"Sound is the medicine of our future."-Edgar Cayce
"Informational medicine that changes disturbed information in the biofield is going to be the future of medicine."
-Lynn McTaggart, "The Living Matrix"
What Is Tuning Fork Acupuncture?
You've probably never heard of it-I hadn't. I knew what acupuncture was because I've had a couple of sessions. Acupuncture is that very effective, yet prickly ancient Chinese therapy that sticks tiny needles in the meridians of your body to help you heal. While nobody can argue with it's efficacy, I don't like needles; I try to avoid them at all costs, so traditional acupuncture wasn't the right fit for me. I also knew what a tuning fork was because I play the guitar and have used it hundreds of times, tapping it against the body of the guitar until it rings, providing an amusing game of tune the instrument to the fork's pitch. I cannot recollect how I heard about using tuning forks for healing-maybe I stumbled across it while researching some other holistic topic, that's most likely it. But the first time I saw a picture of a tuning fork being used for healing (instead of a needle), I was fascinated. I'll admit, I'm a metaphysical nut because the metaphysical is where science and spirituality collide. It made complete sense to me to use sound to heal. We are all vibrations, right?
Sound Therapy, or Tuning Fork Acupuncture, is a non-invasive acoustic therapy that uses naturally powerful frequencies to improve brain function and to heal physical problems. I think of it as re-calibration of the body, something like a human tune-up, and who couldn't use one of those? Since the basis of sound is frequency, vibrations ranging from 20 HZ to 1,000 HZ are utilized for maximum therapeutic effect. Using the principles of Acupuncture, tuning forks are substituted for needles, making the healing process a pleasant one.
There are two types of tuning forks; weighted and unweighted. The weighted tuning forks are called "Otto Tuners" ("Otto" refers to osteophonic tuning forks using sound to vibrate bones), used on the body to relieve pain, inflammation, joint, muscle and nervous system issues. These forks have weights on each prong. The unweighted forks are used around the body's biosphere to balance nervous system, mental health and spiritual issues. Both types restore the body back to harmony.
Tuning Fork Treatments can be divided into 2 categories:
1. Sonopuncture: This term refers to the use of Tuning Forks on acupuncture points which are the meridian points, hand and feet reflexology points, and spinal reflex points of the body.
2. Biofield Balancing: This term refers to the use of Tuning forks in the energy fields and energy chakras of the body (for more info. on this method I recommend "Tuning The Human Biofield" by Eileen Day McCusack, MA).
For example, a person with Attention Deficit (ADD, ADHD) may have difficulty with focus and concentration, and a child with ADD may have learning difficulties. By applying scientific frequencies that emphasize the language zone of the brain (750 HZ-1,000 HZ), perception and phonic awareness improves resulting in enhanced ability to read and study. Or a person who suffers from painful autoimmune diseases such as Arthritis and Fibromyalgia can benefit from Sonopuncture to ease stiffness and painful joints.
How Does Sound Therapy Work?
This is where it's a no-brainer, and why I immediately understood how sound can be used to heal: because our bodies are composed of 80% water. If you've ever thrown a stone into water you've seen the frequency change on the surface as ripples spreading out. Not only are we made of water, but the body has an electromagnetic field that encases us which spreads out about 5 feet on either side of us and 2 feet over our heads and under our feet. This biofield (or Aura) is effected by other frequencies introduced to it (in the same way that water is). Because we are "frequency friendly," our bodies can be tuned the same way a musical instrument can be tuned. The tuning forks are placed on the body's meridians, bones and energy centers introducing healthier frequencies. Then the body goes about auto-tuning itself (in scientific terms this is called "entrainment").
Sound Healing in Modern Medicine
Frequency is already employed in the medical field in a variety of applications, but sound has been used as medicine as far back as the Egyptians. Today, ultrasound is used as an imaging tool during pregnancy, as a medical diagnostic tool by Sonographers, and in breaking up kidney stones (lithotripsy). Neurosurgeons use a devise called the Ultrasonic Cavitron to reduce brain tumors. The Doppler Flow Meter is used to control blood flow by releasing continuous sound, causing red blood cells to vibrate. Frequency is even used in dental offices to sterilize instruments. Many fields including the military and Physics employ the power of the sound wave. A fun fact is that the Chinese have been using the 528 HZ tuning fork as a beauty treatment for years at spas, receiving "Sound Facials."
What Can Sound Therapy Treat?
There has been some research on Tuning Fork Therapy (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317503571_The_tuning_fork_and_the_Soundtherapy, see below for more research). However, because it is based on Eastern philosophy, Western Medicine hasn't popularized this modality. Fortunately, Music Therapy is a well-known Western modality and has been linked in many research studies to improved mental and physical health. The Tomatis Method, Advanced Brain Technologies and The Mozart Effect have been using sound and music as a means for working with learning disabilities and mood modification for years.
There are commercial reasons why therapies that are sound-based are under utilized. If the public was educated about electromagnetic frequency and made use of them, pharmaceutical companies couldn't sell as many high-priced drugs, and hospitals and physicians wouldn't be profiting from illness. Therefore, the government has kept a lid on it (inventor Nicolas Tesla went to his grave with his experiments on electromagnetic fields after he proposed free electricity to the government). However, research available shows that Sound Therapies are effective for physical and psychological issues alike. For otherwise healthy folks, Sound Therapy helps to improve mental clarity, concentration, integrates thought patterns and increases energy. The following is a list of what Sound Therapy can effectively treat:
Mental
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Bipolar Disorder
- Mood Swings
- Anger
- Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit
- Memory Improvement in Alzheimers and Huntington's Disease
- Autoimmune Diseases-All Arthritis Types, Fibromyalgia, Lupus and Gout
- Blood Pressure
- Insomnia
- Fatigue/Low Energy
- Insomnia
- Digestive Problems-IBS, Gastritis, Acid Reflux (GURD)
- Cuts, bruises, insect bites
- Nausea, Coughing, Chest Infections, Sore Throat, and Sinusitis
- Chronic Pain-Back, joint and shoulder pain
- Tinnitus
- Respiratory Illness-COPD
- Menstrual Pain and Bloating
- Bone Density
- Vascular Flow
- Headache and Migraines
- Water Retention (Edema)
- Menopause/Perimenopause
- Weight Loss and Aging Skin-Sound Therapy has anti-aging properties and enhances cell vitality (the Chinese figured this out a while ago), as well as promoting weight loss.
The Magic of Nitrus Oxide
Not only can Sound Therapy revitalize the body's systems, but research indicates that the vibration from tuning forks when placed over or near the body, stimulates the release of a chemical called Nitrus Oxide (NO) delivered by the brain, skin, and immune cells. When you have a NO deficiency, symptoms arise such as: chronic fatigue, joint pain, depression, low libido, headaches, memory loss and poor digestion. These symptoms can escalate into heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimers and cancer. That's because NO has been shown to release anti-bacterial and anti-viral microbes and it fights cancer-causing free radicals (see: https://www.omnivos.com/content/pdf/RhythmofNO.pdf).
Sound Therapy Delivery
Just as acupuncturists apply needles to the meridians of the body, tuning forks apply sonic frequencies to achieve a similar effect, a welcome option for needle sensitive patients, children, and even pets. It is so safe that dogs, cats and horses respond positively to the soothing vibrations by relaxing as the unweighted tuning fork is passed over the pet's accu-points. Vets have approved acupuncture on animals when there are allergies, pain, inflammation, paralysis, arthritis, skin problems, feline asthma, diarrhea, nervous system problems (such as anxiety and separation anxiety), allergic dermatitis, hives, and gastro-intestinal problems. Activating your pet's acu-points is non-evasive and pain-free, and can be performed while you hold your pet or sit with them.
Weight Loss and Facial Rejuvenation
Another surprising benefit of Tuning Fork Acupuncture is weight loss and skin rejuvenation. Being that I'm a senior, I was excited to hear about Sound Therapy's cosmetic properties. Hey, who doesn't want to look younger and lose a few pounds? Clients report that while they came to treatment to resolve medical problems, weight loss and increased muscle tone of the face are an unexpected and welcome byproduct of this modality. No chemicals, no messy creams or masks, just quick and noticeable changes leaving you slimmer, glowing and looking more youthful.
What To Expect During Your Session
Appointments are 60-minutes in length and you will recline on a massage table. Then all you have to do is re-laaaax! The Sound Therapist does their thing with an assortment of tuning forks, sometimes placing them by the base of the fork directly on acu-points, and other times inside of the biofield which is outside of your body. You may experience tingly sensations or parts of your body will warm up while the tuning forks are activated. You may feel a sense of lightness or heaviness, while other people experience very little. Some people experience slight waves of emotion, while others feel serene and calm. But what every client agrees on is how surprisingly powerful it is.
What To Do After Your Session
What To Do After Your Session
After-care is an important aspect of receiving Tuning Fork Therapy, as clients report needing to sleep or lay low up to 24 hours afterwards. Emotions may run higher than normal (my wife cried after her second session and she seldom cries, and after my first session I had to lay down for a nap which stretched into the next day!). Some people experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in extreme cases, vomiting, loose stools or flu-like symptoms. Excessive thirst is another symptom. This is because your body and mind are detoxing, so be prepared to feel crappy for about 24 hours afterward. While I've been too chicken to try the indigenous psychedelic drug Ayahuasca, from what I've read of the detox process, this is similar, only gentler. Drink as much water as possible afterward to get the toxins and impurities flushed out of your body. Try not to over analyze and remember the detox is only temporary. Soaking in Epsom Salts is highly recommended after your session for relief of symptoms. When your body is tired, let it sleep.
Rates
It is suggested that you attend 3 appointments for maximum benefit. Compare this to acupuncture where the typical series of sessions costs an average of 70.00 per session and consists of 6 to 12 visits. Compared to acupuncture, tuning fork therapy is more cost effective (and did I mention it doesn't use needles?). However, this therapy isn't for everybody. If you are any of the following you should avoid this form of therapy:
- People with pacemakers
- Pregnant or nursing
- People with cancer (while there is research to show that vibration therapy is effective for cancer, a system compromised by cancer isn't always able to rebound from the sessions)
- People with concussions
In summary, Sound Therapy is a pain-free, fast and futuristic therapy for healing both body and mind that holds much promise for the future of mainstream medicine.
Research
1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317503571_The_tuning_fork_and_the_Soundtherapy
2. http://emotionalsoundtechniques.com/dl/free/energy_psychology_research.pdf
3. https://www.bamt.org/music-therapy.html
4. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-11233452
5. (2016). The use of magnetic fields in treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Reumatologia. 54 (4): 201-206. Published online 2016 Oct. 5.
2. http://emotionalsoundtechniques.com/dl/free/energy_psychology_research.pdf
3. https://www.bamt.org/music-therapy.html
4. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-11233452
5. (2016). The use of magnetic fields in treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Reumatologia. 54 (4): 201-206. Published online 2016 Oct. 5.
6. (1995). Rubik B, Pavek R, Greene E, Laurence D, Ward R, Al E. Manual Healing Methods. In: Rubik B, Alternative Medicine: a report to the National Institutes of Health in the US (NH Publication). Washington, DC: 1995: 113-57.
7. (2008). Minerva Med. 2008 Dec;99(6):535-7. Efficacy of HT 7 point acupressure stimulation in the treatment of insomnia in cancer patients and in patients suffering from disorders other than cancer.
1. Biofield Tuning-A Sound Approach To Wellness. Eileen McKusick, www.biofieldtuning.com
2. Vibration and the Physical Being: The Physics of Metaphysics-Pamela Warfield Hart
3. Music and Sounds in the Healing Arts: An Energy Approach-John Beaulieu
7. (2008). Minerva Med. 2008 Dec;99(6):535-7. Efficacy of HT 7 point acupressure stimulation in the treatment of insomnia in cancer patients and in patients suffering from disorders other than cancer.
Cerrone R1, Giani L, Galbiati B, Messina G, Casiraghi M, Proserpio E, Meregalli M, Trabattoni P, Lissoni P, Gardani G.
9. Tuning Forks. Smithsonian. http://americanhistory.si.edu/science/tuningfork.htm
10. www.soundintel.com
13. Health Freedom Alliance – Alice (2014). Science Theory Shows We Can Reprogram Our DNA to Heal Ourselves with Vibration. See: http://www.healthfreedoms.org/science-theory-shows-we-can-reprogram-our-dna-to-heal-ourselves-with-vibration/
14. Rosenbloom, S. (11/24/2005). What’s the Buzz? Sound Therapy. The New York Times. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/24/fashion/thursdaystyles/24sounders.html?pagewanted=all
Books
1. Biofield Tuning-A Sound Approach To Wellness. Eileen McKusick, www.biofieldtuning.com
3. Music and Sounds in the Healing Arts: An Energy Approach-John Beaulieu
4. Vibratuning-Kiki Quest
5. Vibration and the Physical Being-Pamela Warfield Hart
6. Music and Sounds in the Healing Arts-Dr. John Beaulieu
7. The 7 Secrets of Sound Healing-Jonathan Goldman
8. Biofield Energy Healing-Miranda Barthel
9. Emotional Sound Techniques Workbook-EFT with Tuning Forks
10. The Healing Power of Sound-Mitchell L. Gaynor
11. The Sound of Healing-Michael S. Tyrrell
12. Healing Is Voltage-Jerry Tenant MD
13. Music Medicine-Christine Stevens
14. Sound Healing: Your Definitive Guide
15. Being and Vibration-Joseph Rael
16. Sound: Native Teachings and Visionary Art-Joseph Rael
17. Gaynor, M.L. (2002). The Healing Power of Sound: Recovery from Life-Threatening Illness Using Sound, Voice, and Music
18. Healing At The Speed of Sound-Don Campbell
5. Vibration and the Physical Being-Pamela Warfield Hart
6. Music and Sounds in the Healing Arts-Dr. John Beaulieu
7. The 7 Secrets of Sound Healing-Jonathan Goldman
8. Biofield Energy Healing-Miranda Barthel
9. Emotional Sound Techniques Workbook-EFT with Tuning Forks
10. The Healing Power of Sound-Mitchell L. Gaynor
11. The Sound of Healing-Michael S. Tyrrell
12. Healing Is Voltage-Jerry Tenant MD
13. Music Medicine-Christine Stevens
14. Sound Healing: Your Definitive Guide
15. Being and Vibration-Joseph Rael
16. Sound: Native Teachings and Visionary Art-Joseph Rael
17. Gaynor, M.L. (2002). The Healing Power of Sound: Recovery from Life-Threatening Illness Using Sound, Voice, and Music
18. Healing At The Speed of Sound-Don Campbell