What is Vibroacoustic Therapy?

Written By Tracy King

Vibroacoustic therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses low-frequency sound vibrations, typically delivered through speakers or specialized equipment like vibrating tables or chairs to promote well-being. This therapy is often used for stress reduction, muscle relaxation, pain management, and improving mood.

How does Vibroacoustic Therapy work?

Vibroacoustic therapy uses low-frequency sound waves (usually in the range of 30-120 Hz) that are felt as vibrations on the body. These vibrations can penetrate the body and stimulate cells, tissues, and muscles.

Vibroacoustic beds, mats, or chairs are equipped with embedded transducers or speakers in the mattress or cushion. These transducers emit vibrations that pass through the body while the person is lying or sitting down.

Many vibroacoustic therapy systems are paired with audio systems that play soothing music or sound frequencies. The music is often specially chosen to complement the vibrations and enhance the therapeutic effects. 

These audio systems may use specific sound frequencies (such as binaural beats) that are known to have psychological and physiological effects, like reducing anxiety or promoting deep sleep.

Benefits of Vibroacoustic Therapy

Though the scientific literature regarding the benefits of vibroacoustic therapy are limited, research has demonstrated vibroacoustic therapy helps to:

  • Balance the nervous system 

  • Reduce heart rate

  • Decrease cortisol production 

  • Promote stress relief

  • Aid in physical relaxation

What to Expect in Vibroacoustic Therapy Sessions

At Meditation Bar, we offer vibroacoustic therapy through Sound Lounge Meditation Sessions.  We use four tactile transducers, two amplifiers, Sennheiser HD noise reduction headphones, and concert-quality cables to deliver powerful sound to your whole being, helping you to relax, restore, and rejuvenate. 

When you arrive we will have a brief discussion to determine your session’s frequency and sound based on what area of your life needs the most support and what your goals are for the session. Then, we make sure you are in complete comfort on the lounge. We turn the sound and frequencies on and allow you to luxuriate in the experience, and once the sound is complete, we allow you to integrate for a little bit in silence.

We have two Sound Lounges at Meditation Bar that we use to deliver Vibroacoustic Therapy. Contact us if you’d like to schedule a VAT appointment.

References

  • Fooks, C., & Niebuhr, O. (2024). Effects of Vibroacoustic Stimulation on Psychological, Physiological, and Cognitive Stress. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 24(18), 5924.

  • Naufal, D., & Sofyan, A. R. (2016, November 24). Effects of Low Frequency Sound Vibration to Human Psychological and Physiological Phenomenon: A Literature Review. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320426453_effects_of_low_frequency_sound_vibration_to_human_psychological_and_physiological_phenomenon_a_literature_review

  • Sandler, H., Fendel, U., Buße, P., Rose, M., Bösel, R., & Klapp, B. F. (2017). Relaxation - Induced by Vibroacoustic Stimulation via a Body Monochord and via Relaxation Music - Is Associated with a Decrease in Tonic Electrodermal Activity and an Increase of the Salivary Cortisol Level in Patients with Psychosomatic Disorders. PloS one, 12(1), e0170411. https://doi-org.ezproxy.lib.utexas.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0170411

  • Rüütel, E. (2004). The Experience of Vibroacoustic Therapy in the Therapeutic Intervention of Adolescent Girls. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy., 13(1), 33–46.

Tracy King
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Benefits of Vibroacoustic Therapy