What are sound waves? Learn how sound travels and what happens when it collides with your body.

Sound is a form of living vibration that interacts with the human body and psyche on multiple levels.

Have you ever noticed how certain sounds can make you feel comforted, while others might stress you out? Have you ever wondered what a sound wave actually is and how those waves make it to your ears for you to hear? What about the impact that various sounds can have on your health and wellbeing? These are questions that I began asking myself many years ago, and the answers are what led me to pursue a career in sound therapy. In this article, I will share with you the basics of how sound works and the effect that sound can have on us.

What is sound? 

Everything you perceive, including yourself, the chair you’re sitting, the device you are reading this on and the food you eat is in motion. Yes, tiny particles are vibrating at such a high rate that it’s imperceptible to the human eye. When an object vibrates, it creates waves that travel through mediums such as air, water, or solids. Sound is a form of energy that is produced through these vibrations. The frequency (measured in Hertz) and amplitude (measured in decibels) of these vibrations determine the pitch and volume of the sounds we hear. When particles vibrate within the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, we perceive it as audible sound.

How does sound interact with our body and ears? 

When sound waves reach our bodies, our ears capture these vibrations and send them to the brain for interpretation, where they are sorted, identified, and recognised through our memory. Even inaudible vibrations, such as those travelling through water or solids, still impact our bodies at a cellular level, influencing processes such as circulation, digestion, and neural activity.

Effects of sound on the brain and nervous system 

Sound has the power to actively stimulate the brain and influence neural pathways to trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can boost mood and ease pain. For example, specific sounds and frequencies can induce relaxation, reduce stress levels, and enhance cognitive functions such as focus and clarity. While other sounds and frequencies may influence heart rate variability, breathing patterns and have even been used in medical treatments to target and destroy specific cells (ultrasonic).1 Knowing how to use sound for therapeutic intent is an acquired expertise and is becoming increasingly recognised for its ability to complement traditional medical treatments.

What to do when you feel stressed and overwhelmed? Turn to sound therapy, of course! 

Sound therapy can be used both to target specific conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and stress, as well as for general relaxation and meditation to achieve deep peace. In my practice, I've applied sound in diverse settings such as hospitals, in corporate environments, with children, athletes and individuals nearing the end of life. Each session incorporates specific instruments that are customised to meet the client's needs, highlighting its versatility. 

Instruments such as singing bowls, tuning forks, gongs and chimes are used for their ability to produce rich harmonic frequencies and overtones. Harmonic frequencies and overtones are higher-pitched sounds that accompany the fundamental (or main sound), they contribute to creating an environment that promotes harmony within the body and mind. The shape, size, and material of the instruments influence the quality, timbre (flavour) and direction of the sound waves they produce, and thus they each have a unique effect on how the sound is perceived by the ears and body. With that in mind, each instrument can be used intentionally to create sonic environments that induce specific therapeutic outcomes.

Is sound therapy safe for everyone?

The field of sound therapy, although ancient in its roots, has only recently begun to make a resurgence and is really still in its infancy. Therefore, it’s essential if you wish to attend a sound therapy session that you seek out qualified practitioners who understand the nuances of sound and its effects and limitations. While generally safe, certain medical conditions may require precautions or adjustments in the therapeutic approach. Additionally, because of the ability of sound to illicit memory recall and emotion, it’s important to ensure the practitioner you choose with has the skillset to work with sensitivity and apply appropriate techniques to ensure the therapeutic process is safe and supportive for you. 

Sound for holistic wellbeing

There is much more that can be said about the beneficial effects of sound. Hopefully through this introduction and learning about how sound waves travel and interact with our bodies, you can already begin to appreciate the impact it has on our physical, emotional, and mental health. Whether you're curious about exploring new avenues for relaxation, looking for ways to deepen your meditation practice, or seeking relief from specific health issues, sound therapy offers a holistic approach that’s well worth exploring.

If you are ready to experience the transformative effects of sound therapy get in touch to schedule a session and experience the benefits firsthand and embark on a journey towards enhanced wellbeing and harmony.

Endnote:

1.  These ultrasonic frequencies are used because they can penetrate tissues deeply and focus energy precisely on targeted cells without causing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

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This article is authored by Nicole Sultana, who holds a Post Graduate Degree in Spiritual Care, a Post Graduate Certificate in Business (Marketing), and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sports Science/Human Movement. In addition, she is a Certified Therapeutic Sound Practitioner and a Death Doula. Nicole is the founder of Sound Consciousness, a company that offers wellbeing strategies and therapeutic sound practices to help individuals achieve peak performance in their professional lives, relationships, and personal aspirations.

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