Claudia Foubert
919 Paul Hardin Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
claudiaf@live.unc.edu
February 4, 2016

Dear Mrs. Boyd,

I want to inform you and your greater audience about the importance and benefits of the unfamiliar medical approach of vibroacoustic sound therapy. My name is Claudia Foubert and I am a Psychology and Neuroscience major in the undergraduate level at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am pleased to introduce you to my most recent article, A Resounding Approach to a Sounder Health, and believe that it is a perfect fit for Nature Medicine.

Music has become a prevalent, almost essential, part of our lives. We crank up the volume and reflect in this sound mirror that reveals our inner selves, lending a voice to our unspeakable feelings and transporting our bodies to distant memories. The impressive role music plays on our emotional and social state has attracted much attention from psychologists and even influenced a new wave of modern therapy. But while many of us are aware of this musical revelation, a more intriguing facet has gone largely unnoticed: the most fundamental unit of music – sound.

Unlike music, sound constantly surrounds us. The beeping of a crosswalk, the whir of a fan, and the tapping of a keyboard, although unconsciously processed, have profound effects on our whole selves. Humans are bounding bodies of energy. We are entities consisting of cells that simultaneously vibrate at a rate of eight cycles per second, in astonishing congruence with the earth. Remarkably, sounds resonate with our cores just as well. Audible or inaudible, they produce frequencies that align with the body’s core vibrations and unite body with sound. Like two dance partners, the perfect combination of frequency and being results in a harmonious ballad that feels effortless in each sway. In contrast, an incompatible vibration can disrupt our rhythm and have undesirable effects on our mood and comfort. If we could channel these “good” vibrations to tune our bodies, the benefits of a safe and natural practice would be worth something the Beach Boys would sing about! Fortunately, such a therapy exists.

Vibroacoustic sound therapy (VAST) is an alternative medical method that uses specific frequencies to heal both mind and muscle. Although this treatment has not garnered much attention, such a practice has been used far longer than one may expect. Dating as far back as 3600 BC, ancient peoples manipulated wall structure to capture sound and enhance vibrations that stimulate brain activity. Substituting chemical drugs with natural energy, this relaxation technique had a profound effect on early civilizations, so why not ours? In an age where a copious assortment of pills stock grocery shelves, people have begun to rely on the unknown and not trust in nature’s given healers. To believe that something nontangible, such as vibrations, could touch us in such a physical way may seem incredible but is really only the beauty of nature. Modern medicine should focus on VAST and expand its use as an alternative, if not preferred, mental remedy. Though, where the mind goes, the body follows. Not only do vibrations elicit mental and emotional responses, but they also contain healing properties for physiological maladies. With psychological and physiological benefits, vibroacoustic sound therapy potentiates an impactful shift in current medical perspectives.

In the continuation of this article, I will address the implementation of VAST on both mental and physical treatments as well its efficiency and practicality in regard to prescription medication. A case study will follow a young boy with cognitive and physical disabilities who develops better motor control, external awareness, and increased optimism with the use of sound technologies. I will also explore studies explaining the use of vibrations in various medical treatments, such as tissue repair and muscle strengthening. As a result, ultrasound technology will be examined as an efficient means of growth and healing at the microscopic scale. The intertwining psychological and physiological effects elucidate VAST as a promising practice that uses nature to balance nature. The power of vibrations is evermore significant as the world becomes busier, noisier, and smaller. Now is the time to listen and find the harmony within the crowd.

Please consider this article for publication as I believe that the topic of vibroacoustics will intrigue a broad audience. Feel free to contact me with any question you might have.

Thank you for your time,
Claudia Foubert