Sound Therapy

Polyvagal Theory, introduced by behavioural neuroscientist Stephen Porges offers that the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) has a great impact on one’s emotional regulation, social connection, and fear response. The vagus nerve is the primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system, the ‘rest and digest’ system that helps bring people back to homeostasis. The vagus nerve branches out to different parts of the body, including the auricular branch, also known as the Arnold’s nerve, that supplies sensation to the skin of the ear canal and tragus. The vagus nerve also reaches the pharyngeal and laryngeal branches which control eating/swallowing and vocalization. This is why humming, vocal toning, as well as ear massage, and listening and feeling sounds and vibrations can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help to manage stress response, and fight or flight responses. Depending on the frequency of the vibrations, sound can also access different brain wave states such as Delta (1-4 Hz) that can be deep in the unconscious, Theta (4-8 Hz) subconscious, or Gamma (30-100 Hz) which occurs during peak performance and concentration. Utilizing specific frequencies, Theta for example, can help to improve creativity, and foster deep relaxation and meditative states. Everything has resonance and vibration, including our own bodies.