Sound Healing & Tuning Forks

What is Sound Healing?

Integral sound healing is the practice of facilitating a healing container to provide a therapeutic experience that utilizes instruments and tools to create sound, frequency or vibrational changes in the surrounding space, and sometimes on or near the body as well. Often called “sound baths,” people trained in integral sound healing typically use quartz crystal or Himalayan bowls, tuning forks, gongs, vocals, chimes, and other instruments to create a sound experience that typically lasts from 30-60 minutes. This holistic therapy promotes relaxation and supports the autonomic nervous system, reduces stress, and can help move stagnating emotional energy and release trauma.

The Intersection of Sound, Brainwaves and Cognitive State

Sound is an incredible resource to help bring the body back to coherence. It can help restore vitality to the human biofield (and works for pets and other creatures, too!) Sound helps to synchronize the two hemispheres of the brain and balances the physical body. It can facilitate the release of or flow of stagnating emotions and may shift energy patterns. Sound therapies can help balance chi energy and the chakras.

The brainwave frequencies reflect different states of consciousness as measured by an EEG machine in the frequencies of Hertz (Hz). They are described as delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma. The number corresponds to how many times per second there is an electrical impulse in the brain.

• Lower brainwave frequencies are associated with sleep or relaxation, and higher are associated with peak performance and cognition. The lowest, delta, is less than 4 Hz and is associated with levels of deep, dreamless sleep and recovery/physical restoration.
• The frequency of 4-8 Hz is theta waves, which is consistent with deep relaxation/drowsiness, creativity and subconscious processing. Theta is where we have REM sleep (where we have vivid dreams).
• In the middle, alpha waves (8-12 Hz) are tied to relaxed wakefulness, calm introspective states, and daydreams. Some people consider alpha as a bridge to sleep brainwaves.
• The higher frequencies of 12-30 Hz are beta waves, consistent with conscious awareness, alertness, focusing and active thinking.
• Lastly, gamma waves (30-100 Hz) are associated with processing higher level cognitive/sensory information and peak performance mode.

Sound healing instruments facilitate the system moving into more alpha and theta brainwave states which can be instrumental for healing and growth.

How do Tuning Forks Work?

Tuning forks impact brainwaves. One example is a tuning fork that vibrates at the Schumann resonance (7.83 Hz). This is believed to be the same as earth’s frequency, and many believe that the reason illness occurs is because we come out of harmony with earth’s natural frequency. By using a tuning fork vibrating at that rate, we can help bring the body back into harmony with that frequency. Research supports its use for headaches/migraines, insomnia, and many other ailments. I’ve been using a Schumann resonance fork with clients for years now and recognize the clinical benefits in all sorts of other symptoms, too. This seems to be helpful for stopping food allergies and limbic system reactions, rebalancing autonomic nervous system dysfunction, even halting food poisoning and menstrual cramps in the moment! There’s also a plethora of research about drums, gongs, bowls, chimes, and other sound healing instruments and their health benefits.

Are there any Contraindications to Sound Therapy?

Contraindications below are reasons NOT to use it, and precautions are areas for special consideration and additional discernment before proceeding.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: General

• Sound-induced epilepsy
• First trimester of pregnancy

CONTRAINDICATIONS: On Body…

• Open wounds, area of metallic implant
• DVT’s
• Tumors
• Neck arteries with atherosclerosis
• Inflamed joints and veins
• Pregnancy

In the case of cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, artificial heart valves, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac/brain implants with a stent or shunt, and deep brain stimulators, sound healing can be used when at least 8 inches off the body once approved by a doctor.

PRECAUTIONS:

• Acute whiplash, concussion or head trauma
• Severe mental health concerns

Can I Try This Remotely?

Yes, sound therapies can be completed remotely (on video calls). Sound can be transmitted through the call itself, and sometimes Amber will teach clients how to utilize tools like tuning forks or bowls on themselves as well as how to access other sound bath resources for continued support.

What Does It Cost?

Sound healing is included as part of the wellness visit fees and is used on a case by case decision basis.

What Training Does Amber Have?

Amber has several years of study and experience utilizing tuning forks in 1-on-1 sessions. She will complete her multi-instrument practitioner level certification in sound healing through The Sound Healing Academy in 2026. You can read about her other certifications and background here.