The Science of Sound Healing
Exploring Sound on a Cellular & Esoteric Level
Sound, as we know it today, is a vibrational energy that takes the form of waves. These waves are scientifically measured in hertz (Hz), which is the number of vibrations per second. The human ear can interpret and hear from 16 to 25,00 Hz.
The laws of physics state that everything in the universe vibrates - thus everything has a sound frequency.
Thousands of years of history prove that music, sound, frequency, and harmonics have the power to profoundly affect health and well-being. Integration of sound can generate and cultivate profound healing.
There is emerging scientific evidence that proves the science behind those ancient practices. Sound can have an effect on the body from a cellular level. I am here to debunk the myths, unwrap the science, and talk a little bit about the mysticism behind music & sound.
Ancient Sound Rituals
Sound healing has deep roots in traditional practices, rituals, ceremonies, and medicine. Ancient Egyptians used medical incantations as a healing modality. Native Americans used song, chanting, and dance in their ceremonies. In ancient Greece, physicians often incorporated musical sounds and instruments as a healing modality for digestion, mental disturbance, and sleep. In Tibetan and Himalayan cultures, sound healers use bells and gongs to create vibrational sounds in spiritual and healing ceremonies conducted by Monks in Nepal and Tibet 1.
Many cultures speak of the way in which sound was a means for the creation of the Universe. In ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Tibet, and India, the study of sound was a sacred science based on the conception that vibration is the causative form of the universe. The ancients believed that sound had a profound effect on healing and if a vibrational energy or frequency was altered this would bring out a state of disease. When an organ or part of the body is in a state of health -it will create a natural resonant frequency - harmonious with the rest of the body. However, when disease sets in, that part of the body will vibrate with a different frequency.
Cultural practices around music and song have been carried on throughout ancient history and into the modern world. Sound healing in the Western world is believed to be pioneered by an English osteopath Sir Peter Guy Manners in the mid-20th century. He dedicated his life research to sound healing modalities, focusing on specifically audible voice frequency. Sir Peter Manners believed that this modality would stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote optimal health. He combined his research and his love of sound to treat chronic conditions such as arthritis. Throughout his dedicated years of research, Manners discovered over 600 healing frequencies and vibrations, linking each with various body parts, similar to the chakras 2.
Today, sound healing is popular around the world as therapy and a modality for meditation and mindfulness. Various types of sound instruments and frequencies exist, including binaural beats, mantras and chanting, tuning forks, gongs and bells, sound baths with singing bowls, and more.
This article will discuss the science of sound healing and how various sounds and frequencies can tune the body on a cellular level.
Chronic Stress Epidemic
The impact of chronic stress on our health is undeniable, leading to a range of issues such as inflammation, mental health disorders, heart diseases, diabetes, addiction, and more. The causes of stress are numerous, including lifestyle, toxic exposure, and nutritional deficiencies. With this in mind, many people are turning to Eastern integrative medicine, which combines ancient traditional practices and treatments, as a potential way to reduce stress and improve public health.
Studies have examined the potential effects of singing bowl meditation on mood, tension, anxiety, physical pain, and spiritual well-being. Results indicated that sound meditation increases relaxation and decreases feelings of stress, and can impact the cellular DNA.
Everything in the Universe Vibrates
The Law of Resonance states that everything in the universe vibrates. Because everything in the Universe is in a state of vibration - everything in the universe also has sound. Organs of the human body create vibrational waves that when in good health vibrate in perfect harmony with one another. When the body is in a state of unalignment, vibrational frequencies will be off. This can create states of disease. Rhythms of the body can be tuned and altered through the use of sound- this is known as “entrainment”. Powerful rhythmic vibrations of one object can alter and synchronize objects exposed to that vibrational energy. Through sound, we are able to change the rhythm of our brainwaves, heartbeat, and cellular DNA.
Sound Takes Shape:
We see the way that sound can impact structures and shapes in the 3D physical form through experiments with both organic and inorganic substances. For example, extensive research has been conducted on the impact of sound on water. It has been shown that sound can impact water by altering its structure, when various hertz are played near running water, you can physically see the water changing shape. Water molecules will also change their shape when exposed to various frequencies.
Another Swiss Scientist by the name of Dr Hans Jenny published the famous study on Cymatics: The Study of Wave Phenomena in 1967, after completing a doctorate at the Rudolph Steiner School in Zürich. Jenny spent ten years of his life observing and photographing the effects of sound on inorganic objects. When playing specific frequencies near these objects, they began to physically shift in form. Below is an image from one of Jenny’s experiments.
DNA Repair
528 Hz frequency has been shown to create perfectly structured water molecules in a hexagonal or clustered state- this can impact our DNA.
The law of Entrainment states that different rhythms of the body may be changed through sound. This is shown in our DNA molecules through the use of structured or altered water.
Studies have also shown that a 528-hertz frequency can positively affect DNA by restructuring water molecules in our body, which can help improve cell regeneration and healing.
The vibration of the 528-hertz frequency causes the water molecules to form a hexagonal shape, which is believed to be a more stable and harmonious arrangement than the chaotic and disorganized structure of water molecules in their normal state. Because clustered (hexagonal) water is smaller than bound or chaotic water, it flows more easily through cell membranes and thus is better at removing impurities. The larger, bound water does not flow easily through cell membranes, and therefore the impurities remain and can eventually result in illness. This more stable structure allows water molecules to better facilitate cellular repair processes, including DNA repair.
528 Hz frequency is frequent in nature and is found in chlorophyll, oxygen, rainbows, sunlight, and the buzzing of bees.
Impact on Brainwaves & Consciousness:
Studies have shown that the repetitive and soothing sound vibrations produced by singing bowls can stimulate alpha and theta brainwaves, which are associated with relaxation and meditation. When the brainwaves are entrained into these frequencies, the mind can enter a deeply relaxed state that promotes healing. This effect can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. We can measure the various hz of brainwaves and see how they are altered in various states of consciousness.
Beta waves - from 14- 20 hz, which are found in our normal waking state of consciousness
Alpha waves - from 8 - 13 hz which occur when we daydream or meditate
Theta waves - from 4- 7 hz which occur in states of deep meditation or sleep and shamanic activity.
Delta Waves - from .5- 3 hz which occur in deep sleep and have been found in very profound states of meditation and healing
Everything In the Universe Vibrates & is in Flow:
Harmonics are sound vibrations that occur at multiples of the fundamental frequency. When playing a musical instrument, the fundamental note, such as C, generates additional notes known as harmonics or overtones. These harmonics vibrate at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency, like 2:1, 3:1, and so on. This phenomenon applies to all musical notes, as each has its own set of harmonics. While different instruments may be tuned to different frequencies, the mathematical ratios between harmonics always exist. Our bodies can resonate or synchronize with external vibrations, such as those of the Earth. The frequency associated with the Earth's rotation is approximately 0.000,000,694 Hz, this frequency is inaudible but when raised 24 octaves, we are able to generate an audible sound of about 194.74 hz: an audible G. G is thus, the note that resonates with the universe. When using sound bowls and tuning forks at 194.74 hz, we can begin to entrain our bodies with the frequency of the earth; creating grounding-like energy.
The Power of Words & Affirmations
FREQUENCY + INTENTION = HEALING
While the frequency of a sound is important when considering its healing mechanism, almost as important is the intention behind the sound. Many studies have been conducted on plant growth in response to words of affirmation. Research shows that plants spoken to positively and praised with encouraging words of affirmation grow quicker and healthier compared to the plant which are spoken down to under otherwise the same exact conditions.
This experiment anyone can do in their own home, and proves the power of intention behind a sound is as important as the sound frequency itself.
When using sound for healing modality, the intention behind the sound is as important as the frequency.
Sound To Mitigate Stress & Promote Healing
Understanding the influence of frequency and sound on objects around us, along with the study of intention and positive affirmation, allows us to harness sound for healing at both physical and esoteric levels.
Sound has the ability to affect the structure of water molecules within our bodies and facilitate DNA repair at a cellular level. This repair process plays a crucial role in combating stress, aging, and diseases. Furthermore, when we utilize affirming words with positive intentions, we can tap into the spiritual and esoteric aspects of healing. Affirmations serve as a powerful tool to initiate healing from within, nurturing a holistic approach to well-being.
REFERENCES
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Goldsby TL, Goldsby ME. Eastern Integrative Medicine and Ancient Sound Healing Treatments for Stress: Recent Research Advances. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2020 Dec;19(6)
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Masala, Daniele, and Valentina Merolle Merolle. The Tuning Fork and the “Soundtherapy,” 1 June 2017, https://doi.org/https://sensesandsciences.com/index.php/Senses/article/view/111/102.
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REFERENCE: Goldsby TL, Goldsby ME, McWalters M, Mills PJ. Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(3):401-406. doi:10.1177/2156587216668109
