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Healing sounds
Jane E Brewer
This article explores Guzzetta's (I 988) notion that musical vibrations that are in tune with
our human vibratory pattern could have a profound healing effect on the entire body.
The question of why music therapy works for some and not others is addressed in the paper
and solutions are offered.
Central to utilizing therapeutic music and healing sounds with positive effect is an
understanding of the principles and theories of sound and harmonics, in order to
comprehend its capacity to achieve therapeutic, psychological and physical change. Some
of these principles and theories are explored in this article. There is a focus on strategies
for the holistic nurse who wishes to use this knowledge to facilitate communication and
balance between the mind and body of the patient.

INTRODUCTION

Jane F. Brewer
M.Ed, SRN, Dip Nursing,
RNT, Senior Lecturer in
Nursing, University of
Plymouth, Faculty of
Human Sciences, Institute
of Health Studies, Tone
Vale Hospital, Norton
Fitzwarren, Taunton TN4
I DBV, UK. Tel: 01823
432540

Today, more people listen to music than ever before

in the history of the world, yet, in spite of its
widespread diffusion, music remains an enigma.
What is it about music that so profoundly affects us?
Some useful insights are offered by Richman
(1987), who studied the sounds made by sub-human
primates. He discovered the functions that these
sounds served, and found interesting parallels with
human music. Gelada monkeys were observed to
produce a wide variety of sounds of different pitches
accompanying all their social interactions. Different
rhythms, accents and types of vocalization were
used by the monkeys. Most interesting was the
observation that the particular type of sound which
an individual produced indicated the current emotional state of the monkey, and, in the longer term,
aided bonding between different individuals. When
tensions between individual monkeys existed, these
were sometimes resolved by synchronizing and coordinating vocal expressions.
Richman stated that human beings, like Gelada
monkeys, use rhythm and melody to resolve
emotional conflicts. This is, perhaps, one of the
social functions served by people singing in groups.
A song consisting of rhythm and melody that is sung
together provides a shared form of emotion that, at
least during the course of the song, carries the participants along so that they may experience similar
emotional responses. In the process of performing
music together:
People's physiological responses are in synchrony and in harmony, at least for a brief period.
(Richman 1987)

This would suggest that music contributes to emotional and physiological change. Guzzetta (1988)
notes that, because of this, there is the potential to
utilize it as a therapy, especially where there is systematic application of music as a nursing intervention to bring about positive changes in emotional
and physical health.

P E R S O N A L C L I N I C A L USE O F M U S I C
THERAPY
Case studies
Case 1
Pat was a 50-year-old female, recently diagnosed
with carcinoma of the bronchus with bone secondaries. Fear and pain were portrayed in her face.
Preparation for her musical experience occurred,
utilizing the following steps:
9 Gentle relaxation in the form of modified
reflexology
9 Active listening was encouraged via personal
stereo headphones
9 To the sounds of nature, water and the continual
OHM vibration
9 Therapeutic suggestion was implemented by
saying to Pat 'allow the soothing music to wash
over and through the body, and a more relaxed
and comfortable feeling will occur'.
The music chosen flowed evenly and was soothing,
gently lulling Pat into a sleep. Her face softened and
her body visibly relaxed. The music relaxation tape
chosen ('Temple in the Forest' by David Naegel) is
thought to contain a continuous OHM vibration

ComplementaryTherapiesin Nursing& Midwifery (I 998) 4, 7-12 9 1998Harcourt Brace & Co. I_td

Music can do in
minutes what
weeks of
meditation
practice strives
towards.
(Rose 1988)

Complementary Therapiesin Nursing & Midwifery

which Rose's (1988) research demonstrated has the

potential to bring about a state of relaxed alertness
and physical calmness. It is predominantly the
alpha brainwave pattern that psychological
researchers, such as Rose, find is associated with
meditation:
Music can do in minutes what weeks of meditation practice strives towards.
(Rose 1988)
There appeared to be many reasons for the successful outcome of this musical experience for Pat,
not least the careful preparation and appropriate
selection of music according to her preference. Pat
later commented on the value of the chosen music in
alleviating discomfort and providing a calm space.
A simple music-listening session combined with
Therapeutic Touch seemed to make a difference to
her treatment.

I had more ideas regarding work when I listened

to the music and used the CRC technique.
If I feel stressed, I think of the CRC technique
and then I feel calm.
No claims can be made for the positive results
being due to music alone, but it does seem that
music contributed, by using a type of vibration such
as the OHM sound, to bring about a state of relaxed
alertness and calmness (Rose 1988). This could
suggest that other strategies such as CRC and
individual support were potentiated.
Anecdotal evidence has recorded the successful
impact of rhythm and melody used in music helping
to resolve emotional conflict in individual patients
caused in part by traumatic medical conditions, the
frustration of hospitalization and loss of independence.

Case 3

Case 2
The same music was listened to by a group of students in a qualitative research study exploring potential and an examination of techniques which may
enable students to actualize their potential (Brewer
1992). It was found that those students who listened
to 'Temple in the Forest' regularly, combined with a
relaxation technique, incorporating a calmness and
confidence technique, did appear to achieve a
greater depth of learning than those who did not.
They were found to be more innovative and thoughtful in their nursing practice and creative in their academic work. This was verified by the students formulating their own criterion reference grid with an
impressive span of criteria, ranging from being selfdirective and adventurous in their choice of assignment, to being more self-aware. Verification also
came from clinical placements and tutor colleagues.
All students passed their end-of-year examinations.
The calmness, relaxation and confidence (CRC)
technique, combined with 'Temple in the Forest',
proved to be a useful resource for these students,
allowing them independence in choosing when to
use it, after initial demonstration and teaching. Also,
it appeared to facilitate learning in this group. This
may be due to alpha and theta brainwaves occurring
which stimulate creativity (Rose 1988). However,
these tests were not performed with this group of
students.
The following quotes demonstrate the ways the
students used the techniques:

Music therapy was used on an 80-year-old female

patient with a complicated fractured neck of femur,
suffering depression following treatment. Again,
preparation and appropriate choice of music was
essential. It was established that she was a pianist. A
piano music relaxation tape called 'Fairy Ring' by
Mike Rowland was chosen. This piano music is
melodic, relaxing and uplifting.
A successful outcome was observed in terms of a
transition of mood for this lady. She stated prior to
the musical episode:
I've never felt like this before - I ' m very
depressed. I don't know how I am going to cope
when I go home.
Afterwards, she stated:
That was absolutely wonderful - I really enjoyed
it. I miss my piano - is it possible to leave the
music with me?
Clinical staff commented on the positive change in
her mood, which lasted for some time.
There are many reasons why music often seems
effective in alleviating emotional conflict as music
brings order to our experience and is rhythmic,
melodic and harmonic:
Music creates order out of chaos for the rhythm
imposes unanimity upon the divergent, melody
imposes continuity on the disjointed and harmony imposes compatibility on the incongruous.
(Menuhin 1972)
Yehudi Menuhin's thoughts on the catalyst of music
seem to be confirmed in the previously discussed
scenario.
It is suggested that music may be introduced as a
supportive therapy combined with other therapeutic
strategies. For example, harmonic and uplifting
guided visualization may be offered with soothing
sounds of the sea. Music and colour may gently

Healing sounds

soothe depressed individuals and awaken feelings of

restoration (Brewer 1989).
Other music, combined with relaxation, for individuals with insomnia have also been used successfully. 'Tranquil Rest' by Jane Brewer uses soothing
music that gently calms the mind and body into tranquility. This was confirmed by observation of softened facial lines of tension, relaxed body and sleep
in patients.
Anecdotal evidence observed that 'Music for
Healing' by Stephen Rhodes can be effective for
soothing fractious babies, children, animals and agitated individuals. Again, careful preparation
enhances the success.
In summary, the following points assist a successful outcome when using music with patients:

sidered. The human body vibrates from its large

structures, such as the aorta and arterial system,
down to the genetically pre-programmed vibrations
coded into our molecular cells.
Atoms and molecules, cells, glands and organs
all have a characteristic vibrational frequency that
absorbs and emits sounds; thus, the human body is a
system of vibrating atomic particles, acting as a
vibratory transformer that gives off and takes in
sound. The entire body vibrates at a fundamental
inaudible frequency of approximately 8 cycles per
second when it is in a relaxed state. During relaxed
meditation, the frequency of brainwaves produced is
also about 8 cycles per second. Moreover, the earth
vibrates at this same fundamental frequency of 8
cycles per second. Therefore:

9 Perceptive assessment of the patient

9 Sound preparation for musical experience, which
includes establishing a therapeutic relationship
and environment
9 Appropriate selection of music
9 Combining music with other supportive
therapies if necessary. For example, reflexology,
Therapeutic Touch, relaxation, guided imagery
and therapeutic suggestion
9 To avoid complacency and remember the
success of tools used is dependent on the
experience of the user
9 The nature of the experience/situation.

Being in harmony with oneself and the Universe

may be more than a poetic concept.
(Halpern & Savary 1985)
In exploring the therapeutic potential of music, it
is valuable to distinguish between two principal
schools of music therapy which are clarified by Bunt
(1994). One school seeks to achieve a therapeutic
effect by involving the client in communicative
music-making, whilst the other seeks to achieve its
effects by listening to vibration sound. This article is
primarily concerned with the latter and its application to nursing.

EFFECTS REPORTED BY USE OF

MUSIC THERAPY

PRINCIPLES A N D THEORIES OF
SOUND

The goal of music

therapy is the
reduction of
psychophysiological stress,
pain and anxiety.

The evidence of the impact of music is growing

rapidly. Indeed, as Rossi (1993) notes, sounds are
used to create music, produce changes in our bodymind and are involved in modulating simultaneous
changes in the autonomic immune, endocrine and
neuropeptide system.
Guzzetta (1988) has also suggested that it is
essential to appreciate the principles and theories of
sound in order to understand fully its tremendous
capacity to achieve therapeutic, psychological and
physical changes. Apart from the ear, humans also
hear and perceive sound by skin and bone conduction. Other senses, such as sight, smell and touch,
allow perception of an even wider range of vibrations than those sensed by hearing. People are sensitive to sounds in ways that have often not been c o n -

Bonny and Savary (1973) stated that, when appropriately applied, music could be a way of reaching
non-ordinary levels of human consciousness. One is
able to pass from ordinary states of consciousness to
an altered state of consciousness to achieve the
mind's fullest potential. The goal of music therapy is
the reduction of psychophysiological stress, pain
and anxiety. Hamel (1979) agreed with Bonny and
Savary that music therapy helped clients achieve a
state of deep relaxation, develop self-awareness and
creativity, improve learning, clarify personal values
and cope with a variety of psychophysiological dysfunctions.
The scientific evidence shows that music therapy
is effective and is growing all the time. Stevens
(1990) stated that:
Music has the ability to dispel much of the fear
and anxiety associated with facing the unknown
alone.
Stevens' study questioned patients, each of whom
had had an operation performed on them which
required a local, rather than general, anaesthetic.
Nineteen of the 20 who listened to music during
their operation reported positive support. Their
remarks focused on the ability of the music (as a
familiar, personal and cultural medium) to allay

I0

Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery

their anxiety and to act as a distraction and decrease

their threshold of pain.
Guzzetta (1989) found in her study of 80 patients,
recently admitted to a Coronary Care Unit after a
myocardial infarction, that when the patients were
divided into two groups, the group that attended
three musical sessions in 2 days had fewer cardiac
complications. It was concluded that music therapy
and relaxation therapy were effective in reducing
stress in this group of patients.

EVIDENCE OF MECHANISMS A N D
THEIR EFFECT ON PEOPLE
With music therapy, according to McClellan (1979),
individuals are able to shift their perception of time,
and they perceive two types of time - virtual and
experiential. Virtual time is perceived in a left brain
mode and is characterized by hours, minutes and
seconds. In contrast, experiential time is perceived
through the memory and right brain mode.
Slow-moving music lengthens our perception of
time because our memory has more time to experience the events (tensions and resolutions) and the
spaces between the events. So, the time clock
becomes distorted and clients can actually lose track
of time for extended periods, enabling them to
reduce anxiety, fear and pain (McClellan 1979).
There can be dramatic effects from music therapy
on the hemispheric functioning of the brain, for
instance, facilitating the right and left hemispheres
working in harmony, rather than conflict (Campbell
1984). Left brain functioning involves the rational,
analytical and logical way of processing information. Right brain functioning, in contrast, is concerned with musical perception and memory; the
innovative, creative and imaging way of processing
information. Campbell (1984) suggested that music
therapy may activate the flow of stored memory
material across the corpus collosum so that the right
and left hemispheres work in harmony. He also suggested that when the hemispheres are not in harmony and we are busy, rushed or stressed, we do not
listen to our right hemispheres, which then send
foggy messages to the left brain. Such messages of
imbalance may conflict with the logic of the moment
in our left brain to produce physical illness.
Music is non-verbal in nature and it does not need
logic to initiate its action. McClellan (1979)
believed it is, therefore, natural and subtle as a therapy, and this is echoed in the author's experience. In
a relaxed state, individuals can let go of preconceived ideas about listening to music and its pat-

terns, instruments and rhythm, and shift their thinking to the right side of the brain to alter their states of
consciousness.
Music therapy, states Campbell (1984), evokes
psychophysiologic responses because of its influence on the limbic system. This system is influenced
by musical pitch and rhythm, which, in turn, affect
emotions and feelings. Our emotional reaction to
music may occur because the limbic system is the
seat of emotions, feelings and sensations. The calming effect in tum effects physiological functioning,
helping to produce a balance of body-mind-spirit.
The explanation for this is that our entire body
responds to sound, whether we consciously hear the
sound or not. Even though we can consciously tune
out the sounds of aeroplane or automobile traffic,
our bodies cannot. There are many sounds that in
fact assault our body because they are not in harmony with our fundamental vibratory pattern.
On the other hand, it is possible that musical
vibrations that are in tune with our fundamental
vibratory pattern could have a profound healing
effect on the entire human body. Musical vibrations
may help restore regulatory function to a body out of
tune, for example during times of stress and illness.
Music may also help maintain and enhance regulatory function to a body which is in tune.
The therapeutic appeal of music may lie in its
vibrational language and ability to help bring the
body-mind-spirit in alignment with its own fundamental frequency without having to appeal to the left
brain to work.
Music may elicit a variety of different experiences in individuals. During relaxation and music
therapy, some people reaching an altered state of
consciousness may visualize peaceful scenes and
joy and deep peace. Musical tones can evoke colour
and movement and Page (1987) believed that individuals can be guided in experiencing a mingling of
senses. Tastes can evoke shapes, many children
spontaneously 'see' sounds and 'taste' textures
(Houston 1982). This becomes possible because
music and colour can be expressed in terms of vibrations. When colour is translated into music vibrations, the harmonics of colour are 40 octaves higher
than the ear can hear. A piano spans about 7 octaves.
If the piano keyboard could be expanded another 50
octaves higher, then the keys played at these higher
octaves would produce colour rather than audible
sound.
A musical selection by Steve Halpern, entitled
'Spectrum Suite', is designed to evoke colour. While
listening to this selection, individuals are guided in
focusing on seven main energy centres known to
exist in the body (known as chakras in Indian
culture). It was also suggested by Goldman (1992)
that chakras may be influenced by sound. This is in
line with traditional Eastern philosophy.
Each energy level is then associated with a
specific musical rune and a specific colour. For
example, while focusing on the spine (the first

Healing sounds

Music that
matches the
individual's
mood helps
achieve an
altered state of
consciousness.

energy centre) the individual is guided to hear and

feel the key note 'C' resonating in the spinal area
and imagine the vibrations of red bathing this area of
the body.
Steve Halpern insists that the 'Spectrum Suite' is
much more than merely beautiful background
music. He advocates that it can serve as a vehicle to
align the higher harmonics of body, mind and spirit.
Halperu suggests that music therapy might be
incorporated into daily living activities, such as taking a 'music bath' after a morning bath or shower as
a means of balancing body mad mind for the events
of the day. Why does music therapy work for some
and not others? Interestingly, the therapeutic effect
of music is lessened when individuals are angry, distracted, critical, analytical or resistant (Bonny &
Savary 1973).
Guzzetta (1988) found that with a relaxed and
receptive body-mind, music had the potential to
enter the body and play through it, rather than
around it. So, it makes sense for some relaxation
technique before the music experience, or a massage
combined with the music.
Depending on individual physiology, mind state
and mood, music can produce different feelings at different times (Guzzetta 1988). It is important to match
the individual's mood to the appropriate music.
Music that matches the individual's mood helps
achieve an altered state of consciousness because it is
as if the mind and feelings are vibrating at a certain
frequency and are at one with the music vibrating at
the same frequency. The question could be posed what can be done if your mood is angry? Start out
with a short 3 minute, or less, selection of music that
resonates with the mood and then add selections that
increasingly move the patient to a relaxed state.
Personal experience of the author has observed
the therapeutic effect of music lessened without
careful preparation of the listener. Why do more
nursing professionals not utilize music therapy to its
full potential to benefit patients and colleagues? The
reasons are many and multifaceted. One reason is
that most music is not composed for the purposes of
relaxation and healing (Hamel 1979). Also, no one
musical selection, or any one type of music, works
best for all people in all situations. Musical selections that are relaxing and meditative to one client
can be disruptive and annoying to another.
Moreover, Halpem and Savary (1985) state that the
music that some individuals identify as relaxing to
them may in fact not be physiologically relaxing at
all. In addition, the music preference of the nurse,
which changes as he or she matures, can influence
the type of music selected.
As Hamel (1979) confirmed, psychologists have
known for years that individuals associate relaxing
and displeasing events in their lives with certain triggers, and so it is with music. This conditioned learning response will influence their music preference
and perception of whether the music selection is
relaxing.

II

To overcome this challenge, music, sometimes

termed 'New Age music', has evolved for the
purpose of 'orchestrating the human instrument'
(Guzzetta 1989). It is designed to transcend
personal taste. There is no recognizable melody and
no harmonic progressions by which we have been
conditioned to respond. This music, refreshingly,
requires neither intellectual analysis nor emotional
involvement (Hamel 1979). It is vibrational
language that helps the body-mind attune itself with
its own resonance. The music tends to flow endlessly and serves as a vehicle for relaxation, selfabsorption and contemplation. The ultimate goal of
this music is to allow the body-mind to choose
whatever response it needs to operate at a higher
level of efficiency. It sounds the perfect solution.
However, as with everything, it is valuable to be
aware that not all music labelled New Age is relaxing and meditative.

R E A S O N FOR M U S I C T H E R A P Y
Halpern and Savary (1985), and other experts in the
field of music therapy, suggest that as we learn more
about how vibratory frequencies and patterns affect
our body-mind, more effective healing compositions
will be composed to strengthen our altered vibratory
patterns and restore a healthy balance. The way forward for the holistic nurse professional who wishes
to utilize music therapy as a therapeutic nursing
strategy to facilitate communication and balance
between mind and body, is to study the available
research or theory validating its potential, some of
which is highlighted in this article. Recognizing
specific methods can be used to improve listening.
In harmonics it has been said that one sound is
worth a thousand pictures. Of all the sound-making
devices and instruments found on this planet, the
human voice is believed, by many, to have the most
healing qualities - no other instrument is capable of
such a wide variety of different sounds and textures
and, in fact, many other instruments were created in
order to emulate the various qualities of the human
voice. This is an area worthy of exploring and
tapping for its potential, as nurses rediscover their
healing role.

REFERENCES
Barr F 1979 Through Music to Self. Shambhala Press,
Boulder Co.
Bonny H, Savary L 1973 Music and Your Mind. Harper &
Row, New York

12 Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery

Brewer J 1989 Alternative approach. Nursing Standard 3(50)
Brewer J 1992 Maximising potential. Unpublished
dissertation for Masters in Education
Campbell D G 1985 Introduction to the Musical Brain. In:
Dossey B M e t al 1995 Holistic nursing: a handbook for
practice, 2nd edn. Aspen Publications, Maryland, USA
Dossey B M e t al 1995 Holistic nursing: a handbook for
practice, 2nd edn. Aspen Publications, Maryland, USA
Goldman J 1992 Healing sounds. The Power of Harmonics.
Element, London
Guzzetta C E 1985 Music therapy: hearing the melody of the
soul. In: Dossey B M e t al 1995 Holistic nursing: a
handbook for practice, 2nd edn. Aspen Publications,
Maryland, USA
Guzzetta C E 1989 The effects of relaxation and music
therapy on patients in a coronary care unit with
presumptive acute M.I. Heart and Lung 18(6): 609 (8)
Halpern S, Savary L 1985 Sound Health. The Music and
Sounds that Make us Whole. Harper & Row, San
Francisco
Hamel M P 1979 Through Music to Self. Shambhala Press,
Boulder Co.
Houston J 1982 The Possible Human. J.P. Tarcher, Los
Angeles
James C 1994 Sounds wonderful. Newsletter (Nov).
Paraberg, Australia
McClellan R 1979 Music and altered states of consciousness.
Dromenon 2 Winter: 3-5
Menuhin Y 1972 Theme and Variation. Stein & Day, New
York
Page J 1987 Roses are red, E-fiat is too. Hippocrates
Sept-Oct: 63-66
Richman B 1987 Rhythm and melody in Gelada vocal
exchanges. Primates 28(2): 199-223
Rose C 1988 Accelerated Learning. Accelerated Learning
Systems, UK
Rossi E 1993 The Psychobiology of Mind-Body. W.W.
Norton & Company, New York
Stevens K 1990 Patients perception of music during surgery.
Journal of Advanced Nursing 15(9): 1045-1051
Storr A 1992 Music of the Mind. HarperCollins, London

FURTHER READING
Bunt L 1994 Music therapy. An art beyond words. Routledge,
London
MUSIC TAPES
Music Box. Joanna Crandal, Rainbow Express, Australia
Music for Healing. Stephen Rhodes, New World Cassettes,
Suffolk, UK
Temple in the Forest. David Naegal, New World Cassettes,
Suffolk, UK
Fairy Ring. Mike Rowland, New World Cassettes, Suffolk,
UK
Tranquil Rest. Jane Brewer, Beehive Studios, Middlezoy,
Somerset
Enjoy the Rainbow House by the Sea. Jane Brewer, Beehive
Studios, Middlezoy, Somerset
Calmness, Relaxation & Confidence. Jane Brewer, Beehive
Studios, Middlezoy, Somerset
Under the Harvest Moon. Jo Hoare
Harmonic Meditation & Resonance Workshop. Chris James,
Rainbow Express, Australia
USEFUL ADDRESSES
The British Society for Music Therapy
69 Avondale Avenue
East Barnet
Herts EN4 8NB, UK
Tel: 0181 368 8878
Association of Professional Music Therapists
The Meadow
68 Pierce Lane
Cambridge CB 1 5OL, UK
Tel: 01223 880377
The Council for Music in Hospitals
c/o Sylvia Lindsay
340 Long Road
Little Bookham
Surrey K23 4EG, UK