Understanding Sound Healing and Its Mechanisms
- Allison Jurgens
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
Nikola Tesla once said, "If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” In order to understand how sound healing works, you must first understand that vibration is the foundation of sound and that these vibrations travel through medium such as air, water, your body, the walls, etc. and have the ability to reorganize the information contained within the particles that make up matter. (Middle school science refresher…matter is anything that takes up space and has mass.)
Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that involves using a variety of instruments with specific frequencies and vibrations to encourage deep relaxation. From this relaxed state, the brain has the ability to slow and elongate the brainwaves from beta (thinking) to alpha (meditative) and theta (deep relaxation & REM sleep) where the parasympathetic nervous system activates and the body enters a state of rest & digest.
Why is this important?
When the nervous system is regulated and able to easily transition out of autonomic and into parasympathetic, an individual has the ability to actively change the biochemistry of the body out of fight/flight/freeze and into safety, security and relaxation. This process reduces adrenaline and cortisol which in turn calls the energy away from the extremities and back in toward the spinal column. Reducing cortisol and adrenaline helps reduce inflammation and allows the body to enter cellular repair.
Sound Healing...
Uses sound waves to improve physical and mental health. It involves creating specific tones and vibrations through instruments or the human voice to influence the listener’s state of mind and body. These sounds can come from singing bowls, tuning forks, gongs, drums, or even chanting.
The idea behind sound healing is that everything in the universe, including our cells, organs, tissues and bodies, vibrates at certain frequencies. When these frequencies fall out of balance due to stress, illness, or emotional challenges, sound healing helps restore harmony by introducing the appropriate vibrations.
For example, the liver vibrates within the frequency range of approximately 20 to 40 Hz. This range is significant because it's associated with various physiological processes the liver undergoes. The liver is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. In a private sound healing session we might utilize a tuning fork placed on the low back that vibrates at 30 or 40 Hz to remind the liver of its resonant frequency for optimal performance. As the liver cells feel the vibration, they entrain and begin vibrating at a similar speed.
Here's another example, the average fit person should have a resting heart rate of between 40-60 bpm with the majority of adults somewhere between 60-100 bpm. When I utilize drumming in a session, I introduce a fast, rhythmic pace and then slowly lower the intensity both in terms of volume and frequency which helps the heart match the beating of the drum. This synchronization is called entrainment, and it can be a significant tool for those who experience mitral valve prolapse (irregular or fluttering heart beat) or tachycardia (elevated heart rate).
How Sound Healing Works on the Body
When sound waves reach the body, they interact with cells, tissues, and organs to create an envelope of harmony and resonance. We utilize harmonics to restore balance and use dissonance to activate chaos. As the cells hear and feel the difference between that which is resonant and the sounds that are disharmonious, they will gravitate toward the appropriate frequencies that create coherence.
In the field of cymatics, researchers have shown how sand on a vibration plate will organize into geometric patterns based on certain frequencies or combinations of sounds. The sand gathers and creates beautiful sacred geometry when the frequencies are harmonious. Likewise when the sounds are fragmented, harsh or out of tune, the pattern is chaotic. Appropriate sounds introduce organization and a recollecting of that which is 'right' and balanced with the Earth and body. Here's a great video demonstration about cymatics and the organizing quality of sound.
Here are some ways sound healing affects the body:
Resonance and entrainment: The body’s cells and organs have natural frequencies. Sound healing uses tones that resonate with these frequencies, encouraging the body to synchronize or “entrain” to the healing vibrations. This can promote relaxation and balance.
Brainwave changes: Certain sounds can influence brainwave patterns. For example, slow, rhythmic sounds can encourage alpha and theta brainwaves, which are linked to deep relaxation and meditation.
Stress hormone reduction: Listening to calming sounds can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. This helps reduce anxiety and promotes a sense of calm.
Improved circulation: Vibrations from sound can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, supporting detoxification and healing.
Ready to try?
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