Forms of sound therapy have been used to facilitate healing for thousands of years around the world. Chanting, drumming, singing, and instrumentation can all create change in the body and mind. The ancient Greek mathematics mystic Pythagoras even developed a mathematically based musical scale that had such profound effects that it was brought to the Christian Church by St Ambrose. Playing Mozart to children has been hypothesized to encourage cognitive ability, and encouraging them to play an instrument has been shown to raise scores on proficiency exams. Some clinical studies suggest that low frequency sound can reduce fibromyalgia pain. Other studies support the use of binaural beats (a specific form of sound therapy) as part of the treatment for attention and learning deficit disorders.
How does it work? Sound can creates shifts through synchronizing brainwave patterns, by providing a stable frequency for the brain to attune to. Rhythm and frequency can raise (speed up) or lower (slow down) brainwave patterns to enhance cognition, induce a meditative state, and even prompt the body to repair itself. During stage four sleep, the body is repairing itself. This is when the brain is producing a high percentage of delta brainwaves. By using specific frequencies and tones, those same patterns can be induced, thereby fostering the healing process. Some doctors encourage the use of sound therapy alongside allopathic medicine, arguing that it lowers stress hormones and strengthens immune systems.
Through my work in addiction treatment, I have been developing a modality of sound therapy that helps the client both increase their self control and reduce disordered thinking by teaching them to redirect their attention. In addition to the primary benefits, I am finding that it resets sleep patterns and reduces the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and anxiety. I intend to partner with a research team for clinical studies on this. In the meantime, I am seeing enough anecdotal results to begin training others to perform the treatments, and I am gathering initial data whenever I offer the therapy to the public.
If you are interested in experiencing a Therapeutic Sound Bowl Meditation, I will be offering a public one on Sunday, November 26th, from 5:00 to 6:00pm at The Crystal Matrix in Atwater Village. Bring a yoga mat or blanket to lay on. Private sessions are also available by appointment.
If you are interested in attending the Practitioner Training that begins in January, you can register here.