Sound waves have long been known to have a powerful effect on our well-being. From the soothing sounds of waves crashing on the shore, to the energizing beat of our favorite music, sound has the ability to alter our mood, reduce stress, and even promote healing.
But how exactly do sound waves affect our bodies, and what makes certain sounds more beneficial than others?
How sound works
First, it's important to understand how sound waves work. Sound is created when a vibrating object, such as a guitar string or a person's vocal cords, creates a disturbance in the surrounding air. This disturbance creates a series of compressions in the air molecules, which then travel through the air in the form of sound waves.
When these sound waves reach our ears, they cause our ear drums to vibrate, which in turn sends signals to our brain. The brain then processes these signals and interprets them as sound.
The mental and physical impact of sound
But the effects of sound go beyond just allowing us to hear. Sound waves also have a physical effect on our bodies. At certain frequencies, sound waves can cause our cells to vibrate and even change shape. This can have a variety of effects on our bodies, both positive and negative.
For example, certain sounds, such as those in the lower frequency range, can have a calming effect on our nervous system. This can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In contrast, higher frequency sounds can have an energizing effect, increasing our heart rate and blood flow.
In addition to their effect on our nervous system, sound waves can also have a direct effect on our physical bodies. For instance, certain sounds, such as those in the lower frequency range, can cause our blood vessels to expand, which can improve circulation and promote healing.
This effect has been used in the practice of sound therapy, which involves the use of specific sounds and frequencies to promote healing and relaxation. Sound therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Resonance/dissonance
But not all sounds are beneficial to our well-being. In fact, some sounds can be downright harmful. Loud noises, such as those from construction equipment or loud music, can damage our hearing and even cause physical pain. In addition, certain frequencies can cause discomfort or even nausea.
So what makes certain sounds more beneficial than others? It largely depends on the composition of the different frequencies in the individual sound, creating a resonant or dissonant experience, meaning it can be more or less harmonic, which in turn can have a psychosomatic effect. Low-frequency sounds, such as those in the 100-500 Hz range, have a calming effect on our nervous system as previously mentioned. Sounds at the high end of the scale, such as those above 1000 Hz, can be invigorating and increase our focus.
Powerful impact
Sound waves have a powerful effect on our well-being. From promoting relaxation and reducing stress, to improving circulation and promoting healing, the right sounds can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health. By understanding the effects of different frequencies and soundscapes, we can use the power of sound to enhance our well-being and promote overall mental and physical health.
If you want to delve deeper into this topic, we can recommend this webinar, facilitated by Danish Sound Cluster.
If you want to dive even deeper, you can download the white paper: Music Interventions in Health Care which is discussed in the webinar.