Brewer, Jane F. “Hearing Sounds.” Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery 4.1 (1998): 7-12. Science Direct. 2016 Elsevier B.V., 1 June 2006. Web. 25 Jan. 2016.
Musical vibrations can synchronize physical responses and emotions between people, resolving social conflicts. Thus, the article explores how such physical and emotional change can be used in medical therapy. Several case studies are presented demonstrating the effects of sound waves – calmness, focus/alertness, relaxation – on students and patients. The human body is an energetic entity consisting of cells that vibrate at 8 cycles per second, in congruence with the earth. Music, audible or inaudible, can produce frequencies that align with the body’s core vibrations and create harmony and peace within. Music therapy specifically aims at reducing pain and anxiety, helping patients reach another state of consciousness by altering their perception of time and connecting both brain hemispheres. At higher frequencies, sound waves are translated into colors that, in turn, cause different emotions, aligning the senses. Nonetheless, every individual is different and must find a frequency that aligns with their body’s own tune and produces a matching color and emotion.
Mitragotri, Samir. “Healing Sound: The Use of Ultrasound in Drug Delivery and Other Therapeutic Applications.” Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery 4.3 (2005): 255-60. Nature. 2016 Macmillan Publishers Limited, 1 Mar. 2005. Web. 25 Jan. 2016.
The article discusses modern, therapeutic uses of clinical ultrasound. Ultrasound is able to target specific muscles and cells and relax tissues with heat-inducing sound waves. Such a process is also outlined to explain deep biological and chemical effects. Using different frequencies, medical ultrasound is combined with drugs in order to penetrate the permeability of the skin barrier and allow easy drug intake and diffusion. In addition, ultrasound facilitates healing in tissues, specifically bones, as a result of induced protein synthesis. Overall, ultrasound is now used in a variety of instances but needs to be further studied due to its diverse and unknown effects.
“Discovery of Ancient “Super-Acoustics” may have Modern Therapeutic Value.” PR Newswire. 9 Jul 2014. ProQuest. Web. 25 Jan. 2016
In Malta’s underground Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, scientists have discovered that the use of vibrations to stimulate human brain activity has long been used, dating as far as 3600-2400 BC. Once a temple for the dead, the Hypogeum also served as an acoustic chamber where the presence of double resonance frequencies led to hallucinations and deep meditation. The temple’s architecture portrays the knowledge of the ancient people since its use of concave walls, niches, and cuts greatly resembles modern designs structured to control sound waves.
Roelants, Machteld, Christophe Delecluse, and Sabine M. Verschueren. “Whole-Body-Vibration Training Increases Knee-Extension Strength and Speed of Movement in Older Women.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 52.6 (2004): 901-08. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.
Research was conducted to examine the long term effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on muscle strength in older women. After twelve weeks, women who had experienced WBV training improved significantly in isometric and dynamic strength, speed of movement in knee extension, and counter movement jump performance. Although the study continued for twenty-four weeks, the most significant improvements were most prevalent after twelve weeks of training. Standing on a platform, women would receive vibrations and frequencies that stimulated reflexive muscle contractions similar to those during physical activity. In the end, the research discusses the idea that unloaded (immobile) WBV training may serve as a safer therapy than resistance training for the elderly.
Ellis, Phil. “Improving Quality of Life and Well-Being for Children and the Elderly through Vibroacoustic Sound Therapy.” Lecture Notes in Computer Science Computers Helping People with Special Needs3118 (2004): 416-22. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.
In 1992, a research project sought to use Vibroacoustic Sound Therapy (VAST) to help handicapped children better control their motor movements and express themselves with the surrounding world. Several musical technologies were used for different physiological purposes, focusing on the use of sounds and vibrations to elicit communication, self-awareness, and self-control. One case study follows a young boy, M, who experienced many cognitive and physical disabilities but became happier and more relaxed with five years of VAST. Once having uncontrollable spasms and lacking response to external stimuli, M began to smile, have smoother muscle movements, focus, and communicate with his surroundings.