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"If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration" - Nikola Tesla
The therapeutic application of sound promotes healing for a variety of conditions including:
Insomnia
Migraines
Pain
Anxiety
Depression
PTSD
Attention difficulties
Balance and movement challenges
Trauma
Addiction
Other benefits of sound healing include:
Regulation of heart rate and blood pressure
Regulation of respiration
Increased circulation
Promotes homeostasis and balance in the autonomic nervous system
Strengthens the immune system
Integrates mind, body and emotions
Accelerates access to the meditative state
Creates a connection to your intuition and creative center
Opens creative blocks
As an occupational therapist with training using a sensory integration frame of reference I have a significant knowledge base regarding the auditory system and it's role in not only hearing, but balance, body posture, cortical re-energizing and psychological and arousal states. The auditory sensory system is closely linked both physically and functionally with the vestibular sensory system. The vestibular system is our sense of balance and movement and the receptors for it are the semi-circular canals in our inner ear. Sound creates vibration and vibration stimulates these receptors. Through my training in sensory integration and specifically sound therapies such as Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), I know, as research shows, that low frequencies of sound facilitate postural and motor control and higher frequencies facilitate attention and concentration. Lower frequencies (0 to approximately 750 Hz) stimulate the vestibular apparatus (the semi-circular canals in our inner ear ) and impact balance, coordination and postural stability. Mid-range frequencies (750- 3000 Hz) are the frequencies of speech and language sounds and therefore contribute to the understanding of verbal communication and are also key in attention, concentration and memory functions. The higher frequencies (above 3000 Hz) are important for self-regulation, intuition and the organization of ideas.
Stimulation of the vagus nerve and related cranial nerves by air and bone conduction through sound vibrations are proposed to have a regulatory effect on the autonomic nervous system, decreasing anxiety and thereby improving sleep, digestion and social engagement.
Sound healing is an ancient practice that spans centuries and cultures, from Gongs in 4,000 B.C., Tibetan singing bowls in the 12th century, and Australian Didgeridoos 1,500 years ago. More recently, scientific discoveries are helping explain how exactly sound works to improve health, speed healing and promote balance between the body and the mind. From studies which demonstrate that listening to the binaural beat can improve synchronization of the brain and increase clarity and calmness, to research which shows that sound vibrations can act as natural opiates which lessen pain and promote healing modern science and quantum physics are providing proof that sound therapy is an effective method of altering our physical, mental and spiritual states. To take one example, scientists know that our brain emits different brain wave patterns depending on its state. The Beta brain wave patterns occur during active focused activities such as being in a debate or when learning a new task. The Alpha state occurs when we are more relaxed, for example when we are day dreaming. Theta brain waves are even slower and occur just before sleep and are considered to be more conducive to creative thoughts; this has also been referred to as the hypnagogic state in which many artists, and inventors have found inspiration for their creations. Finally, the Delta brainwaves occur when we are sleeping. In general, Alpha, Theta and Delta brainwave frequencies promote deeper relaxation, and meditative states. During sound healing sessions instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls and tuning forks, through resonate sound frequencies, affect brain wave patterns and induce Alpha, Theta and Delta states smoothly and without effort on the listener's part. This is essentially a short cut to achieving the meditative state which research shows is so beneficial for stress reduction, self regulation, creative thinking and ultimately healing.
The resonate sounds created by the ancient Tibetan singing bowls and other sound healing tools when placed near and on the body produce a range of frequencies and provide both air and bone conduction thereby not only affecting our auditory and vestibular systems, but our brain wave patterns. This can profoundly affect our physical and emotional health. As the mind, body, and emotions are able to integrate self healing becomes possible. Whether this healing be physical, emotional or psychological sound therapy induces a profound sense of well being and a connection to your own inner wisdom.
For additional information and research regarding sound therapies please visit these sites:
Ann Arbor, MI