Jing-Qi-Shen and sound catalyze Brain Wave vibration

Sound Therapy has been used in China for thousands of years. One of their observations was that humans produce similar sound patterns in certain situations.  For example, after a tense situation, many people utter a sigh of relief which is the body’s way of releasing a particular type of energy due to emotional stress.  In Qigong, emphasis is placed on connecting the mind, breath, and imagination via sound, colour, breath and physical movement to both cleanse, nourish and tonify the organ systems.

In Qigong, the physical level of the body is called the Jing level. The second level, the mental/emotional level is called the Qi level and the third level, the Shen, is the spiritual layer of the body.  Healing of the Qi and the Shen  levels are essential in healing of the physical (Jing) body and are often ignored in modern medicine.

In Sound Therapy both the intonation and the volume of the sound are influential.  The loud volume strongly influences the jing , purging the physical tissues within the intended organ whereas the moderate sound  (i.e. a whisper) works with the mental/emotional (Qi) level and the inaudible, works with the Shen or spiritual level.

Get Your Ki (Qi) Moving with Brain Wave vibration

It's mid-morning as I sit at my computer desk and feel my energy waning. I slept well last night and ate breakfast, but already I feel the drain of "information overload" – a series of meetings, emails, phone calls and internet searches that have kept the neurons in my brain firing non-stop since I arrived at the office.

In past years, I would have hit the soda machine and grabbed a Snicker's bar. But now, more aware of how to regulate internal energy flow, my colleagues and I have made a pact to support one another in regular, twice daily breaks from the intense focus normally directed at our computer screens to boost our ki (qi/chi).

Luckily, we work for a company that allows such activity, knowing that short "energy breaks" can help to improve our metabolism, stimulate our brain's ability to focus, and actually increase our productivity.

Michela plays a rhythmic beat on her computer speakers and we begin a series of movements specifically designed to stimulate the flow of ki and calm our brain activity.

Virtually all oriental medicine and martial arts theories assert that the body has natural patterns of energy that circulate along key channels in the body, called meridians. When the ki is strong and flowing smoothly, we are living in a state of health and balance. When the ki is weak or blocked, dis-ease or various health imbalances arise. Ki is believed to affect our organs, our emotions, and our brain's ability to function.

Within moments, the tension in my neck and shoulders begins to release. After about ten minutes, the music fades and we resume our seats. The entire office feels alert and refreshed and the clicking of our computer keyboards resume as if they never missed a beat.

What is Brain Wave Vibration?

My co-workers and I have discovered a powerful, easy-to-follow brain fitness and holistic healing method that helps stimulate the flow of ki to bring our bodies and minds back into balance. It's called brain wave vibration. It combines ancient healing practices and ki training techniques from Korea with modern scientific understanding of the brain. In its simplest form the practice merely requires moving our bodies to our own internal, natural rhythms in order to slow down and balance our brain wave activity. The therapeutic benefits are similar to those of Qigong which regulate the activity of the cerebral cortex, the central nervous system, and the cardio-vascular system. The advantage of brain wave vibration is that it does not take years to master and can be performed anytime, anywhere by people of all abilities. It is a shortcut to tapping into your own inner, vibratory resonance.

It is so simple that you can take a break from reading this article and try it right now:

Simply close your eyes and begin to gently shake your head back and forth. Slowly follow your body's own natural movements from side to side. Breathe in through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. As you do so, focus on the movement of your head and the base of your neck, and try to let go of any thoughts. Practice for about two minutes, at whatever pace is comfortable, and then slow your head to a stop. Remain still, with your eyes still closed, and feel the subtle vibration tingling inside you.

Do you feel a bit more relaxed? Have you released tension in your neck and shoulders? Can you sense your own essence—your ki? Now open your eyes and see if you don't feel a bit more refreshed and able to focus.

Stress, Brain Waves and Beliefs

It is common scientific knowledge that the human brain consists of three basic parts—the neocortex, the limbic system, and the cerebellum and brain stem. The neocortex, or human brain, is where we perform high-level thinking and complex integrative tasks such as deductive logic, language, and creativity; the limbic system, or mammalian brain, controls our emotions, appetites and urges that help us survive; and the cerebellum and brain stem, or reptilian brain, regulates our vital functions for life such as our respiration, circulation, digestion and motor function.

Scientists have also established that the human brain emits five basic kinds of brain waves that are associated with various states of consciousness: gamma, beta, alpha, theta and delta. Most people agree that we spend far too much time in the high-intensity, high-frequency gamma and beta waves generated by the neocortex, which contribute to our many stress disorders. If we can find ways to more easily access the lower frequency waves (alpha and theta) associated with our subconscious mind and deep states of meditation, we can go a long way to positively impacting our health. Further, if we can have more control over our thoughts and the messages we tell ourselves, we can do much to alleviate stress since it is not so much the people, environments and activities we encounter that are stressful, but rather the way we react to such things.

When we use methods like brain wave vibration, we become more sensitive to our ki and can ride its wave into the depths of our brain stem where our unconscious deep-seated thoughts and beliefs are held. Here, we can dip into our subconscious mind and change negative beliefs to more positive ones. Further, when we embrace ourselves in the envelope of ki energy surrounding us, we naturally place our neocortex into a state of rest.

In his book, The Biology of Belief, author, medical school professor and research scientist, Bruce H. Lipton shared new discoveries about the interaction between our mind, our body, and the process by which cells receive information. His research proved that genes and DNA do not control our biology, and that instead, DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts. This breakthrough—that a cell's life is controlled by its physical and energetic environment, not by its genetics—supports the concept that we should all become better managers of our body's internal ki.

Experiencing Brain Wave Vibration

Brain wave vibration offers a way to silence our thinking mind and more readily access the power within the brain stem. It is a means through which we can easily tap into our own ki and utilize the body's inherent rhythm to calm higher-frequency brain wave activity, so that we can more readily access deep meditation. This type of moving-meditation is far easier for most people to do than traditional forms of sitting meditation that may take years to master.

I have found brain wave vibration to be incredibly simple, yet profoundly effective in relieving stress and easing the endless chatter of my mind. A session can be just a few minutes or a full one-hour practice combining meridian stretching, vibration exercises, ki-gong movements, energy dance and sitting meditation. While it is helpful to use some type of rhythmic music when you first begin, it can be done with no music at all since the essence of the practice is to move to your body's own internal rhythm.

Although there are various brain wave vibration exercises, the practice typically incorporates three distinct elements:

Deliberately making vibrations in your body-- you make vibrations consciously, but relax your body as you move to the rhythm. As you quiet your thinking mind and let go of self-conscious inhibitions, the sensations move down your body releasing tension as you exhale.

Allowing your body to ride the rhythm—once you are fully relaxed, you let go and follow your own natural rhythm. As you focus on your physical sensations your body begins to make its own spontaneous movements, becoming more pronounced as you get more deeply into the rhythm.

Following the flow of energy—once the vibration becomes natural and familiar, you become increasingly aware of the movement of energy within your body. Your movements become more graceful and free-flowing as your natural instincts take over.

Following are some of the most common forms of brain wave vibration:

Head Nod Method

The head nod method is the simplest form of brain wave vibration. It can be done standing, sitting or lying down and is designed to deliver vibrations directly to your brain stem for deep relaxation and tension release. Even just three minutes will clear your head, enhance you focus, and leave you feeling more energized.

Sit-up straight with your arms resting at your sides. Close your eyes and breathe comfortably, relaxing your body completely. Begin to gently shake your head from side to side. Breathe naturally and fully, emphasizing the exhalation, as you envision all tension draining from your body. Focus on your brain stem at the base of your neck. You may hear slight noises or popping sounds at the base of your skull. Allow your head to move up and down, side to side, or even in the shape of an infinity symbol as you go deeper into the motion. After a few minutes, slow to a stop, take a deep breath and return to your external awareness.

Full-Body Vibration

The goal with full body vibration is to create total relaxation and a calm, meditative state. This method is very similar to the body vibration and shaking medicine techniques that indigenous cultures have used for centuries. With practice your inhibitions will loosen and you will intuitively take on postures that your body desires for its own natural healing. Most practitioners use some form of rhythmic drum music to get into the flow. You can do this form for 10 minutes or more.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, hips forward, knees slightly bent, and weight naturally balanced on the balls of the feet. Close your eyes, drop your arms forward slightly, and bounce your hips up and down, following a rhythm that feels natural to you. The vibrations may be gentle or intense, dance-like or flowing. As you naturally slow down and return to full consciousness, shake out your arms and legs, and sweep the ki energy down your arms and torso.

Abdominal Vibration

Most of us are familiar with the "water up/fire down" concept in oriental healing and martial arts practices. In the body, Yin energy—the energy of water—originates in the kidneys, and Yang energy—the energy of fire—originates in the heart. In an ideal state of equilibrium, water energy rises from the kidneys along the Governor Vessel to clear the head, and fire energy descends from the heart along the Conception Vessel to the lower Dahn jon, to warm the abdomen. The Dahn jon, also known as the Dan Tien or Tan t'ien, correlates to the second chakra—the seat of the soul.

When we are in an ideal state of balance, we are said to have "a cool head and fire in the belly." We are calm, steadfast and centered. However, when we are under chronic stress or spend too much time in our heads, the ki energy in our abdomen is weakened, and fire energy rises to our head. The Yin-Yang balance is broken. We become overly anxious, ill-tempered and plagued by troublesome thoughts.

The abdominal vibration technique helps to restore balance by bringing warm energy back into the lower dahn jon. It is the most effective form of brain wave vibration for improving the overall balance of energy in the body.

This method can be done standing or lying down. Shake out your arms and legs to relax completely. Stand with fee shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, and pelvis curled slightly upward so you feel tension in the lower abdomen. Focus your mind just below your navel, cup your hands slightly, and begin to rhythmically strike the lower abdomen area with your palms. Begin with 100 strokes and increase as you progress. Often, your head will naturally shake from side to side with the rhythm.

Chest Vibration and Vocal Toning

The chest vibration and vocal toning method opens up the chest and stimulates the heart chakra. This form also helps to release pent-up emotions like sadness and disappointment, which are often held in the chest and throat areas. This exercise can be done standing or sitting. Lift your elbows out to your sides and place your hands on the center of your chest. Begin to tap your chest. As you exhale, let out a strong "ahhh" sound. You will feel the vibrations spreading throughout your chest, expanding into your ribcage and upper abdomen. Tap under your collarbone and around your chest until if feels comfortable and light. As you exhale, focus inside and let your voice instinctively take on various vocal tones. Do this for as long as you feel comfortable. When finished, sweep your palms down your chest and let out a soft, contemplative "ahhh."

Energy Meditation and Ki-gong

This form of brain wave vibration requires deep, relaxed concentration so it is a good idea to stretch or use another method to loosen up before beginning. It is designed to help practitioners increase their sense of energy awareness in their palms. You can sit in lotus or half lotus position, or with your legs outstretched. Use some soft, soothing music with this form.

Place your hands on your knees, palms face up. Breathe in and out, and rotate your upper body in a circle at your waist. Relax the shoulders and focus on your dahn jon. Raise your palms and rub them briskly together. This action stimulates heat energy in the palms and creates a slight tingling sensation or magnetic-like attraction. Hold your palms 2-4 inches apart and focus on the energy flowing between them, as you pull your hands apart, then bring them back together for about 10 minutes. Allow yourself to sink deep into the sensation and feel the vibrations throughout your body. As your ki rises, allow your hands, arms and upper body to move naturally to music. Your body will instinctively take on postures that help it to realign itself and stimulate circulation. Do this as long as you feel comfortable. When you return to your initial position, you'll be in a state of complete serenity and ready for deep meditation.

Coming Full Circle With Ancient Ways of Healing

As I reflect back on my experience with brain wave vibration, I realize that the concept itself is really not all that new. Almost every element of the practice can be traced to various other energy training and vibrational healing techniques. In fact, the ancient shamans of the past can be considered the original "brain wave doctors." They instinctively knew that the shaking of the body and dancing to distinct tribal rhythms could enable them to achieve higher states of consciousness, connect with the spiritual realms, and stimulate their own innate healing abilities.

Through years of investigative research, Dr. Michael Winkelman, a former neuroscientist at Arizona State University, concluded that shamanistic healing practices worked by integrating the older (i.e., brain stem) and younger (i.e., the prefrontal cortex) parts of the brain. "Shamanistic healing practices achieve this integration by physically stimulating systematic brain wave–discharge patterns," says Winkelman. This integration allows "unconscious or preconscious primary information processing functions and outputs to be integrated into the operations of the frontal cortex," he notes.

Similarly, Bradford Keeney has traveled the world investigating the oldest medicine on Earth—the ecstatic shaking of the human body. In his book, Shaking Medicine: The Healing Power of Ecstatic Movement, Keeney noted that all of the ancient indigenous healing practices relied on achieving deeply relaxed states of consciousness (i.e., low frequency brain waves). Most primitive cultures relied on ecstatic movement, such as dancing or shaking, to achieve such a state.

Musicians and mystics have long recognized the power of rhythmic music. Cultures throughout the world engage in ritual drumming and rhythmic prayer. Recent interest in sleep, meditation and hypnosis research is also spurring scientists to take a closer look at the therapeutic benefits of musical rhythm. In 2006, Stanford's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics hosted a symposium, "Brainwave Entrainment to External Rhythmic Stimuli" that brought together a diverse group of scientists, ethnomusicologists and musicians.

According to the Stanford press release, "A small but growing body of evidence suggests that music and other rhythmic stimuli can alter mental states in predictable ways and even heal damaged brains." Further research has shown that "music with a strong beat stimulates the brain and ultimately can cause brainwaves to resonate in time with the music. Slow beats encourage slow brain waves that are associated with hypnotic or meditative states. Faster beats may encourage more alert and concentrated thinking," it stated.

The uniqueness of brain wave vibration lies in the way the elements are combined into a single mind-body practice that offers a complete relaxation, energy stimulation, and meditative experience. Using various techniques, it combines the elements of music, vibration, and movement to build ki and then sink into meditation. These elements are grounded in ancient, time tested techniques for tuning into our body's natural rhythm, calming our brainwaves and reaching deep meditative states that independently of one another, have been proven to be safe and effective for fostering greater health.

Jing-Qi-Shen and sound catalyze

According to the diagram, we see the interaction and rotation of three treasures Qi, Jing, and Shen.

If Qi is impacted well, it will have a good effect on the other two treasures, Jing and Shen. 

The essence of sound therapy is the impact on Shen primarily. From that, it makes Qi and Jing become strong and good.

Three treasures Qi, Jing and Shen are the keys to unlocking energy in the shackles of clogged energy.

Therapeutic acupressure is a way to eliminate energy clogging.

Learn more: Recent Discovery Erases the Need for Harmful Prescription Drugs...

A Combination of Eastern Techniques and Sound Can Eliminate Pain & Destroy 91% of Diseases

Why Modern Medicine is Turning to Music to Reduce Pain & Heal the Body

As Bob Marley famously said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

Marley’s wisdom, it seems, knew no limits- much like the near-magical capacities of music.

Music’s Healing History

While many can attest to the positive impact of music on their emotional wellbeing, the role of music as a therapeutic tool is less understood and perhaps less accepted, though the idea traces all the way back to ancient Greece.

Ancient Greek philosophers were convinced that music could be used therapeutically. This belief was put into practice when those suffering from manic episodes were treated with flute music, and those plagued with symptoms of depression were instructed to listen to dulcimer music. Ancient Greeks were even said to treat hangovers with music.

When Plato ascended to respect and power in Greek society, he too, lauded the effects of music, considering tunes to be “the medicine of the soul.” He also stated that the harmony of music could positively (or negatively) impact ‘earthly souls.’

Throughout the ages, the ancients were said to treat a multitude of ailments with the healing tunes of music. Some examples include the biblical King Saul, who was cured of his depressive symptoms by the harp music of David.

Other examples include Native American Indian use of music during traditional rituals, which they believed had healing properties. The Middle Ages brought their own practitioners of music with St. Basil, who believed music an integral component of improving morality and Cassiodorus, who acknowledged that music was cathartic.

The use of music as a healing agent continued into the Renaissance, with Italian music theorist Zarlino attesting to music’s ability to treat symptoms like pain, depression and even the plague.

Why Vibration Matters in Healing & Pain Relief

While the healing quality of music may or may not depend on the listener’s personal preference, the key to the healing power of tunes lies in the frequency of the music’s vibrations.

In the Medieval age, Benedictine monk, Guido d’Arezzo developed a special scale (the Solfeggio scale) which was used most famously to comprise a hymn to John the Baptist, that was used in many services.

The hymn is comprised of six successive notes on the music scale, meaning that each line is sung a degree higher than the last line. Today, we know this scale more popularly (thanks to The Sound of Music) as Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti.

They were taken from the first stanza of the hymn:

Ut queant laxis Resonare fibris

Mira gestorum Famuli tuorum

Solve polluti Labii reatum

Sancte Iohannes

The literal translation from Latin is as follows:

“In order that the slaves might resonate (resound) the miracles (wonders) of your creations with loosened (expanded) vocal chords. Wash the guilt from (our) polluted lip. Saint John.”

The translation suggests that Solfeggio notes open up a channel of communication with the Divine.

During the 1970s, the tones were discovered to have six electro-magnetic sound frequencies which are now associated with various changes in emotional states.

The Solfeggio Frequencies:

• UT – 396 Hz – turning grief into joy, liberating guilt & fear

• RE – 417 Hz – undoing situations & facilitating change

• MI – 528 Hz – transformation & miracles, repairing DNA

• FA – 639 Hz – relationship, connecting with spiritual family

• SOL – 741 Hz – expression/solutions, cleaning & solving

• LA – 852 Hz – returning to spiritual order

Notably, the frequency 528 hz (Mi) is associated with healing and transformation, as well as an increased presence of clarity, intention and awareness. Additionally, frequency 174 hz is often considered a natural anaesthetic, and is said to reduce physical and emotional pain. It is also the lowest of the tones.

Those who are attuned to the benefits of the Solfeggio scale actively seek out these tones and use them in meditation or mindfulness sessions and even as a backdrop when practicing yoga or other mindful exercises.

Though instrumental and popular music are also associated with calming tendencies as we will later explore, the healing presence of the Solfeggio scales are generally found in music targeted to meditation, as the tones have largely been forgotten in popular music composition.

Meditative tunes incorporating the Solfeggio scales are often found for use in a meditation or yoga practice, or just as a soothing backdrop to everyday life.

Healing Harmonies & Music for Pain Relief

While many skeptics may dismiss the holistic approach of music for pain relief, the use of music to alleviate symptoms and promote well-being is becoming an increasingly legitimate health tool.

A recent study from Harvard University has supported music’s tangible role in healing. Dr. Anthony Komaroff, of Harvard Medical School, has attested to music’s ability to improve patient’s mental function after strokes, to improve balance and coordination in patients and to alleviate high heart rate and blood pressure in heart attack survivors.

Music also plays an undeniable role in pain management, beyond personal testimonials of pain reduction after listening to music. A recent study of patients undergoing urologic surgery with anesthesia determined that patients who listened to music during the procedure needed less supplementary intravenous anesthesia.

Another study, involving cataract surgery, patients were awake during the procedure. Some wore headphones and listened to Mozart sonatas, while some wore headphones, but listened to no music.

Those who listened to music during their surgery needed sizably less sedative than those who did not. The music listeners also had lower heart rates, blood pressure and less stress hormone (adrenaline and cytokine interleukin-6) present in their blood during the procedure.

Beyond Beats: Music’s Role in Modern Medicine

Though the above example examines the role of music in conjunction with surgery, there is evidence that the components of music alone- or the vibrational beats that comprise it- are sufficient in their healing ability.

There is new evidence that the use of isolated musical beats has the ability to spark brain states and deep healing through binaural beats.

As you'll discover here: binaural beats occur when two different frequencies are directed into each ear, forcing the brain to create a signal (binaural beat), which equals the difference between the two frequencies. The brain will then resonate with that beat, at that frequency, which can influence patterns of thought and states of concentration.

In fact, a study conducted in the United States exposed participants aged 26-69 plagued by chronic pain to alternating binaural beat music for pain relief and placebo recordings for 20 minutes daily. The study was conducted over 14 days and the results found that there was a 77% drop in reported pain after the listening session with the binaural beats.

This developing understanding of the benefits of binaural beats goes hand in hand with the use of brainwave entrainment (BWE), which also utilizes rhythm to alter the frequency of subject’s brainwaves, and subsequently affect emotion and brain states.

BWE is used in a variety of circumstances, though studies have specifically been conducted on children with ADHD, those with anxiety, those with behavioral issues, children with cognitive delays, those with headaches and varied heart rates, and even those who suffer from PMS and stress.

In a 1997 study, children affected with ADHD were treated with BWE to decrease theta waves, which prevent an individual from consciously focusing. Therapists attempted to use entrainment to stimulate beta waves, which are associated with critical thinking and concentration.

At the end of the study, the children’s teachers and parents alike reported improvements in the children’s ability to focus and control impulsive behaviors. Researchers hope that BWE could act as an alternative to medications that control such behavior, like Adderall.

How Soundwaves Can Correct Neurological Imbalances

Breaking music down into its vibrations and beats is an increasingly powerful tool for researchers and occupational therapists, but what about medical doctors? Do sound waves have a role in Western operating rooms beyond soothing a patient mid-surgery with their favorite song?

As it turns out, yes.

Scientists are discovering that sound waves have the ability to correct neurological imbalances without invasive surgical procedures or drugs that can negatively impact patients during or after a procedure.

A team at St Mary’s Hospital in London recently used sound waves to complete a successful operation deep inside a patient’s brain.

The team used a focused ultrasound (sound waves vibrating at frequencies too high for humans to hear) to destroy the faulty electrical brain circuits that were responsible for a shaking, shuddering tremor in the patient’s right hand. The ultrasound waves were targeted at a high intensity, generating enough energy and heat to destroy the cells of malfunctioning tissue.

Doctors say that the procedure could be a suitable treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, which include muscle slowness. It may also be a non-invasive alternative to treat brain tumors.

A Song a Day…

Music is a critical component of everyday life. It helps listeners wake up and go to sleep. It can spur relaxation or movement- rest or motivation. It is a powerful influencer in human emotions, and can quickly and easily shift a listener’s mood.

But music is also developing a reputation as a healing agent for those who suffer from chronic pain, anxiety and depression.

Musical components, like the frequencies and vibrations of binaural beats and ultrasound, are increasingly used in cutting-edge medical treatments that have the ability to correct issues in the body without the use of potentially dangerous drugs or surgeries.

In other words, if you’re searching for a more holistic way to heal, music may just be the restorative cure-all you’ve been waiting for.

If you are experiencing pain, tension or discomfort, try our Pain Relief download for a holistic, safe approach to healing.