthermore, studies have also demonstrated it significantly reduces analgesic medication usage among patients; suggesting it’s an effective non-pharmacological solution to alleviate chronic discomfort.
Closed-loop vibroacoustic stimulation has been utilized by numerous studies as an effective therapy to treat Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders such as spasticity and tremors. 40Hz frequency was most often utilized, which has been shown to provide muscle relaxation and circulatory enhancement benefits. One double-blinded RCT concluded that using physioacoustic vibration programs significantly decreased motor symptoms among Parkinson’s patients as well as helping them move faster on grooved pegboard tests, an important measure of cognition.
An ongoing clinical trial is testing the efficacy of an anxiolytic treatment in alleviating anxiety and discomfort during office-based ear, nose, and throat procedures. Anyone in need of these types of otolaryngology treatments is eligible to participate.
What are the risks?
Vibroacoustic stimulation (VAT) is generally safe, but some individuals may find it uncomfortable. People with preexisting medical conditions should consult their physician prior to receiving VAT treatments; pregnant women and those who use pacemakers must not receive VAT treatments, and those suffering from epilepsy or migraines may find the vibrations produced by VAT worsen their symptoms.
Vibration sound therapy can help both adults and children reduce stress and anxiety. It has also been shown to enhance cognition for those living with ADHD and autism. Furthermore, vibration sound therapy has been known to assist those suffering from insomnia or sleep apnea as well as athletes recovering quicker after strenuous workouts, helping reduce muscle soreness after workouts and helping recover faster from strenuous physical exertion.
Vibroacoustic stimulation has also proven its worth as an aid for treating unborn babies, using a device placed over a mother’s abdomen and sending brief sounds through her skin directly to their baby. A review of 12 randomized controlled trials with 6822 participants discovered that vibroacoustic stimulation increased fetal movement during antepartum cardiotocography tests by improving their effectiveness.
Vibration therapy can also be delivered using handheld devices that send vibrations directly into specific parts of the body, known as sonic massage, which can help relax muscles or promote overall body relaxation. Meanwhile, sound bath therapy involves lying down and immersing oneself in an experience featuring soothing music or natural sounds meant to promote relaxation and well-being – this form of therapy has gained in popularity and it’s vital that its benefits for managing pain, stress and anxiety are thoroughly explored.
