The sounds heard at spas serve a definite purpose. Sound therapy is a recognized form of healing that spas incorporate into their treatment protocols. This is similar to the way hospitals use classical music compilations to relax patients and as well as the surgical staff during surgical procedures.
Music Therapy
According to the American Musical Therapy Association, Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and it satisfies the needs of children and adults with specific disabilities or illnesses. Music therapy interventions can be designed to:
- promote wellness
- induce relaxation
- manage stress
- alleviate pain
- express feelings
- enhance memory
- improve communication
- improve concentration
- promote physical rehabilitation
And just as sound engineers create the perfect music score for movies, finding scores that elicit the desired moods, much care is taken when choosing the appropriate music for spa therapies and waiting rooms.
BioWaves Sound Therapy is an alternative therapy rooted in the scientific effects of low frequency sound and vibration on human health and wellness. Researchers have discovered that he brain produces waveform patterns that can be measured with a variety of instruments. The voice also produces a waveform pattern that contains a great deal of frequency information that seems to relate to the physical and emotional health and balance of the speaker. Since every person's voice is unique, the resulting frequency voice analysis map when recorded and analyzed with specific software may show indications of physical and/or emotional issues at the time of the recording. By analyzing sound waves, clinicians can determine appropriate therapies.
History of Music Therapy
Researchers who have studied the effects of frequency, sound, light, color, and vibration include Royal Rife with his Rife Frequencies, Abhram's Multiple Wave Oscillator, Robert Monroe with audio binaural beats, Dr. Hans Jenny and Dr. Guy Manners with their work on Cymatics, Vladimir Gavreau's sonic weapons using infrasound, and Tomatis who associates learning ability with listening ability and clear hearing. Modern day musicians are creative as they balance tones and sounds to express an emotional exchange. Clever therapists select their accompanying music as carefully as the sound engineers design musical scores for performances.
Spa Ambience
Spas traditionally have worked to establish a relaxing ambient atmosphere in their dressing rooms, lounges, and waiting areas. Music is never jarring and lights aren’t too bright. In the therapy rooms, low lights and soft flowing sounds create a holistic aura where energy flows freely and tension escapes the body. The music shouldn’t be too loud and distracting and it shouldn’t be so low that it can’t be heard. Clients should speak up if the volume is inappropriate or if they find a certain melody to be disturbing.
Benefits all Ages
People of all ages benefit from music. Researchers from Alberta Canada published an article in May, 2009 showing that neonates benefit from music played during procedures. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that music may have beneficial effects in terms of physiological parameters, behavioural states and pain reduction during painful medical procedures performed on infants.
Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses or who strive for wellness.
Spa Therapies
It's no wonder that ancient spas were built on the sites of babbling brooks and bubbling hot springs. Sound was an important part of the spa building. The music and chants that characterize spa therapies have variable properties. Soft music relaxes massage patients and allows them to remain connected to their higher senses. Chants in yoga symbolize the unity of the procedure and energize the participant.
One should never be annoyed by the sounds they hear during spa procedures. If they find that they are, they should speak up and see what other options are available. Spa sounds best serve their purpose when they’re accepted in the spirit in which they’re intended.
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