Music soothes the soul, we have all heard the saying. But can it also ease pain? That is the promise of sound therapy. In this article, we explore the benefits of this age-old practice, also known as sound healing or vibrational therapy, which is gaining serious attention in the medical field.
What is sound therapy?
A sound therapist can work with a wide range of instruments, including Tibetan healing bowls, crystal sound bowls, gongs for gong bath therapy, tuning forks used in tuning fork therapy, Koshi chimes, drums, overtone singing, rain sticks and other objects that produce the desired vibratory frequencies.
Since sound therapy is aimed at anyone seeking relief from physical or emotional discomfort, it is important to choose the instruments best suited to each individual’s needs. Each produces different vibratory frequencies that may help with relaxation therapy, pain relief, or emotional release.
What instruments are used in sound therapy?
A sound therapist can work with a wide range of instruments, including Tibetan healing bowls, crystal sound bowls, gongs for gong bath therapy, tuning forks used in tuning fork therapy, Koshi chimes, drums, overtone singing, rain sticks and other objects that produce the desired vibratory frequencies.
Since sound therapy is aimed at anyone seeking relief from physical or emotional discomfort, it is important to choose the instruments best suited to each individual’s needs. Each produces different vibratory frequencies that may help with relaxation therapy, pain relief, or emotional release.
What happens in a sound bath?
There is no fixed format, as every therapist has their own approach. Even so, most sessions share common elements:
- A calm, quiet setting designed to encourage deep relaxation
- Clients lying down to be as comfortable and receptive as possible
- A sequence of sounds chosen to support meditation, stress reduction or natural pain relief
This immersive experience is often called a sound bath, where sound waves wash over the body. Many people search for “what happens in a sound bath”, and the answer is simple: it is designed to soothe, balance and reset both body and mind.
Other Forms of Sound Therapy
The type of treatment described above is considered a form of complementary therapy. There are, however, two other sound-based approaches aimed at pain relief that are carried out by healthcare professionals.
Ultrasound therapy in medicine
Following a cardiovascular incident, a patient may have a stent fitted to keep an artery or vein open. In some cases, the vessel can narrow again during the healing process. One area of research involves using ultrasound therapy, a form of sound vibration directed inside the treated vessel to help prevent this from happening. Current results for ultrasound cardiology are inconclusive, and more studies are needed.
Snoezelen therapy
Developed in the Netherlands in 1974, Snoezelen therapy is a type of sensory room therapy designed to soothe and relax. It combines gentle lighting, calming music and multi-sensory stimulation to help people with sensory impairments or stress-related conditions. Today, relaxation therapy in healthcare is expanding as hospitals seek new ways to reduce stress and anxiety.
What are the benefits of sound therapy?
Once considered obscure, practices such as Tibetan singing bowl therapy are now being studied more scientifically.
- Music therapy has long been known for its calming and pain-relieving effects.
- Sound vibration therapy stimulates receptors in the skin, which send signals to the brain and trigger the release of serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin – effects ressembling meditation or hypnosis.
- Some specialists are exploring sound therapy for pain management before and after cardiac procedures for its calming and soothing impact.
Doctors and patients alike are showing growing interest in non-invasive therapies such as sound healing, particularly for easing the symptoms of chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
In one study* of 40 women aged 30 to 60 with fibromyalgia, three weekly tuning-fork sessions over the course of three weeks led to significant reductions in pain. The researchers also found that sound therapy provided added benefits in managing the condition beyond relaxation alone.
Sound baths are therefore emerging as a promising drug-free approach to pain management.
Can the Losonnante Audio Terminal Be Used for Sound Therapy?
Losonnante is the only company worldwide producing bone conduction audio terminals. Within the field of sound healing therapy, our technology has strong potential for relaxation and wellbeing:
- A technology built on vibration: Like sound therapy, bone conduction works by transmitting sound waves through the bones to the inner ear.
- Immersive, enveloping listening: Placing your hands over your ears instantly helps you tune into yourself. This simple gesture blocks out the outside world, creating a state of calm similar to meditation.
- Bespoke soundtracks: Our in-house studio can create content for sound therapy sessions, from music to spoken word.
- Easy to keep and clean: Designed for busy public spaces, the Losonnante terminal has an ultra-durable Corian front panel suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- A new way to listen: Users often describe the experience as unique and surprisingly powerful. Listening through Losonnante has a clear relaxing effect, making it ideal for relaxation spaces in public places such as stations, airports or hospitals, where even a short break can make a difference.
*Joris Bohnenkamp. Évaluation de la sonothérapie au sein d’une population de femmes fibromyalgiques âgées de 30 à 60 ans. Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]. 2023. ⟨dumas-04087801⟩
