Benefits of Vibroacoustic Therapy

Written By Tracy King

What is Vibroacoustic Therapy (VAT)?

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.

Benefits of Vibroacoustic Therapy

There is a considerable base of research that supports the idea that vibroacoustic therapy provides significant benefit for a wide variety of illnesses and disorders, including both mental and physical concerns:

Stress

VAT benefits mental processing through promoting relaxation, concentration, and mental well-being. Individuals have reported feeling creative and possessing an ability to “zone” in and out of thoughts, decreasing their overall stress levels.

Anxiety

An elevated heart rate is often a prominent symptom for individuals with anxiety, who tend to experience manifestations of excess worry or restlessness. VAT decreases heart rate, promotes relaxation, and decreases anxiety.

PTSD

PTSD is often associated with a dysregulated autonomic nervous system, where the fight-or-flight response (sympathetic nervous system) is hyperactive. VAT activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest), reducing physiological arousal, lowering heart rate, and promoting a sense of safety and calm.

Autism

VAT’s vibrations also stimulate the vagus nerve, a key component of the body’s emotional regulation system. This stimulation can improve the ability to manage strong emotions, making it easier for individuals with autism to adapt to emotional challenges.

Arthritis

Inflammation is a major contributor to arthritis symptoms. VAT improves circulation, enhancing blood flow to inflamed areas and facilitating the removal of inflammatory byproducts. This can reduce swelling and improve joint mobility.

Fibromyalgia

Pain is the hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia, often caused by hypersensitivity in the nervous system. VAT’s vibrations increase the time sitting and standing without pain, cervical range of motion, and muscle tone for people with fibromyalgia.

Parkinson’s Disease

One of the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease is muscle stiffness and involuntary tremors. VAT helps relax muscles by targeting motor pathways and calming hyperactive neural circuits. The vibrations improve muscle relaxation and reduce involuntary contractions.

Conclusion

Vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) uses low-frequency sound vibrations, delivered through speakers or specialized equipment, to promote well-being. Research supports its effectiveness in treating various conditions by promoting relaxation, improving circulation, and regulating the nervous system. VAT helps reduce symptoms like elevated heart rate, pain, and muscle stiffness, and provides therapeutic benefits for both mental and physical health.

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

  • Sigurdardóttir, G. A., Nielsen, P. M., Rønager, J., & Wang, A. G. (2019). A pilot study on high amplitude low frequency-music impulse stimulation as an add-on treatment for depression. Brain and behavior, 9(10), e01399. https://doi-org.ezproxy.lib.utexas.edu/10.1002/brb3.1399

  • Nechypurenko, O., Kaliuzhka, A., & Lutsenko, O. (2018). The Effect of Vibro-Acoustic Stimulation on Cell Dynamics of Inflammation in Rats and the Possibilities for Vibroacoustic Sound Therapy in Complex Treatment of Bronchitis in Children. Georgian medical news, (285), 107–111.

  • Naghdi, L., Ahonen, H., Macario, P., & Bartel, L. (2015). The effect of low-frequency sound stimulation on patients with fibromyalgia: a clinical study. Pain research & management, 20(1), e21–e27. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/375174

  • Leuk, J. S. P., Low, L. L. N., & Teo, W. P. (2020). An Overview of Acoustic-Based Interventions to Improve Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 12, 243. https://doi-org.ezproxy.lib.utexas.edu/10.3389/fnagi.2020.00243

Tracy King
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