Harness the healing power of sound and music

"Sound is all around us and it has a deep impact on our body and mind. Different sounds evoke different reactions from us. The roar of the traffic can make us edgy and anxious, but playing a piece of classical music can have a calming effect on our frayed nerves," Prakriti Poddar, Global Head, Mental Health & Wellbeing, RoundGlass Living told indianexpress.com.

Sound healers use a range of instruments from gongs to alchemical crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, bells, drums flutes, chimes and tuning forks tuned to specific frequencies. (Source: Freepik)

Certain sounds and music have a calming effect on us–no wonder we listen to music to relax and unwind. This is what sound healing is based on. Post-pandemic many people have turned to alternative therapy solutions, such as sound healing, to harness the power of sound to heal stress and anxiety.

“Sound is all around us and it has a deep impact on our body and mind. Different sounds evoke different reactions from us. The roar of the traffic can make us edgy and anxious, but playing a piece of classical music can have a calming effect on our frayed nerves. Have you noticed how you reach out for your favourite song or playlist when you are feeling low or sad? That’s because certain frequencies can alter our mood and lift our spirits on the most difficult of days,” Prakriti Poddar, Global Head, Mental Health & Wellbeing, RoundGlass Living told indianexpress.com.

Quantum physics has proven that everything has vibrations–whether it is an inanimate object or the whole universe. Sound is nothing but vibrations at a certain frequency. “Sound healing is a powerful wellness tool which synchronises certain vibrational frequencies with our brain waves (a process called ‘brain entrainment’) leading to desired outcomes such as deep relaxation, rejuvenation and healing, sharper focus and attention, and better sleep,” Poddar added.

Process of sound healing

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Sound healing uses different musical instruments to create vibrations that bring harmony and balance to the body, mind and spirit.

“Sound healers use a range of instruments from gongs to alchemical crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, bells, drums flutes, chimes and tuning forks tuned to specific frequencies. A typical sound healing session may last for 45 minutes to an hour,” Poddar said.

Explaining through an example, Poddar said that Tibetan singing bowls produce sound in the frequency range of 200-400 Hertz (Hz), which is audible to the human ear. When this sound is placed on emotional or physical blockages, the range of overtones and harmonics extends into the ultrasonic, leading to deep relaxation and healing.

Similarly, she said that the Solfeggio Frequencies–a set of 9 frequencies which form the basic notes of Gregorian chants–are believed to have several healing benefits. “For instance, 174 Hz relieves pain and stress. 285 Hz heals tissues and organs. 396 Hz frees you from fear and guilt. And 639 Hz improves your relationships.”

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Different musical instruments, which create different healing frequencies, are used as per the requirements of the person seeking help.

Benefits

Sound healing uses different musical instruments and implements to create vibrations that bring harmony and balance to the body, mind and spirit. (Source: Freepik)

Certain frequencies encourage the brain to produce certain brain waves– through a process called brainwave entrainment, which creates different states of mind and being.

For instance, some frequencies can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for the rest and digest state of the body) helping the body’s organs, and tissues to rest, heal and regenerate. Other frequencies can make us more alert and focused, thereby improving our performance at work.

Citing a study, Poddar said that a 2017 theoretical review published in the Journal Psychomusicology found that sound healing is a useful therapeutic tool to reduce symptoms and improve functioning among individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Another meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies involving a total of 557 participants found that listening to music is effective in helping people with acute and chronic sleep disorders get better sleep.

ALSO READ | Music therapy: Experts on harnessing the power of notes and lyrics to make lives better

However, the expert noted that sound healing needs to be done in conjunction with counselling to achieve complete healing.

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