What is it?
Sound therapy, also known as sound healing, uses vibrational music or instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls, gongs and tuning forks to create different sound frequencies. Singing bowls are usually made from crystal, but may sometimes be brass, glass or metal. Their size varies, and they can be quite large, with different sizes creating different “notes” and vibrations.
Sound therapy is often practised as a “sound bath” or “frequency healing” where your body is surrounded by soothing sounds designed to induce relaxation and healing.
Why use it
The vibrations and sound frequencies produced during sound therapy are believed to reduce stress and help balance emotions. It’s a gentle, non-invasive therapy that may help anxiety, fatigue and tension.
What to expect
In a typical session, you’ll lie down comfortably while a practitioner plays instruments like singing bowls or gongs – often close to your body. Sometimes centres may offer sessions using recorded “frequency” music. The sounds and vibrations surround you and may encourage deep relaxation.
What is the evidence?
Scientific studies show that sound therapy may help with anxiety and depression, improve sleep and reduce fatigue. Research also suggests that it may promote relaxation and stress relief.
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Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD; Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA; Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC; Gillian Thompson, Consumer; A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC; Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC; Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW.
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