FAQs

Here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions about sound healing. 

If you have another question, please reach out in via our Contact page. 

What is sound healing?

Sound Healing is a powerful therapy that combines different healing sounds, music, and sound healing instruments to improve our multidimensional well-being by creating a beautiful experience, where all layers of our luminous energy field (body, mind, soul, spirit) are awakened gently and lovingly.

Sound healing instruments can be applied both on the body and off-the-body, while also incorporating vocal sounds and tones.

Sound therapy techniques are delivered using instruments such as Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums, tuning forks, and more, both during an individual sound healing session or group sound bath.

Individual sound sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual.  They involve the client resting on massage table.  After discussion and assessment, various sounds will be played over the client in accordance with health concerns.  Different instruments are played.  There are periods of silence, harmonious sounds, and dissonant sounds.  You will be guided through a short visualization for relaxation, meditation, and healing.  There is no need for special clothing.  Clients typically feel the effects immediately and leave each session feeling extremely relaxed. 

While sound baths might seem like a modern wellness trend, the practice of using sound for healing has been around for thousands of years and is deeply rooted in many cultures worldwide.

These cultures recognized that sound promotes relaxation, which is essential for well-being. Whether they knew it or not, this relaxation activates the Autonomic Nervous System, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and breathing. The Autonomic Nervous System is made up of two parts: the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems.

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, which kicks in when the body feels stressed or in danger. Today’s fast-paced lifestyle can overstimulate the SNS, keeping it in a state of overactivity.

This prolonged activation can lead to symptoms such as elevated blood pressure, weakened immune function, and increased susceptibility to illness. Chronic stress results in the continuous release of cortisol, a hormone meant for short-term stress responses. When cortisol levels stay elevated over time, it can lead to physical and mental burnout, as well as issues like difficulty focusing, heightened anxiety, and even depression. Sleep problems often arise too, with many people struggling to unwind or stay asleep.

On the other hand, the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) promotes rest and recovery. By helping the body relax, sound baths can shift us into a parasympathetic state, bringing a sense of calm, improving digestion and circulation, and lowering the breathing rate. This also activates the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in reducing anxiety.

Sound baths use a variety of instruments, like gongs, flutes, Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, drums, and tuning forks, to create soothing vibrations. These sounds help guide brainwaves from the faster, stress-related BETA state to slower, more relaxed ALPHA and THETA states.

A sound bath practitioner’s goal is to gently shift the body from a stressed state dominated by the SNS into a restorative state dominated by the PNS, fostering relaxation and renewal.

Every culture has its own perspective on what sound can achieve once the body and mind are relaxed.

Sound Family Health follows an Integral Sound Healing Practice. 

Integral Sound Healing is a highly effective process for triggering our relaxation response, which counters the many symptoms caused by chronic stress, while helping to balance our whole being.  

The Integral process is unique and powerful because it combines several practices for healing into the sound healing experience. 

There are many scientifically proven positive effects of sound on the body and even on the blood.  You may choose to look up benefits of sound on the body and see what you find. There are videos and articles available online.  Countless books have been written on many different aspects of the benefits of sound for our minds, bodies, spirits, and overall health.  You may be surprised by what you find. Enjoy your search.  

There are virtually no side effects to sound healing therapy. 

Sound healing is a very safe and fun way to help children and teens who are struggling with illnesses or stresses of life. 

We create a fun and interactive session for children and teens.

Sound healing has virtually no negative side effects.  Stress accounts for 80% of our illnesses.  The relaxation experienced through a sound healing session encourages the body to heal itself.  Clients experience relaxation and improved energy levels for several days following a sound healing session.  

There is a growing body of scientific proof that sound healing helps with all health concerns.  Alleviate chronic physical pain. Decrease chronic inflammation. Improve sleep. Reduce athletic recovery time.  Alleviate anxiety and depression.  Assist in recovery from grief.  We encourage you to research for yourself how sound healing is beneficial to health and wellness.  

Listening to music created to target specific frequencies for healing can be relaxing. However, the deep energetic and cellular healing comes from experiencing instruments played directly around the body.  This allows for the sound vibrations to directly penetrate into the body and address the areas in need of healing.  Scientific evidence also concludes that live acoustic music produces a wider range of frequencies that can promote healing.  Electronic or recorded music often cuts frequencies off that are beneficial for healing. 

The ancient sacred Solfeggio frequencies are a set of six (sometimes expanded to nine) specific tones, measured in Hertz (Hz), believed to have spiritual and healing properties. These frequencies are rooted in ancient musical scales, with some associating them with Gregorian chants, sacred music, and even numerological significance in ancient texts. They were rediscovered in modern times by Dr. Joseph Puleo in the 1970s through his study of biblical numerology and are now popularized in holistic and sound healing practices.

The Core Solfeggio Frequencies and Their Purported Benefits

Each frequency is said to resonate with specific energy centers (chakras) or aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being:

  1. 174 Hz: Often considered a foundational frequency (though not always included in the core six), it’s associated with pain relief, grounding, and reducing physical and emotional tension.
  2. 285 Hz: Linked to cellular repair and regeneration, believed to promote physical healing and tissue restoration.
  3. 396 Hz: Associated with the root chakra, this frequency is said to help release fear, guilt, and negative emotions, promoting liberation and grounding.
  4. 417 Hz: Connected to the sacral chakra, it’s thought to facilitate change, remove negative energy, and support emotional healing.
  5. 528 Hz: Known as the “love frequency” or “miracle tone,” it’s tied to the solar plexus chakra and is believed to promote DNA repair, transformation, and feelings of love and peace. This is the most widely discussed frequency.
  6. 639 Hz: Associated with the heart chakra, it’s said to enhance relationships, communication, and emotional connection.
  7. 741 Hz: Linked to the throat chakra, this frequency is believed to promote self-expression, intuition, and detoxification of the body and mind.
  8. 852 Hz: Connected to the third eye chakra, it’s thought to awaken intuition, enhance spiritual awareness, and clear mental fog.
  9. 963 Hz: Associated with the crown chakra, this frequency is said to promote spiritual enlightenment and connection to higher consciousness.

How They Promote Healing

The purported healing effects of Solfeggio frequencies are based on the concept that sound vibrations can influence the body’s energy, cells, and emotional state. Here’s how they’re believed to work:

  1. Vibrational Resonance: Each frequency is thought to resonate with specific energy centers or biological systems, aligning or balancing them. For example, 528 Hz is often cited for its potential to repair DNA by resonating with cellular structures.
  2. Emotional Release: Frequencies like 396 Hz and 417 Hz are said to help release stored emotional blockages, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity.
  3. Chakra Alignment: The frequencies are often mapped to the chakra system, with each tone balancing a specific chakra, which in turn supports physical and emotional health.
  4. Stress Reduction: Listening to these frequencies, often through music, meditation, or sound baths, can induce relaxation by lowering cortisol levels and promoting a meditative state.
  5. Biofield Interaction: Some proponents suggest these frequencies interact with the body’s biofield (energy field), harmonizing it to support overall wellness.

Scientific Perspective

While the Solfeggio frequencies are popular in alternative healing, scientific evidence supporting their specific healing claims is limited. Some studies suggest that sound therapy, in general, can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation (e.g., through binaural beats or music therapy). However, claims about DNA repair or chakra alignment lack rigorous peer-reviewed research. The placebo effect and the calming nature of intentional sound meditation may contribute to reported benefits.

Practical Use

Solfeggio frequencies are often used in:

  • Meditation and Sound Baths: Played as pure tones or embedded in music.
  • Healing Sessions: Used by practitioners in Reiki, yoga, or energy work.
  • Sleep and Relaxation: Incorporated into tracks for stress relief or sleep aids.

You can find Solfeggio frequency music on platforms like YouTube or Spotify, often labeled with specific Hz values. For example, searching “528 Hz healing music” yields many results. Always approach with an open mind but a critical perspective, as individual experiences vary.

 
While scientific research on Solfeggio frequencies is sparse and often limited in scope (e.g., small sample sizes, animal models, or preliminary findings), a few studies have explored their potential effects, particularly focusing on stress reduction and well-being. Most claims about their healing properties, such as DNA repair or chakra alignment, lack robust evidence and are frequently criticized as pseudoscience. Below is a  summary of the key studies identified, including their methods, findings, and limitations. Peer-reviewed publications, where available, have been prioritized.

Supportive or Exploratory Studies

  1. Effect of 528 Hz Music on the Endocrine System and Autonomic Nervous System (Akimoto et al., 2018) This peer-reviewed study examined the stress-reducing effects of 528 Hz music (a key Solfeggio frequency often called the “love frequency”) compared to standard 440 Hz music. Nine healthy adults listened to soothing piano music tuned to each frequency for five minutes on separate days. Salivary biomarkers (cortisol, chromogranin A, oxytocin) were measured before and after exposure, alongside autonomic nervous system activity via electrocardiogram and mood via the Profile of Mood States scale. Key Findings: 528 Hz music significantly decreased cortisol levels (indicating reduced stress), increased oxytocin (linked to relaxation and bonding), and improved mood scores for tension-anxiety. Autonomic activity shifted toward relaxation. No significant changes occurred with 440 Hz music. Limitations: Small sample size (n=9), short exposure time, and no long-term follow-up. The authors suggest it supports 528 Hz for quick stress relief but call for larger studies. Similar results are referenced in other compilations.
  2. Solfeggio-Frequency Music Exposure Reverses Cognitive and Endocrine Deficits in Zebrafish (dos Santos et al., 2023) This peer-reviewed short communication used adult zebrafish as a model to test Solfeggio-frequency music (intermittent 2-6 hours twice daily or continuous 24-hour exposure) after disrupting their circadian rhythm with 24-hour light exposure, which induces stress. Cognitive function was assessed via an inhibitory avoidance test, and endocrine stress via whole-body cortisol levels. Key Findings: The music reversed light-induced cognitive deficits and elevated cortisol, suggesting it acts as environmental enrichment to modulate neurocognitive and neuroendocrine responses. All exposure durations were effective. Limitations: Animal model (results may not translate to humans); no human data; focuses on overall Solfeggio music rather than isolated frequencies. The study positions it as preliminary evidence for sound therapy in stress-related disorders.
  3. Effects of 528 Hz Sound Wave on Ethanol-Treated Astrocyte Cells (Babayi & Riazi, 2017) This peer-reviewed in vitro study investigated 528 Hz sound waves’ protective effects on human astrocyte cells (brain support cells) exposed to ethanol (a toxin mimicking alcohol damage). Cells were treated with ethanol, then exposed to 528 Hz at 80 or 100 dB for three hours. Cell viability was measured via assays. Key Findings: 528 Hz reduced cell death and mitigated ethanol’s toxic effects, suggesting potential neuroprotective benefits at a cellular level. Limitations: Lab-based on cells only; no in vivo or human testing; unclear mechanisms; higher decibels might not be practical for real-world use.
  4. Review on the Effects of Chanting and Solfeggio Frequencies on Well-Being (Yang et al., 2023)This peer-reviewed conference paper reviews literature on chanting (e.g., mantras) and Solfeggio frequencies’ impacts on brain activity, physical/mental health, and medical applications. It maps nine frequencies (174 Hz to 852 Hz) to benefits like pain relief, stress reduction, and emotional balance, drawing from historical and modern sources. Key Findings: Frequencies promote relaxation by influencing brain waves (e.g., delta/theta for meditation); 528 Hz aids DNA repair and positivity; others target specific issues like fear (396 Hz) or intuition (852 Hz). Overlaps with chanting enhance mindfulness and well-being. Limitations: Not original research; relies on secondary sources with varying evidence quality; calls for more empirical studies, especially post-pandemic for mental health.

Other compilations, like a non-peer-reviewed thesis on sound healing, reference these studies and argue for Solfeggio’s role in trauma recovery but lack original data. A related pilot study on 40 Hz low-frequency sound (not explicitly Solfeggio) for fibromyalgia showed pain and sleep improvements, hinting at broader sound therapy benefits but not directly applicable.