Ever Wondered What Sound Healing Is?

Starting in July 2025, I will be offering sound healing sessions for up to 6 people.  Over the past 5 months, I have been training in the art of sound healing and will shortly be fully qualified after completing my case studies.

Feedback from the case studies so far includes:

“the most relaxing treatment I’ve ever had”

“I was tingling from my head to my toes and I felt an almost out of body experience”

What is Sound Healing?

Sound healing is a practice that uses specific frequencies produced by playing instruments such as gongs, singing bowls or drums.  The vibrations from the sound resonate throughout your body and mind promoting relaxation, healing, mental clarity and emotional balance.

The influence of sound on our well-being extends beyond the immediate auditory experience. Research suggests that certain frequencies can evoke emotional responses, trigger memories and induce states of relaxation or arousal. In the context of holistic health, the therapeutic potential of sound is increasingly recognised.

Sound is a rich and complex phenomenon that connects us to ourselves, to each other, and to the universe around us. Embrace it, and let it guide you on your journey!

The way we experience sound is unique to each of us. When a musician plays a low note, for instance, one person might feel something profound while another may not. Sound resonates with us based on our life experiences, meaning that the same sound can evoke different emotions and sensations for different listeners.

If you're curious about the experience or even if you've had sound healing before, see what to expect in a sound healing session with me.

What are the effects of sound healing?

Sound healing has effects on our physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Physical Health

In our physical health, one notable effect of sound vibrations on the physical body is the induction of relaxation. When exposed to calming and harmonious sounds, the nervous system responds by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the 'fight or flight' response. Simultaneously, the parasympathetic nervous system, associated with rest and relaxation, becomes more active. This shift creates a state of deep relaxation, reducing muscle tension, slowing the heart rate, and promoting an overall sense of tranquillity.

In the realm of pain relief, sound vibrations exhibit the potential to alleviate physical discomfort. Studies have suggested that exposure to specific frequencies and rhythms can modulate the perception of pain by influencing the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Additionally, the vibrational nature of sound can stimulate circulation, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to affected areas, thereby contributing to pain management and the healing process.

Mental Health

The impact of sound on cognitive functions, stress reduction, and mental clarity is a subject of growing interest in the realm of therapeutic interventions for mental health. Scientifically, the auditory stimulus has the power to modulate cognitive processes, induce stress-relieving responses, and enhance mental clarity, marking sound as a potent tool for fostering mental well-being.

Cognitive functions, including memory, attention and problem-solving, are intricately linked to the auditory experience. Studies have shown that certain types of music, ambient sounds, or rhythmic patterns can significantly enhance cognitive performance. The melodic elements of sound engage various regions of the brain responsible for memory consolidation and information processing, thereby influencing cognitive functions positively. This dynamic interaction between sound and cognition forms the basis for using sound interventions to optimise mental processes.

Stress reduction is another area where sound emerges as therapeutic. The rhythmic and harmonic qualities of soothing sounds can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, mitigating the physiological and psychological effects of stress. Whether through guided meditation with calming soundscapes or the resonance of specific frequencies, sound has the potential to regulate stress hormone levels, induce a state of relaxation, and provide you with a respite from the pressures of modern life.

Furthermore, the role of sound in promoting mental clarity is evident in practices like sound baths or meditation sessions. The intentional use of sound, whether through crystal singing bowls, gongs, or nature sounds, can create an environment conducive to mental focus and clarity. By immersing yourself in harmonious vibrations, these practices facilitate a mental reset, alleviating mental fatigue and promoting a heightened sense of awareness.

Emotional Health

Sound possesses the remarkable ability to evoke and influence a wide spectrum of emotions, laying the groundwork for its therapeutic use in supporting emotional well-being and healing. At its core, the emotional impact of sound is deeply rooted in the neurobiological pathways that link auditory stimuli to the limbic system, the brain's emotional centre. Different sounds, tones, and frequencies can stimulate specific emotional responses. For example, a melodic tune might evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia, while a dissonant sound may elicit discomfort or unease. Understanding these intricacies provides a foundation for leveraging sound as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and healing.

The resonance of certain frequencies can stimulate the production of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, contributing to feelings of pleasure, happiness, and bonding. In this way, sound becomes a catalyst for fostering emotional resilience and supporting the healing process.

Neuroscience and Sound

Recent research has begun to shed light on how sound affects the brain and the nervous system. This helps us understand the therapeutic potential of sound healing practices on the brain, nervous system and our overall well-being. While the field is still evolving, several studies have explored the impact of sound on the brain.

While these studies provide valuable insights, it's important to note that the field of sound healing and neuroscience is still emerging, and more research is needed to fully understand the nuanced interactions between sound and the brain.

Brainwave Entrainment

Sound healing often involves the use of specific frequencies and rhythms. Research suggests that external auditory stimuli can influence brainwave patterns, a phenomenon known as brainwave entrainment. For example, binaural beats, where two tones with slightly different frequencies are played into separate ears can result in a perceived third tone.  This entrainment can have potential benefits of relaxation, sleep aid, focus and attention and pain management, depending on the frequency of the tones.

Cortical Plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganise itself, known as cortical plasticity, is a key focus in neuroscience.  Studies have demonstrated that musical training can induce structural changes in the brain. This suggests that engaging with sound, particularly in a focused and intentional manner, could have neuroplastic effects, potentially contributing to cognitive enhancement.

Stress Reduction and the Autonomic Nervous System

Sound healing is often lauded for its stress-reducing effects. Research indicates that listening to specific types of music can modulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to reduced stress responses. This aligns with the principles of sound healing, which aims to create a calming and harmonising effect on the nervous system.

Neurochemical Responses

Sound can also influence neurochemical responses in the brain. A study exploring the impact of music on the endocrine system, revealed changes in cortisol levels and subjective stress responses. These findings suggest that sound has the potential to induce neurochemical changes associated with relaxation and well- being.

Emotional Processing and the Limbic System

Sound healing often involves evoking emotional responses. Neuroimaging studies have shown that music and sound can activate the limbic system, which is associated with emotional processing. This suggests that sound healing practices may influence emotional states and contribute to emotional well-being.

Sound and the Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating involuntary bodily functions.  The parasympathetic nervous system is the branch of the autonomic nervous system associated with rest and relaxation.

Sound healing and the autonomic nervous system are intricately connected and recent research has delved into understanding how sound influences the autonomic nervous system and how sound healing practices impact our physiological responses associated with stress and relaxation. Engaging with intentional sound practices can influence the autonomic balance, promoting parasympathetic activation and fostering a state of calm and well-being.

Stress Reduction and Parasympathetic Activation

Numerous studies have demonstrated that sound healing practices, such as listening to calming music or engaging in meditative sound experiences, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Research suggests that music therapy contributes to increased parasympathetic activity, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

Heart rate variability is the variation in time between successive heartbeats.  Studies have found that exposure to specific types of sounds can positively influence heart rate variability, reflecting a balanced autonomic state. Higher HRV is associated with better resilience to stress and overall cardiovascular health.

Breathing and Resonant Frequency

Sound healing often involves intentional breathing practices. Research highlights the role of resonant frequency breathing - aligning breathing with your resonant frequency - in promoting parasympathetic activation. This synchronisation with sound patterns contributes to a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system.

Cortisol Levels and Stress Response

The stress hormone cortisol is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Studies have explored the impact of sound on cortisol levels. Findings suggest that engaging with calming sounds can mitigate the physiological stress response, leading to lowered cortisol levels.

Vagal Tone Enhancement

The vagus nerve, a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system, plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions.  Research indicates that engaging with music, particularly slow-tempo and meditative sounds, can enhance vagal tone. Increased vagal tone is associated with improved emotional regulation and resilience to stress.

Sound Vibrations and Tactile Stimulation

Certain sound healing practices involve the use of instruments that produce vibrations. Research suggests that tactile stimulation through vibrations, such as those produced by singing bowls, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, contributing to relaxation responses.