Sound as Medicine

Sound goes everywhere in the brain and body. Its vibration is not isolated to just the hearing or auditory centers. The whole body can listen. 

If we think of sound as vibration, if we regard our bodies as vessels made up of over 70% water, and if we know that sound travels five times more efficiently through water than through air, we can value the potential of sound to affect our well-being. We hear with the whole body.

Sound travels through the inner ear as vibrational energy. Almost all cranial nerves lead to the ear including the tenth cranial nerve called the vagus nerve. Deriving its name from Latin, meaning to wander, the vagus nerve travels from the ear making its way to the larynx, the muscles of the back, the legs, the heart, the diaphragm and internal organs. Through this nerve, we are able to access the parasympathetic part of our nervous system (otherwise known as the rest and digest aspect of the system) which allows us to relax. Through sound and breath, we can lower or heart rate and affect our relaxation response. One of the key roles of the vagus nerve is to act as a “reset” button, allowing us to go from stress response to a balancing, healing mode.

We have all experienced the power of music to shift and alter states of mind and emotion by listening to a favorite song or feeling the power of an orchestra. The use of sound in a Sound Bath or Sound Meditation helps us access our self-connection and self-healing.

The primary benefit of this modality is accessing the relaxation response which in turn reduces stress, inviting a blossoming of self-exploration and healing. Sound can guide us to unblocking, allowing ease and creativity to flower.