Sound Therapy - Portland Healing Center

Acoustic Therapies

Acoustic, Vibroacoustic, & Entrainment Therapies

“If you want to understand the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”

– Nikola Tesla

Acoustic & Vibroacoustic Therapies, Entrainment and Group Vocalization

Science’s current understanding of how sound, frequency and rhythm can affect brainwaves relies on a principle called Entrainment. Entrainment happens when our brainwaves synchronize with the input frequencies they’re hearing. Researchers now understand a remarkable amount about how our neurology responds to different frequencies of sound, and that varying these frequencies can invoke a predictable spectrum of neural response patterns in people. Lower frequencies like delta and theta waves have been shown to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. Higher frequencies in the beta and gamma range can increase alertness, focus, and creativity, and incorporating phenomena like Binaural Beats as well heightens impact. Last but not least, there is also much to say about the power of Group Rhythm and Vocalization. By leveraging the power of sound frequencies, entrainment, and people in community, acoustic therapy is a powerful, non-invasive, and soothing strategy we can use to enhance both our cognitive resilience and happiness.

Vibroacoustic Therapy

Vibroacoustic therapies stimulate neurological and musculoskeletal responses through low-frequency vibrations. Vibrations on the back, shoulders, and neck trigger synchronized neural and cellular responses, ameliorating symptoms of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Major Depressive Disorder, Acute Anxiety Disorder, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, as well as circulation issues, bone density problems, and back pain. A device by Sound Oasis (the VAT System Plus VTS-1000) is an example of a medical therapy that can be embedded in a comfortable chair. Vibroacoustics represent an exciting step forward in non-invasive therapy, and one we are excited to showcase in PHC’s first launch.

Sound Bathing

Some of the sound technologies at the Portland Healing Center began with ancient practices found in cultures across the world, such as rhythmic chanting and singing bowls. Though our current tools have taken us further we are grateful for the wisdom we’ve inherited. In addition to physical benefits Sound Bathing enhances one’s ability to meditate: while advanced meditators can clear their minds at will, it is hard, for most of us, to quiet the steady stream of noise and concern always playing in the back of our minds.

The Portland Healing Center will feature a community Sound Bath: a beautiful and restive acoustic chamber configured “sauna style,” where up to 7 people at a time can come to meditate and relax. The Sound Bath will play tracks developed by researchers at John’s Hopkins university, cycling between varying harmonic frequencies optimized to encourage relaxation, creativity, or focus.

Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are another auditory phenomenon based on the principle of entrainment, or our brains tendency to syncronize with acoustic frequencies its hearing. With binaural beats two slightly different frequencies are played in each ear- when using headphones this creates the perception of a single, consistent tone which unifies both hemispheres of the brain and relaxes us. Binaural beats allow us to achieve profound relaxation and heightened mental clarity with ease, slipping into varying types of meditative states after short periods of time.

A rich and ancient body of research has taught us that different frequencies of binaural beats can affect us in remarkably diffferent ways. For mental health, lower frequencies, such as delta and theta waves, have been associated with deep relaxation, reduced anxiety, and better sleep quality, while higher frequencies, like alpha and beta waves, can enhance concentration and mood. Several studies have looked at the ability of binaural beats to enhance creativity and to “unstick” people feeling stuck on a work project. Whether paired with mindfulness practices, other PHC equipment, or used as a standalone tool, binaural beats offer a powerful way to heal and recalibrate.

Group Vocalization: Singing!

Until recent times religious organizations were primarily responsible for convening people; singing in community is yet another ‘ancient practice’ used across time to build community and transcend everyday anxiety. Though the science is clear, and fascinating, anyone who has experienced it doesn’t need proof to know that singing, harmonizing and group rhythm have immense power to uplift and revitalize us. Singing in groups has been shown to lower cortisol, form lasting bonds between participants, and even increase motivation over time. It’s also very fun- even when people don’t sound great individually, they can sound amazing together! PHC will host singing classes and clubs for members interested in giving it a try.