Sound for Healing: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science in Vibrational Therapy

Why more people are turning to sound therapy to release tension, relieve pain, clear mental fog, and feel like themselves again

 
A World of Sound

Sound, music and song are present in our everyday world. In fact, there are important and integral parts of our perception of our environment. We not only hear the sounds around us, but we also hear the sound of our own voice, which resonates within our body. Even before we are born, we hear the sounds in our world-to-be while we are in our mother’s womb. Many people enjoy playing an instrument and creating music, and many of us will very likely have favourite songs. These songs elicit emotions and might bring back memories.

In our day-to-day life, we might choose energising music to exercise or calming music before we go to bed. Soccer fans chant songs to create an atmosphere that not only supports their team but also enhances their experience of belonging within this group. Monks sit in meditation for hours and chant to attain a higher state of consciousness. Sound, music and song affect our whole being - body, mind and soul - and create a conversation with the world around and within us.

As the famous British neurologist Oliver Sacks states, “our auditory systems, our nervous systems are tuned for music. Perhaps we are a musical species no less than a linguistic one”  

The Ancient Roots of Sound Healing

Cultures worldwide have used sound for healing.

Indigenous Australian peoples, including Aboriginal groups, are believed to have used the didgeridoo, a wind instrument, for ceremonial purposes and sound healing for tens of thousands of years, with its origins possibly dating back over 40,000 years.

In ancient Egypt, it was understood that the sound of vowels had healing effects, and when combined with the resonating structures of temples and pyramids, an amplification of the therapeutic effects of sound during religious ceremonies was achieved. 

Within Vedic culture, sound is revered as sacred, and the Om vibration is viewed as the original tone that gave rise to creation.

For centuries, Tibetan monks have relied on singing bowls, bells, and overtone chanting to support meditation and promote healing.

Within North American healing traditions, drumming and the singing of specific ceremonial songs are central elements that are part of a healing ceremony.

The Science of Sound: How Vibration Affects the Body

During the 20th and 21st centuries, sound healing has resurged as a holistic, complementary therapy that unites ancient traditions with modern scientific insight.

It is understood that sound is a vibration that travels through a medium, such as air, water, or solids, in the form of waves, and these waves have a specific frequency. Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz), which refers to cycles per second.    

Interestingly, our brain activity can be measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG), and it shows a rhythmic pattern that has been mapped to a specific type of brain activity. Brain waves at a frequency of greater than 30 Hz are known as gamma brain waves. Research has discovered that gamma brain waves are involved in higher aspects of cognition, improved working memory and better concentration.  Gamma brain waves are associated with a state of relaxed awareness and the experience of being in the flow.

Neuroscience research on the effect of sound and different frequencies on brain wave activity is currently limited. Nonetheless, many people who have experienced sound therapy report a state of calm relaxation during and following their experience. This suggests that the frequencies of sound healing instruments can directly influence brain activity and entrain the brain to adjust to a state of relaxed awareness.

Recent scientific publications confirm that sound may not only affect brain wave activity but also support bone repair and affect activity on a cellular and even genetic level. It appears that we are on the precipice of integrating ancient wisdom with modern science.

Different Modalities of Sound Healing

Sound healing envelops many different modalities. The types of sound healing used today include:

• Tibetan singing bowls
• Crystal bowls
• Gongs
• Voice and toning
• Drumming, and
• Tuning forks 

Of course, sound healers might combine any of the above modalities when holding a sound healing session. Further, sound healing can be applied in person or remotely, in one-on-one or group settings. These all provide distinctly different experiences and cater to specific preferences.

• A group sound healing session might be an excellent way to experience sound healing for someone who has not been exposed to it before. It is also often a more affordable option.
• A one-on-one sound healing session has the advantage that it’s 100 per cent focused on the person’s needs and the unique, individual situation.
• A remote sound healing session has the advantage that the person receiving the sound healing can relax in the comfort of their home and does not need to travel to see the sound healing practitioner. It also sometimes allows a person to relax and let go more deeply, opening up avenues for a deeper release.

 In a one-on-one in-person session, a client is even more deeply connected to the vibrations and sounds of the sound healing instruments, allowing sensations to arise that may result from sound healing instruments such as tuning forks being placed on the body.

Biofield Tuning - Sound Healing with Tuning Forks

Biofield Tuning is a sound healing modality that utilises tuning forks as a powerful healing tool. Biofield Tuning is based on the understanding that all living beings have a Biofield, which is the electromagnetic field that surrounds and permeates the human body.

Research by the founder of Biofield Tuning, Eileen McKusick, shows that information, memory, and emotional experiences are encoded in this field. When incoherent information is stored in the field, it can lead to physical pain, emotional and mental issues affecting many areas in a person’s life. Using the coherent frequency of tuning forks, a Biofield Tuning practitioner can detect and harmonise incoherences in the body’s electromagnetic field. Research suggests that the body's organising intelligence uses the steady coherent frequencies of the tuning fork to "tune" itself, leading to the release of tension and helping body, mind and emotions to attune to a restful, natural state.

The Biofield Tuning Experience: What Happens in a Session

Once you decide to book your first Biofield Tuning session, I, as your Biofield Tuning practitioner, will get in touch with you, and you will be able to share some basic information on your concerns and reasons for booking a treatment. We will also discuss whether you may have any pre-existing conditions, which could affect the treatment.  

Your initial Biofield Tuning session will take approximately 90 minutes. Before the start of the session, we will have time to allow you to share your story, your concerns and your intent, which will provide the basis for deciding on the best approach for your first Biofield Tuning session. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.  

For your treatment, you will be invited to relax fully clothed on a comfortable treatment table. If lying down is physically uncomfortable for you, we will be able to hold the session while you are sitting in a chair. Each session is tailored to your individual needs at the time. In our session, I create a safe and supportive space held with high integrity to allow you to relax fully and receive the harmonising sound and vibrations of the tuning forks.

As your Biofield Tuning practitioner, I use tuning forks to “feel” into the Biofield and sense any resistance and turbulence. By moving the tuning fork through your Biofield with care and attention, I will facilitate the remembrance of your healed, authentic self. Each person experiences the sound and vibrations differently, which means that there are no definite sensations that you will experience during your Biofield Tuning session. As your Biofield Tuning practitioner, I will encourage you throughout your session to connect to any physical and emotional experiences that may arise. Connecting to your breath and allowing the experience to unfold are important aspects of engaging during your Biofield Tuning session. Following a session, many people report an inner sense of calm and lightness.

What Biofield Tuning Can Address

Biofield Tuning works with a person’s subtle energy field, supporting the whole person — body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Biofield Tuning can be helpful when life feels out of balance in many different ways:

• People often seek it out when stress, anxiety, or overwhelm won’t let their nervous system settle, when sleep is disrupted, or when brain fog and fatigue make it hard to focus or feel motivated, including for those navigating ADHD.
• It can also be supportive for physical concerns like chronic pain, migraines or headaches, vertigo, old injuries, menstrual or digestive issues, and in times when the immune system is run down.
• On an emotional level, Biofield Tuning can offer a sense of grounding and transformation of difficult-to-process emotions, including depression, grief, PTSD, anger, or frustration.

By working on an emotional, mental and physical level, Biofield Tuning can help create clarity, discernment and awareness affecting a person’s interpersonal relationships. Other people seek the benefits of Biofield Tuning when facing professional challenges, performance blocks in sports, or periods of low confidence and a lack of direction.

At its core, Biofield Tuning works with the body’s natural energy to help release stored tension and stress, allowing clarity, resilience, and a deeper sense of balance to emerge over time. Additionally, just like a car benefits from regular servicing, harmony in our whole system is supported through regular Biofield Tuning.

My Approach: Bridging Science and Spirituality

Coming from a scientific research background, one of my guiding principles is curiosity. Bringing curiosity to treatments allows me to be neutral and open-minded in my approach. Whilst I have an understanding of physiological and energetic systems, I engage with each person and in each session without preconceived ideas or assumptions. This allows the session to unfold in the most supportive way for each client.

My scientific knowledge is complemented by an embodied awareness of spirituality, particularly the spirituality of the shamanic traditions. Through the teachings of the shamanic path that I walk, I have learned to be fully present with clients, hold a safe space, and focus on facilitating a client’s journey to health and vitality.

Lastly, weaving my own life experience in with my scientific and shamanic training, I bring a deep understanding and compassion for the beauty and challenges of our human experience in this lifetime. I work in sacred reverence to the interconnectedness of all living beings on this planet.

As a certified Biofield Tuning practitioner, I am humbled and proud to be able to empower people from all walks of life on their journey to (re)connect to their authentic self, innate joy and freedom. ​If this resonates with you and you are curious to explore how Biofield Tuning transforms stress and tension to calm and clarity, I invite you to book an ‘Initial Biofield Tuning session’.

FAQs

Can Biofield Tuning help with brain fog and memory loss?
In general, Biofield Tuning can be incredibly helpful with a very wide range of issues and symptoms, including brain fog and memory loss. It is important to remember that for most conditions, Biofield Tuning would be considered as part of a whole systems approach to healing and recovery. This means, for instance, if brain fog is a result of intense or chronic exposure to mould and non-native EMFs, then these sources must be removed from a person’s environment, together with receiving Biofield Tuning treatment to provide optimal recovery conditions.

Do I need multiple sessions, or will one session help?
One session may create a significant shift. However, Biofield Tuning is cumulative; every session builds on the one prior to it. Biofield Tuning trains the energetic system of the body to flow in a harmonious way. If a person has had long-term, extreme, non-beneficial inputs via their external or internal environment, it will take longer to achieve balance. In general, younger people respond more quickly than older people. Generally, a minimum of three sessions is recommended to begin. Often, a presenting symptom can be cleared within three sessions. If there is no change in a condition after three sessions then it is likely that Biofield Tuning will not be able to help in this particular situation.

Are there any contraindications or people who shouldn't do Biofield Tuning?
If you have been recently diagnosed with cancer or a terminal illness, if you are pregnant or have recently sustained an acute concussion, a standard Biofield Tuning is not recommended. 

What are your qualifications in both neuroscience and sound healing?
I hold a PhD in Neuropharmacology and pursued an academic research career in the field for almost 10 years. My research has been published in international scientific research journals and presented at conferences internationally and nationally.
In 2022, I bought my first set of tuning forks from Biofield Tuning. I have since completed my qualification as a certified Biofield Tuning practitioner and treated clients from all walks of life.

How do I prepare for a Biofield Tuning session?
To prepare for your session, drink plenty of water the day before and the day of, as good hydration supports nervous system regulation and energy flow. Eat a light meal one to two hours beforehand, avoiding heavy, greasy foods or excessive sugar, and reduce stimulants by limiting caffeine immediately before your session and avoiding alcohol or recreational substances for 12–24 hours, as these can interfere with subtle sensory awareness. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid tight belts, restrictive waistbands, or heavy jewellery. Arrive with an open, neutral mindset—no belief is required, only curiosity—and release expectations about what should happen. You may also set a gentle, non-goal-oriented intention, such as “I’m open to relaxation and insight” or “I allow my system to rebalance naturally.” If your session is virtual, choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted, use headphones, recline comfortably, ensure a stable internet connection, and let others in your space know you’re unavailable.

How long do the effects of a session last?
The most noticeable effects following a Biofield Tuning session of calmness and lightness, often reported by clients, will last for several hours post-session. Depending on a client’s life circumstances and approach to integration, these effects may last for days or weeks and may ultimately lead to a complete change in interacting with and experiencing life and relationships with self and others. As Biofield Tuning works on the subtle energy system, positive changes in a client’s life experience may occur days, weeks or even months following a Biofield Tuning session. Active integration is an integral part of facilitating this positive change.

This article is written by one of our trusted practitioners on Bodhi Holistic Hub. All practitioners are carefully vetted, and our content follows our Editorial Policy.