Going back to that first physics class, you may have been taught that everything in our physical world is made up of a vibration: color, light, sound, even solid objects. The atomic structure is always vibrating, and the unique wavelengths are what differentiate one frequency from the next.
The same phenomenon applies to our human bodies. Visit any doctor’s office, they likely have a tool that reads the wavelengths of your body, such as your heart rate. Every part of your body resonates at a different frequency, from each organ to various muscle tissues down to the cellular level. These wavelengths can shift depending on countless factors, including our health, environment, and energy. How harmonious your body’s frequencies are can help determine where your health may be balanced or imbalanced, and why.
This is where vibrational therapy may be helpful. Any vibration that interacts with your body has an affect on you, albeit sometimes miniscule in feeling– but still present.
Similar to how your favorite song tugs at your heart-strings, there are particular sounds that can help your body and mind actually feel better. Those frequencies may be specific to you, and what feels supportive for you now may shift and change later– just as you do. We are vibrational beings, living in a vibrational world, after all!
“If we accept that sound is vibration, and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies. Sound enters the healing equation from several directions: It may alter cellular functions through energetic effects; it may entrain biological systems to function more homeostatically; it may calm the mind and therefore the body; or it may have emotional effects, which influence neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, which in turn helps to regulate the immune system– the healer within.”
Dr. Mitchell Gaynor
The unique wavelength of every individual thing and being that exists is known as a “resonant frequency”. When two or more similar frequencies connect and harmonize, that concept in physics is called “resonance”. Say you have a guitar and a harp in the same room: if you pluck the B string on the guitar, the B string on the harp will start vibrating as well, without you touching it at all. This speaks volumes (literally) about the power of sound to have an affect even across a distance!
This same phenomenon exists in all areas of our existence. When our being is attuned to a specific frequency, we are more likely to connect with that which resonates. Consider when you’re at a live music concert: everyone in the crowd is receiving the same sound frequencies. Is it any wonder now that the chemistry, connection, and enjoyment shared between folks in the audience– even amongst complete strangers– can be so inspiring? It’s because everyone is tuning into a similar resonance field!
Cultures and traditions around the world have incorporated vibrational tools for thousands of years. From ancient times to modern day, Tibetans have used bowls, chimes, bells, and chanting as a practice to sync and balance aspects of the mind, body and spirit. These practices are tried and true– and certainly worth exploring.
Incorporating sound that supports your personal sense of well-being into your day-to-day can be significantly beneficial. Particular vibrational tools, such as singing bowls, tuning forks, or gongs, have been especially crafted to stimulate alpha and theta brain waves, which have been found to slow down the heart and respiratory rates, and thus promote a sense of peacefulness. Additional benefits may include:
- Lower stress levels and improved endocrine function
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Fewer mood swings
- Improved sleep
- Reduced fatigue
- Reduced perception of pain
- Restoration of cellular activity
- Alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD
While working with instruments can be incredible, you don’t need any tools to experience the perks of vibrational therapy! Here are three easy ways to practice vibrational healing:
- Hum, sing, use your voice!
Our throat and vocal cords are connected to the vagus nerve. When stimulated, the vagus nerve calms our parasympathetic nervous system, and overtime can reduce inflammation. We can ‘massage’ the vagus nerve when we use our voice in ways that feel good. The vagus nerve runs down to our pelvis, so when we do this, we’re also sending that healing intention throughout our whole body. Try it, even if just under your breath!
- Imbue sounds into your water– yes, really!
“The adult body is 75% water, and water is a great conductor for sound vibration. When vibrations travel through the body, they promote circulation, energy flow, and rejuvenation. The frequency of the sound synchronizes with the brainwaves and activates de-stress responses in the body.”
Malbert Lee, Gong Master
Dr. Masaru Emoto was known for his “water consciousness” experiments: He’d speak to one glass of water, “I love you” and “I hate you” onto another. Upon freezing water samples and analyzing under a microscope, he found the “I love you water” formed beautiful snowflake-like crystal structures, and the other looked far more messy and chaotic.
Critics question Emoto’s methodology, yet from observing how sound alone can ripple a water’s surface, we know that water is one of the most receptive substances to vibrational influence. Ancient traditions across a diversity of theologies have incorporated practices of “praying into the water” to amplify their blessings.
In modern day, some folks practice vocalizing an intention over their drink before consuming. This can look like imagining the emotion of having an easy, enjoyable day ahead, and sending that wish into the water. It may seem a little out there, but why not give it a try and see how you feel? Could be fun!
- Listen to recorded sound baths
Take one gander on Spotify, Youtube, or Soundcloud with search terms like “singing bowl sound healing meditation” and you’ll find a plethora of options to choose from. Find the sounds that resonate most with you and enjoy! (And if you can experience a sound bath in-person, 10/10 highly recommend it!)
Here’s a powerful Sound Bath Experience to try: Journey through the Seven Chakras with The Sacred Soundz
Vibrational therapy can be applied to further dimensions, including with food, plants, and strategic methods of ‘attraction’. We can get into all those another time, but for now, may your journey with sound be ever-expanding and supportive in all the ways you desire!
