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By Angel Lyn Horner

Recent scientific studies on the therapeutic effects of sound, utilizing music therapy, binaural beats, ultrasound, and vibroacoustic therapy, have produced promising yet mixed results. Most research supports the modalities for stress reduction, pain management, and neurological rehabilitation. There are very small sample sizes and inconsistencies in the design studies. While the scientific perspective focuses on physiological mechanisms, the traditional and esoteric views put emphasis on vibrational effects and harmony, along with spiritual balance.

 Music therapy is increasingly being recognized as a clinical intervention. This includes active singing and playing, and receptive listening methods by trained professionals. A 2025 study in The Lancet found that music therapy had a medium effect in reducing anxiety; listening to music before surgery, for example, may be as effective as medication for calming nerves. One of the limitations of this study was based on the size; there was insufficient evidence to determine which participants benefited, and also what “dose of music” was required. Also, most studies lacked “masking procedures,” meaning some results could be based on expectancy and a placebo bias(1).

 A recent 2025 study on Music therapy and music-based intervention in pediatric neurohabilitation found that Rhythm Auditory Stimulation (RAAS) improved both gait and motor function in children with neurological disabilities. This study highlighted how music therapy and music-based intervention have a multifaceted role in rehabilitation in pediatrics, with mechanisms rooted in neuroplasticity and rhythmic entrainment. Currently, this does support integrating music therapy for multidisciplinary care, but more high-quality neurobiological research with standardized methodologies is needed in order to secure and optimize its role as an evidence-based intervention in pediatric neurorehabilitation (2). The more strength we can accumulate as evidence that music therapy can influence on a neurobiological level, that it has other benefits than just stress relief, calming, spiritual balance from an esoteric point of view, we will be able to take it out of that box and put it into the real scientific data-supported platform that is needed. 

There was a 2025 study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies that considered the effects of binaural beat therapy with different frequencies on the autonomic nervous system regulation among college students. The study found that theta, alpha, and beta binaural beats all contributed to reducing their heart rate and blood pressure, therefore also reducing anxiety(3). In fact, it found that systolic blood pressure was significantly lower with the intervention of the Alph-frequency beats, both heart rate and systolic BP, nHF significantly lower, but the nHF became significantly higher with the introduction of beta frequency binural beats. The nHF measures the parasympathetic nervous system activity, the vagal tone, and relates to heart rate variability, so basically, the index of heart rate modulation by the vagus nerve. This is important because it is a long-held belief in some ancient cultures and societies that tones stimulate the vagus nerve to affect a person’s overall health. It is believed gamma frequencies affect cognition and attention, while beta may influence memory and concentration, but more robust non-conflicting studies are needed. 

Ultrasound has been used in medicine in diverse ways. From neuromodulation, showing promise for Parkinson’s, essential tremor, and Alzheimer’s. It is believed to target deep brain regions, modulating neural activity, improving motor functions, and enhancing memory. It is used for enhanced diagnostics and research(4). Multiple 2025 studies highlight using ultrasound for detecting and treating liver and uterine tumors, showing its value and capabilities beyond traditional imaging (5). Ultrasound therapy has been shown to reduce pain in musculoskeletal disorders, is effective for pain reduction and rehabilitation of the knee joint, but has mixed results for shoulder conditions (6). 

Vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) delivers low-frequency sound waves through a device, also a singing bowl can be used, or tuning forks. They induce physical vibrations into the body. A 2024 study validated its ability to reduce physiological, cognitive, and psychological signs of stress by activating the body’s parasympathetic relaxation response (7). It was also found that VAT may modulate pain reception, reduce muscle tension, and even ease fibromyalgia pain. 

Also, it may help neurological disorders, and help improve muscle function in Parkinson’s disorder. A 2023 study showed how Vibroacoustic therapy was used in pulmonary patients, with COVID-19, who had complicated respiratory failure. It was a small study in which vibroacoustic massage was used to help accelerate clinical recovery. More studies are needed to confirm its efficacy as it appears to increase and improve lung ventilation and gas exchange, and also improve blood circulation (8). Vibroacoustic massage should be used as a supplement to, and not a replacement for, evidence-based medical plans, but what a wonderful adjunct it is, and more studies are needed. 

The scientific and esoteric views on therapeutic sound differ, mostly in the explanation of the methods and how they work. But both are in agreement that therapeutic experience is at the core of what is being accomplished. Science uses the concept of brainwave entrainment, where the brain synchronizes with external rhythms. This is very similar to the thought that the esoteric principles of using vibration, or specific frequencies, to harmonize or balance the body. Both make the claim that sound can influence the physical body, such as heart rate, and the emotional and mental, such as relaxation and mood. While science uses biochemical, neurological, and physiological pathways, esoteric tradition uses metaphorical verse and not scientific language. Since science uses qualitative methods to corroborate what sound therapy achieves, it will take some time to bring esoteric theories and thoughts into the full spectrum of adjunct therapy and treatments. To meet those standards, to prove it does what the ancients of long ago have claimed all along. For they did not need a randomized controlled trial to validate what they were experiencing, and the expansion of their consciousness. It was each person’s personal experience that concretized the value of their sound practices. Anything with potential of value, and a history of working, whether based in ancient culture or myth, warrants investigation, for sometimes the old ways are better than the new in many ways. 

1. Music therapy for the treatment of anxiety: a systematic review with multilevel meta-analyses de Witte, Martina et al. eClinicalMedicine, Volume 84, 103293 
2. Milcent Fernandez E, Newman CJ. Music Therapy and Music-Based Interventions in Pediatric Neurorehabilitation. Children (Basel). 2025 Jun 14;12(6):773. doi: 10.3390/children12060773. PMID: 40564731; PMCID: PMC12191269. 
3. Yang, SY., Wang, JY., Liu, C. et al. Effects of binaural beat therapy with different frequencies on autonomic nervous system regulation among college students. BMC Complement Med Ther 25, 206 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04922-x 
4.  Elena Natera-Villalba, María-Agustina Ruiz-Yanzi, Carmen Gasca-Salas, Michele Matarazzo, Raúl Martínez-Fernández, MR-guided focused ultrasound in movement disorders and beyond: Lessons learned and new frontiers, Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, Volume 122,2024, 106040, ISSN 1353-8020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.106040. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S135380202400052X)
5.  Wang, L., Quan, S., & Yang, X. Ultrasonic prediction model using three-dimensional power Doppler for endometrial cancer detection in women with postmenopausal bleeding. Sci Rep 15, 18302 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02067-y Su Z, Liu S, Wang J, Jin F, Peng Y, Wen J. Retrospective cohort study on the efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound in non-invasive treatment of uterine leiomyomas and adenomyosis. Abdom Radiol (NY). 2025 Oct;50(10):4995-5003. doi: 10.1007/ s00261-025-04908-w. Epub 2025 Mar 27. PMID: 40146310. https://www.ajmc.com/view/using-ultrasound-waves-to-destroy-liver-tumors#:~:text=Histotripsy is a new, FDA, these essential components, he added. 
6. Guan H, Wu Y, Wang X, Liu B, Yan T, Abedi-Firouzjah R. Ultrasound therapy for pain reduction in musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2024 Aug 20;15:20406223241267217. doi: 10.1177/20406223241267217. PMID: 39170758; PMCID: PMC11337181. 
7.  Sensors 2024, 24,(18) 5924: https://doi.org/10.3390/s24185924 
8.  Konkayev A, Bekniyazova A. Vibroacoustic therapy in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 complicated by respiratory failure: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Dec 14;10:1225384. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1225384. PMID: 38155668; PMCID: PMC10753020. 

By Angel Lyn Horner 

Studying the theory and foundations of sound physics includes concepts of sound waves. A sound wave is a vibration, usually mechanical, that travels through a medium or middle point between extremes. As an object vibrates, waves are the result. The molecules around begin to oscillate, producing pressure changes that multiply or propagate through the medium. These waves require an actual physical medium, such as air, water, or solids, to journey or travel through. This is quite different from electromagnetic waves. 

Sound waves are from vibrating molecules or objects. As the vibrations occur, movement of back and forth and side to side, alternating low and high pressures emerge, creating compressions, which create a pressure variation that moves out from the source. These are audible waves of pressure that we can hear and also perceive them in bones and skin. All sounds affect our tissue and our body, so really we can “hear” with our entire body. If we apply this to physics, we would never have a sound wave without movement. The vibration of a sound is transmitted to our sensory organ of hearing, the human ear, and then recognized in the nerve centers. These are electrical signals that are processed by the brain. A disturbance will produce vibrations in the air, such as the horns blowing in traffic in New York City! Our ears quickly pick up and process that disturbance via the sound waves produced by many horns. As this information is processed, it can give one a headache and make them feel anxious for sure! 

As the vibrations occur at regular intervals, which is a fixed measurement or unit of time. The cycle of the motion becomes frequent, creating a “frequency”. The motion must reach 20Hz to become audible, or hear it. Infrasound is below the audible range, and ultrasound frequencies are above what the human ear is able to register, 16000-20000 vibrations a second, so they are not audible. Even though they are not audible, they may affect tissue, even causing damage. In medicine and physiotherapy, there are recommended doses of ultrasound, not exceeding the maximum dose for safety reasons and to avoid the potential for injury as these waves are absorbed into the body (1). As the sound travels and the audible vibrations reach the human ear and are delivered, this is referred to as “loudness.” This is the amplitude. 

As the variation in the vibration changes, the faster it is, the waves are denser and the “pitch” becomes higher. It has been documented that neural networks actually track musical structure, so therefore the pitch affects the brain networks (2).

 You can feel and listen with “the third ear” when taking Chinese Medical diagnostic pulses on an individual and feel and “hear” a change in amplitude (loudness)on the radial artery as you “listen to the pulse”. This is an example of hearing through and with the human body. (2). 

When the vibrations that propagate sound waves, and then provoke additional vibrations on another object, passing through the medium, making them vibrate at the same rate, this is resonance. It is when one vibration influences another. This can be demonstrated using tuning forks, two of the same frequency, one with a different frequency. Strike one, and its twin fork will vibrate if placed near it. The one with a different frequency will not activate, because it does not resonate not being the same frequency. This is different from the Schumann Resonance of the earth, which is electromagnetic standing waves that are excitable by lightning, creating peaks of ultra-low frequency electromagnetic waves. 

In the conclusion, the physics of sound as we know it is fascinating, a blending of wave motion with the audible perception of a sound wave and the ability to affect the human brain and human physiology. We only have to look to the sounds of nature to see their effect on humans, both physical and psychological (4). 

1. Moyano DB, Paraiso DA, González-Lezcano RA. Possible Effects on Health of Ultrasound Exposure, Risk Factors in the Work Environment and Occupational Safety Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Feb 24;10(3):423. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10030423. PMID: 35326901; PMCID: PMC8954895.
2.  Janata P. Brain networks that track musical structure. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005 Dec;1060:111-24. doi: 10.1196/annals.1360.008. PMID: 16597758.. 
3. Bilton K, Hammer L, Zaslawski C. Contemporary Chinese pulse diagnosis: a modern interpretation of an ancient and traditional method. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2013 Oct;6(5):227-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2013.04.002. Epub 2013 Apr 24. PMID: 24139459. 
4. 4 Song I, Baek K, Kim C, Song C. Effects of Nature Sounds on attention and physiological and psychological relaxation. Urban Forestry& Urban Greening, 2023, August: Vol 86,127987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.127987 

Stomach 36- Zusanli

This is a very important point. It rectifies the qi. Well, really what does that mean? Rectify means to “correct, or put something right”. It is interesting that in electrical terms it means to “convert to direct current”.  So it takes our energy flow, and corrects it, converts it back to what it needs to be to flow properly. To correct it and make it right. This point strengthens and enriches the entire body. It is said to impart lastingness and endurance into old age. Helps prevent disease and conserves one vigor and strength. Stabilizes a person and makes them feel secure. Calms and strengthens the mind.

Lets take a look at one of the most used Acupuncture points:

* It is essential for any disorder with the stomach, no matter what it is , for epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, distention or heaviness in stomach, trapped gas, belching and hiccups. It helps people who have no appetite, or may feel hunger pains but just do not eat. 

* It helps the digestion tremendously in cases of diarrhea or dysentary, if there is a problem digesting food and nutrients and it is undigested and visible in the stool. When a person also has a overall feeling of dampness ,and their limbs feel heavy. Cold in the intestines. Helps also with abdominal swelling and pain that is hindering one from being able to urinate. Jaundice.

*It helps tonify both Blood and Qi. Is a He-Sea point and helps free stagnation and clears stagnation whether from excess worry, studying, emotions or real physical problems. Excellent for chronic illness, because it tonifies Upright Qi. (a term used to describe all the various Qi that protects from pathogens) Especially when Moxa is used to strengthen ones upright qi and resistance because it nourishes the middle Jiao which is where the nourishment of Wei or defensive Qi comes from. With Moxa one is said to be able to march 3 miles. Moxa 10 minutes per week to strengthen and improve Upright Qi. Also tonifies Lung Qi. Moxa on this point helps raise the Yang.

*Helps calm a person, can be used for mania, raving , abusive talk, anger, fear, even if one feels sad or has shockingly excessive, very bold or startling laughter.

*It helps any Stomach Channel disorder. So can also treat breast swelling, abcess and chest pain, since these occur along the Stomach channel. From The breast and Stomach Channel connection with the breast can help free stasis in masses and pain.

*Important for pain, hemiplegia, atrophy disorder, and any pain in the whole lower leg. Because it releases abundant  qi and blood it can be used to nourish the sinews of the lower leg so helps paralysis also.

It is safe to say Stomach 36 actually treats “All Diseases”.  Its really helpful for gastrointestinal discomfort of any kind, and helps a person reduce their stress level, and fatigue by helping to balance the body. It is also frequently used according to Traditional Chinese Literature and Medical Practice .  Its stimulation is believed to promote health and promote longevity.

There have been scientific studies on the use of St. 36-Zusanli, in neuroimaging studies it was shown to affect the limbic and paralimbic systems in the brain  which affect how the body responds to stress.

The limbic system is directly concerned with instinct and mood and controls basic emotions of fear anger pleasure, and also drives hunger, sex, dominance and care of offspring.  It also supports behavior, motivation, longterm memory and olfaction. (Smell) The Para-limbic helps process emotions, goal setting, motivation and self control.

This was a study on the large scale functional brain networks and how they are modulated by acupuncture. Further studies are being done to determine  and understand the long lasting effects of  acupuncture on the entire resting brain. Most studies have focused on the the neural activities that involve acute effects, while this one pays attention the sustained effects. It is very interesting to see the pictures of these areas “lighting up”.

These are the neurophysiological or  the “nervous system approach” mechanisms behind Acupuncture.

It is certainly interesting that this point was stated to be a Acupuncture point in which “ All disease can be treated” as far back as the Song Dynasty which was a era of Chinese History from 960-1279.

Study: Investigation of large-scale functional brain networks modulated by acupuncture.

Yuanyuan Fenga, Lijun Baia, Yanshuang Renb, Hu Wanga, Zhenyu Liua, Wensheng Zhanga,?, Jie Tiana,c,? 

aKey Laboratory of Complex Systems and Intelligence Science, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China bDepartment of Radiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Traditional medicine, Beijing 100053, China
cLife Science Research Center, School of Electronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710071, China
Received 29 January 2011; revised 7 April 2011; accepted 13 April 2011 

Sishencong  and Du 20

DU 20 (Bai Wei) is also called “100 Meetings” because many channels cross and meet here , located on the vertex of the head. It calms the nervous system and may be used for any nervous system disorder. Also good for dizziness, and any disorder of the stomach and conditions of prolapsed such as uterine prolapsed or prolapse of the rectum.  It can also be used to help revive consciousness with Du6, and P6.

Sishencong- also called “ Four Alert Spirit” can be used with Du 20.  These points are located 1 cun posterior, anterior and lateral to Du 20 on the cranium. Discussion of these points dates to the 10th Century. Even in that time period they were used functionally for  wind conditions such as stroke, epilepsy or dizziness. Along with Du 20 these points help calm the nervous system also. They can help lift a persons spirit if depressed,  invigorate and clear the mind for better clearer mental thinking. Treat headache and vertigo also.  One major function is they help with insomnia, especially when Moxa is used. In a study in China from 2005-2007, of 65 cases of insomnia these points showed to have obvious therapeutic effect on insomnia, and sleep disorders.  It was found that this is accomplished and partially carried out by increasing Nitric Oxide Synthases activity (a family of enzymes involved in producing nitric oxide from L-arginine)  and Nitric Oxide.  The discovery of Nitric Oxide is considered one of the most important in cardiovascular medicine. It helps modulate vascular tone, insulin production, peristalsis in digestion and is also involved in neural development. Nitric Oxide tells the arteries when to relax so therefore helps with Hypertension. It helps promote normal function of brain tissue and therefore helps with relaxation and insomnia.  These points together have shown to be of great aid in regulating sleep.

These points look like a beautiful flower on the top of the head as they do their job! Be careful the patient will fall asleep!

What is qi?

One translation of what qi is, means energy. It is referred to as ‘the life force’. Some call it Bio energy. The ancients observed the existence of “something’ that moved thru the meridians they mapped, especially when a point or area was stimulated, and that’s what they named “qi”. They essential idea is of a incorporeal, or subtle force. By incorporeal it means: having no material existence, so without material form or body. It extends to what we call life itself. It is a energy field in and around all living things. It is made up of Yin/Yang forces. We could call those forces of opposites working together.
Even without understanding the exact nature of qi or the energy we work with it is still possible to recognize its existence, it’s intensity can be appreciated and with acupuncture it can be directed.

Now with that being said, western science has proven our bodies are electromagnetic in nature, they use MRIs, EKGs , infrared thermography and have done this for many years. Recently Seoul National University confirmed the existence of the meridians, and call it the “primo-vascular system.” Over 50 years ago a Korean scientist claimed to map tubular structures, that were called meridians.

They believe it is a crucial part of the cardio vascular system. The Koreans have conducted studies that suggest our Acupuncture Meridian system, may channel the flow of energy using biophotons which are electromagnetic waves of light and use DNA. They did this research by actually injecting a staining dye into the meridians, and were able to see that they exist. They were able to determine that the lines did not show up at non meridian points. They used imaging and Cat scans to observe the same amp of acupuncture points the ancient Chinese energy practitioners did. The researchers found they are not confined to the skin, but are a concrete duct like system that in which the liquid flowed and aggregated in stem cells. (Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena)

It is too simple to say it is “energy or electricity”, because it is so much more with what it accomplishes. The ancients observed nature, they observed the spirals and the flow of everything around them. If you take a look at the picture of the Tao they used it as a spiral. Look at a hurricane from the satellite pictures it’s a spiral, and a very large “qi” circulation.

In modern times there is something called the “ Fibonacci sequence” , Spirals and the Golden Mean, at first it was just applied to math, but now we know that it is found spread thru out nature, as spirals in everything, just as the ancients observed. It is the growth force of qi that very precisely makes those spirals. The phi in nature in the Fibonacci sequence mimics the “chi” the ancients observed in the spirals of nature . It is the built in numbering of the cosmos.

Qi: as it is applied to our medicine:

Protection: Protects from external pathogens
Warming: Warms and cools the body
Holding: It holds your organs in place, your blood in its vessels, “governs” fluids in the body
Transformation: transforms food and air we breath into qi and blood
Transportation: governs all movement of qi thru the acupuncture meridians, prevents stagnation, promotes growth

When the qi is good a person feels strong and energetic, has a balanced immune system, good sleep and digestion, and a clear active mind.

When qi is deficient a person can feel, low energy, weak immune system, have problems with allergies or sensitivities, feel depressed, poor digestion,weight management problems, poor concentration and memory.|

By Angel Lyn Horner, AP

Green vegetables are extremely valuable in the everyday diet. They contain a high mineral content, even more so if organically grown. They contain Chlorophyll which is the “Blood” of the plant.  They are full of vitamins, carotenoids, (  plant pigments that play a important part of the health of the plant and provide protective  health benefits as well) flavonoids( diverse group of phytochemicals from plants, they are powerful antioxidants, with immune and anti inflammatory benefits. Diets rich in these have been shown to help prevent cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular prevention.)

Some benefits of consuming these foods are:

Balancing of blood pressure,  hormones, nervous system, heart rate, cholesterol, and electrolytes. Help with insulin balance and the inflammation and repair processes in the body. Very important to the lymphatic system and waste removal processes in the body. No wonder mom always told us to eat our vegetables!  Never underestimate what wholefood and traditional foods can do for you.

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