Healing Trauma with Sound Therapy: Review of Studies on the Effectiveness of Sound Therapy in Treating Trauma and PTSD

Jul 18

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are pervasive mental health issues that affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions can significantly impair a person's ability to function and enjoy life. While traditional therapies such as psychotherapy and medication are commonly used, alternative treatments like sound therapy are gaining recognition for their potential benefits. This article explores the effectiveness of sound therapy in treating trauma and PTSD, reviewing key studies and evidence.


Understanding Trauma and PTSD

Trauma can result from various experiences, such as physical abuse, natural disasters, accidents, or combat. It often leads to long-term psychological effects, including PTSD and cPTSD.

PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatic event. These symptoms can be debilitating and persistent, requiring comprehensive treatment approaches.

What is Sound Therapy?

Sound therapy encompasses a range of treatments that use sound and music to improve mental and physical health. Types of sound therapy include:  

  •  Music Therapy: The clinical use of music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
  • Sound Baths: The use of singing bowls, gongs, and other instruments to create immersive sound experiences.
  • Binaural Beats: The use of auditory illusions to alter brainwave activity and promote relaxation.  


Historically, sound has been used for healing in various cultures, from ancient Greek music therapy to Tibetan singing bowls.

Mechanisms of Sound Therapy in Treating Trauma and PTSD

Sound therapy is able to influence the brain and nervous system by promoting relaxation and emotional regulation.

  • Activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Helping the body enter a state of rest and recovery.

  • Reduce Stress Hormones: Lowering cortisol levels and mitigating the physiological effects of stress.

  • Enhance Neuroplasticity: Supporting the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections, which is crucial for trauma recovery.

On-the-Body Sound Therapy with Tibetan Sound Bowls

One modality of sound therapy involves placing specifically calibrated Tibetan sound bowls directly on the body. This approach allows the vibrations to penetrate deeper into tissues and organs, potentially offering greater therapeutic benefits. The sound bowls are often tuned to specific frequencies that correspond with different brainwave states, such as alpha and theta waves, which are associated with relaxation and meditative states.

How On-the-Body Sound Therapy Works

  • Frequency and Brainwave Shifts: The vibrations from the sound bowls can help shift brainwave activity from beta (associated with active thinking and stress) to alpha (relaxed state) and theta (deep relaxation and meditative state). This shift can facilitate a nervous system reset, promoting overall wellness and aiding in the management of PTSD symptoms.

  • Direct Physical Impact: Placing sound bowls on the body allows the vibrations to directly interact with tissues, promoting cellular health and enhancing blood flow and lymphatic circulation.

  • Emotional Release: The deep, resonant sounds can help release stored emotional tension and trauma, contributing to emotional healing and balance.

Research on Sound Therapy

1. Study on Frequency and Brainwave Activity:
Citation: Hijazi, M., Rajab, N., & Taylor, M. (2019). The impact of Tibetan singing bowl sound meditation on mood, tension, and well-being: An observational study. *Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine*, 24. doi:10.1177/2515690X19865722

Summary: This study observed that Tibetan sound bowl therapy significantly improved mood and reduced tension. Participants also showed shifts in brainwave activity towards more relaxed states.  

2. Study on PTSD Symptom Management:  
Citation: Goldsby, T. L., Goldsby, M. E., McWalters, M., & Mills, P. J. (2017). Effects of singing bowl sound meditation on mood, tension, and well-being: An observational study. *Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine*, 22(4), 401-409. doi:10.1177/2156587216668109   

Summary: The study found that singing bowl sound meditation led to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and overall improvement in well-being among participants.

Review of Studies on Sound Therapy for Trauma and PTSD

1. Study 1: Music Therapy for PTSD
Citation: Carr, C., d'Ardenne, P., Sloboda, A., Scott, C., Wang, D., & Priebe, S. (2012). Group music therapy for patients with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder - an exploratory randomized controlled trial with mixed methods evaluation. *Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice*, 85(2), 179-202. doi:10.1111/j.2044-8341.2011.02026.x
 
Summary: This study found that group music therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms and improved emotional well-being among participants.

2. Study 2: Sound Therapy with Tibetan Singing Bowls
Citation: Landry, J. M. (2014). Physiological and psychological effects of a Himalayan singing bowl in meditation practice: A quantitative analysis. *American Journal of Health Promotion*, 28(5), 306-309. doi:10.4278/ajhp.130403-QUAN-139
 
Summary: Participants reported decreased anxiety and improved mood after sound therapy sessions with Tibetan singing bowls.

3. Study 3: Binaural Beats for Anxiety Reduction
Citation: Le Scouarnec, R. P., Poirier, R. M., Owens, J. E., Gauthier, J., Taylor, A. G., & Foresman, P. A. (2001). Use of binaural beat tapes for treatment of anxiety: A pilot study of tape preference and outcomes. *Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine*, 7(1), 58-63.
 
Summary: The use of binaural beats significantly reduced anxiety levels in participants, suggesting potential benefits for PTSD-related anxiety.

Case Studies and Anecdotal Evidence

Real-life examples highlight the transformative power of sound therapy. Individuals with PTSD have reported profound relief from symptoms through regular sound therapy sessions. Testimonials from practitioners emphasize the holistic benefits, noting improvements in emotional regulation, sleep quality, and overall well-being.


Integrating Sound Therapy into Trauma Treatment Plans

Sound therapy can be effectively integrated with traditional treatments for trauma and PTSD. Practitioners should consider incorporating sound therapy sessions alongside psychotherapy and medication management. Patients are encouraged to explore different types of sound therapy to find the approach that best suits their needs.

Sound therapy offers a promising complementary treatment for trauma and PTSD. By promoting relaxation, reducing stress hormones, and enhancing neuroplasticity, sound therapy can support the healing process and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from these conditions. Further research and clinical practice will continue to uncover the full potential of sound therapy in trauma recovery.

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