How does Sound Healing work?

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All matter vibrates, every atom in the universe is in constant motion and has it's own unique frequency. 

When we are unwell, injured or simply stressed, that cellular frequency is affected. There are a number of ways that Sound Healing can interact holistically with our body, mind and spirit, to begin the process of healing, rejuvenation and relaxation.

Working with the physical body, playing Sound Healing instruments can help to restore our cells to their natural frequency, via the process of Sympathetic Resonance. This occurs when a vibratory body responds to external vibrations. Since our body is essentially composed of water (60-70% depending on sex, age diet, etc.), the sound waves readily pass through and affect our cells. By using the sound healing tools around or in close proximity to the body, it can help to change the cellular frequency of areas of imbalance, so that original vibratory frequencies can be restored. Joined with our conscious intention, this ‘re-set’ of the vibrational frequency of the cells, can begin promoting holistic healing.

Sound Healing also works on consciousness by causing the brain to 'follow' a sound, putting us quickly and effectively into a relaxed state, similar to meditation in its effects. This is known as Entrainment and is used in sound healing to stimulate the brainwave frequencies (see below) that are associated with relaxation, positive well-being and healing. 

Entrainment is when two separate oscillating wave forms gradually fall into phase and become one. The principle is universal and can be observed in many scientific and natural systems: chemistry, neurology, biology, astronomy, etc.

For example, If the brain is presented with a repeating stimulus, (such as the sounds produced by a singing bowl), it responds by gradually synchronising it's cycles to the same rhythm. Since brainwaves are intrinsically linked with states of consciousness, when we create a range of sounds that induce these brainwave states, we introduce deep relaxation to body and mind. 

Finally, the sound instruments also interact with our Bio-field (also known as the Subtle Body or 'Aura') and energy centres (Chakras), revitalising and refreshing our energetic patterns. This area is obviously a little more contentious, as the specifics of their existence is not generally accepted by the wider scientific community. However, through the research of committed individuals, such as the late Dr. Valerie Hunt (former Professor Emeritus of Physiological Science, UCLA) and many others, exciting discoveries have been made and attitudes are beginning to change. Given that many studies have examined the beneficial effects sound waves have with the body and mind, it only logically follows that they should also beneficially interact with our energy field and energy centres too.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT BRAINWAVE STATES?

There are a number of different brainwave states, which the brain activates at various times of the day or night, depending on the state of consciousness. There is always a dominant brainwave state; however, the brain does not solely activate one brainwave state at any given time, but instead 'pulses' in different areas of the brain simultaneously, with one main state prevailing. 

Each of these brainwave states occurs in a specific frequency range, measured in cycles per second or 'Hertz' (Hz) and is measurable using Electroencephalography (EEG), a scan where electrodes are placed on the head and the brainwave patterns and frequency measured. Studies using an EEG scan have shown that singing bowls and other sound healing instruments can alter our brainwave patterns rapidly, more quickly in fact than in traditional meditation techniques, allowing us to reap the benefits of deep states of relaxation almost immediately. 

The brainwave patterns of relaxation/meditation are:

 -  THETA pattern: The theta pattern operates at a frequency of 4–7 Hz. It is associated with meditation, the subconscious mind, intuition, daydreaming, creativity, emotional response, an inability to focus or concentrate, and deep relaxation. It is also the brainwave state experienced during hypnosis, and sleep in the rapid eye movement (REM) or dream phase.

-  ALPHA pattern: The alpha pattern operates at a frequency of 8–12 Hz and is associated with relaxed wakefulness or can occur during light meditation. The alpha wave is typically produced by the right hemisphere of the brain, but often is synchronized across both right and left hemispheres. The alpha range becomes dominant when a person closes their eyes and focuses on relaxing. Alpha activity is linked to drowsiness, calm, and boosted mood. The alpha state facilitates a bridge between conscious thought and the unconscious mind, and plays an important role in our sleep-wake cycle. Researchers believe that it is a natural cure for anxiety and stress. 

Other brainwave patterns are:

-  BETA pattern: The beta pattern is our normal state of wakeful consciousness and operates at a frequency of 13–30 Hz. This frequency range may help promote concentration and alertness, but it can also increase anxiety in the higher end.

Low Beta activity of 12 Hz – 15 Hz is often associated with quiet, focused, introverted concentration.

Mid-Range Beta Waves of 15 Hz – 20 Hz are commonly associated with increases in energy, anxiety, and performance.

High Beta Waves in the 18 Hz – 30 Hz are associated with significant stress, anxiety, paranoia, high energy, and high arousal.

-  DELTA pattern: The delta pattern operates at a frequency of 0.5–4 Hz and are the slowest brainwaves. They are usually produced during the deep stages of dreamless sleep, and are linked to regulating unconscious bodily processes: heart beat, kidney and digestive functioning and hormone release. The benefits associated with Delta waves include: better sleep, boosted immune system functioning, improved healing and increased empathy.

-  GAMMA pattern: This frequency pattern is the fastest at a range of 30–50+ Hz. They are able to link and process information throughout the entire brain. Gamma wave activity has been associated with having increased problem solving skills, increased/peak focus, compassion, self-control, and intelligence. They have also been observed in short bursts during REM sleep. They play a role in helping us to perceive reality; with memorisation; and are associated with ‘light bulb’ moments of inspiration, higher meditative states and transcendant moments of epiphany. 

CAN WE 'SEE' SOUND HEALING?

Interestingly, we can also 'see' the harmonising effects of the sound waves through the science of Cymatics. This is where a physical medium, such as sand, is used to map the beautiful mandala-like frequency patterns formed by sound frequencies. This can also be demonstrated using a fluid medium (such as water patterns, inside an activated singing bowl), and electronically, with an instrument called a Cymascope. There are a number of videos displaying these on YouTube, here, here and here. The Cymascope website also has a lot of interesting information.

The combination of all these processes in a Sound Bath and/or Sound Healing session, present a welcome opportunity to refresh the entire body, mind and spirit, holistically. Sound Healing can initially let us deeply relax, whilst subtly and gently activating the body's natural healing.