Introduction

Sound therapy and vibrations are more than just noise--even in an increasingly noisy, busy, convoluted world. For me, personally, music has been the key to reinvigorating motivation, finding peace, and even releasing past trauma and buried emotions. From 50s progressions to classical/dubstep mixes, I used music as a tool.

Growing up, I remember listening to a wide range of tunes. The Temptations, Third Eye Blind, The Offspring, Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, Beethoven, Spice Girls, Metallica, Hootie and the Blowfish, Barenaked Ladies, and many more artists formulated my eclectic collection. My best friend and I would always joke about having "simple minds", as we mostly gravitated to songs for their melodies, not their lyrics (hello, Simple Minds, Don't You Forget About Me).

I'm nearly 35 and for the first time in my life, I'm listening with intention, and taking in many of the lyrics I allowed to subconsciously enter my mind for decades without a second thought. Am I alone here? What attracts us to particular melodies? Why are some songs so uplifting, even if the lyrics are anything but (Jumper, Third Eye Blind, I'm looking at you)?

What is Cymatics?

Cymatics is the study of sound vibrations using water ripples, sand on metal plates, and visual sound equipment. Both Ernst Chladni and Hans Jenny are early notable pioneers of the phenomenon. As we advance in our understanding of sound and vibrational therapy, I believe we'll discover that certain resonance can genuinely alter our minds, perception, and maybe how we react to particular situations and experiences. It's my hope that someday, sound therapy is applied globally, especially for children and adults who have experienced trauma and those who are neurodivergent.

A Scientific Look at Frequencies That Heal

Certain frequencies are known to affect the brain. These include theta, delta, alpha, and gamma frequencies. If you've ever struggled to get a good night's rest and stumbled upon YouTube's sleep therapy section, you've likely been introduced to soundscapes that feature specific hertz tones. Here's an overview of some well-known hertz tones:

• 396 Hz: Aids in liberation from fear
• 432 Hz: Promotes healing and harmony (used in deep meditation practices)
• 528 Hz: DNA transformation and repair
• 963 Hz: Spiritual awakening and pineal gland activation
• 7.83 Hz (Schumann Resonance): The Schumann Resonance is known as the natural frequency of the earth. It's used to promote stress relief and deep relaxation.

Sound Therapy is Just a Blast From the Past

In modern society, we like to think of ourselves as technologically advanced and as evolved as we've ever been. Is this the case? Maybe. But in other ways, we're in desperate need of healing across the globe due to hyperactivity, technology, overstimulation, and a lack of human/spiritual connection. Here's how cultures from the past have utilized sound therapy for healing purposes:

• Biblical: In the bible, the use of voice, trumpets, and mystical uses of trumpets are noted. David's harp and Pythagorean harmonics pave the way for potential healing opportunities.
• Egyptian, Indian, and Greek cultures: Cultures approached musical healing in unique ways, including indigenous sound tools such as gongs, chants, singing bowls, and didgeridoos.

Modern Beats and the Fusion of Genres for Sound Healing

Today, the combination of genres, or genre-mixing, can engage and stimulate multiple parts of the brain simultaneously. This can include classical + dubstep, ambient + lo-fi, or even oldies + hip hop. With a basic understanding of neuroplasticity in the brain, rhythm in memory + novelty, emotion, and thought may be transformed in ways we have yet to discover.

Using Music With Intention

As I became a full-fledged adult, I began to notice just how much music shaped the world around me and my perception. This may not be the case for everyone, but as a neurodivergent woman, music was essentially crafting my story, day-by-day. The more I became mindful of the music I selected, the easier my days would fly by. Almost like an actual fairytale.

If love is the highest vibration we can strive for, why would we turn to these tunes during a time of distress, sadness, and depression? For me, this only led to complete isolation and going "inward", rather than reaching out to others, reconnecting, and blasting the party jams.

Enter: Cymatic Sound Therapy

Cymatics is the study of sound as its visible, with uniquely crafted patterns based on sound waves and how they're produced. "Cymatics", comes from the Greek word "kyma", which is translated to "wave." As sound waves travel through the air or other mediums, such as sand and water, geometric shapes and uniquely identifiable patterns are generated. Extracting data from these patterns has allowed us to peek into how they impact both physical and mental states.

Sounds like magic, right!? For neurodivergent children and adults alike (along with neurotypicals), sound frequencies can stimulate specific areas of the body and brain. With intentional, individualized cymatic therapy, reaping the following benefits is possible:

• Enhanced verbal connections and/or communication in non-verbal children
• Calmed senses due to overstimulation
• Improved focus and attention
• Alleviated stress and anxiety
• Sense of stability and calmness, particularly in chaotic environments

How Can Cymatic Sound Therapy Help Children with Autism?

Children who have been diagnosed with autism, especially those who struggle with communication challenges, can benefit significantly from sound therapy. Cymatic sound therapy is non-invasive and oftentimes much more soothing than alternative techniques. Specifically, autistic children can benefit from personalized cymatic sound therapy in the following ways:

• Reducing Sensory Overload: Cymatic therapy can regulate sensory inputs, reducing overwhelming feelings and responses in a calming, soothing environment.
• Reducing Anxiety: Calming sound frequencies can release relaxing neurotransmitters, promoting relaxation while soothing the nervous system.
• Improving Focus and Attention: Cymatic sound frequencies assist in aligning brainwaves to help children remain present as they focus on tasks.
• Improving Communication: Cymatic therapy stimulates specific areas in the brain associated with communication and language, helping non-verbal children develop alternative forms of communication.
• Creating a Calming, Soothing Environment: Visual patterns generated by soothing sounds help create a therapeutic environment for children to feel grounded and secure.

References

• Chladni, E. (1787). "Discoveries in Acoustics." Journal of Sound and Vibration.
• Jenny, H. (1967). "Cymatics: The Structure and Dynamics of Waves and Vibrations." Park Street Press.
• Schumann, W. (1952). "Schumann Resonance: Earth's Natural Frequency." Geophysical Journal.