(This is the second of a two-part series on sound therapy. Part one appeared on February 27, 2002.)THE METHODOLOGY of sound therapy involves the use of combinations of known frequencies of pulsating sound waves which act as mechanical stimuli to the brain. The frequency of the sound wave which induces a particular brain wave pattern have already been determined and is the essential part of the design of the recordings.
Dr. Gerald Oster, biophysicist of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, demonstrated that when different vibrations or sounds are delivered to the brain separately through each ear, the two halves of the brain function together to recognise a single third sound. The 'sound' or signal, which the brain recognises, has a frequency which is identical to the mathematical difference in frequency between the individual sounds; that is, the difference in frequency between a sound wave of 109 beats per second and one of 100 beats per second would produce a 'sound' of frequency nine beats per second. This 'sound' is called a binaural beat.
Modern physics has made it possible to induce a variety of brain states by determining precisely the binaural beat frequencies, which will induce a variety of brain states. At first small areas of the brain begin to send off signals which are identical in frequency to that of the binaural beat, but this rhythm soon spreads throughout the brain. At certain precise combinations of binaural beat frequencies, the brain can be effortlessly and gently coached, rhythm becoming more organised and integrated.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING SOUND THERAPY?
As the brain wave patterns become progressively slower the length, height and speed of the brain waves become more alike all over the brain so that both sides of the brain and the back and front seem to be in rhythm. The effect is that the left and right sides of the brain within minutes become balanced in their brainwave patterns.
In this state, the brain is intensely focused, yet very calm. This feeling is accompanied by an increased ability to learn and to remember, with flashes of extraordinary insight and rare
creativity. It is a cohesive and synchronised brain wave state, markedly different from the seemingly erratic pattern in the usual waking state, with eyes open.
There is evidence that an area within the brain which initiates the complex mechanisms of the relaxation response (the opposite of the stressor response) is activated by a known specific
binaural frequencies of sound.
It now seems clear also, that certain brain wave patterns are associated with increased amounts of several chemical messengers and transmitters (neurochemicals) of relaxation and stress release such as serotonin and endorphins. This may be the main mechanism by which sound therapy increase the user's perception of well being and as enhance the body's immune function.
WHO BENEFITS?
With the advent of sound therapy there is the promise that one will be able to influence many areas of human well-being such as pain control, stress management, increased rate of healing, improvement in emotional and mental health, modification of abnormal behaviour.
The idea of sound therapy, although new to conventional (western) medicine is gaining ground especially in the hospital care of terminally-ill persons. Specific claims, in various stages of validation, have been made of substantial benefits realised by the use of sound therapy in sleep disorders, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, grief, post-traumatic stress disorders, addiction, attention deficit disorder, impaired memory, learning disabilities, hypertension and migraine. It has also been shown to be effective in increasing general well-being and in enhancing mental abilities such as memory, learning and self mastery. There is a suggestion, yet to be proven, that it may protect the brain against natural decline in cognitive function.
Sound therapy promises to be a very important tool for personal health care in the prevention and treatment of chronic illness and for promoting general good health and fitness. The implications however for educational and penal systems are staggering, to say the least.
Footnote: Sound therapy should not be confused with subliminal sound, in which the signal or 'sound' is delivered at such a spread as to be outside of the range that is detectable by the human ear. There is also a distinction between music therapy and sound therapy. The latter although pleasant to the ear is not designed exclusively for listening pleasure.
Findings of extensive research on this subject are summarised in documents available for websites: www. centerpointe. com and www. brainsync.com.
- Dr. Sonia Davidson is a medical practitioner who also practises integrative medicine.
