CLINICAL APPLICATIONS 

Sound Therapy for Anxiety 

Guided imagery has been empirically demonstrated to be an effective technique in helping individuals to reduce anxiety.  One of the limitations of this technique, however, is that highly anxious clients often find it difficulty to relax sufficiently to be able to experience a reduction in their symptoms.  The use of neuroacoustic methods can enhance relaxation by reducing brainwave frequencies, as indicated in a study by LeScouarnec et al. (1).  The patients participating in this study reported significantly lower anxiety levels following brainwave entrainment.  Neuroacoustic methods have also been shown to be associated with a decrease in blood pressure, pulse rate, and muscle tension, as well as an increase in feelings of health and comfort (2).  Finally, Brady and Stevens (3) have shown that binaural frequency entrainment at theta frequencies significantly increased theta brainwave activity in 5 of 6 study participants.  In addition, these participants showed increased hypnotic susceptibility.  By allowing individuals to relax, both physically and mentally, brainwave entrainment can increase the effectiveness of guided imagery and allow clients to benefit from a guided imagery experience which would otherwise elude them.

Sound Therapy for Insomnia 

Anxiety, pain, or depression can often be underlying or complicating factors for insomnia.  Guided imagery techniques that can be learned and practiced have been shown to be particularly effective in the treatment of insomnia.  In addition, the association of imagery with reduced pulse rate, blood pressure, deep relaxation, and generation of theta/delta brainwaves can be a particularly effective therapeutic approach.  Lane et al. (4), from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center reported results supporting the hypotheses that sound frequencies affect cognitive performance and states of arousal.  It was additionally suggested that these sound frequencies may also have applications for insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Sound Therapy for Depression 

Although pain and depression are not always linked, there is substantial evidence that patients with chronic pain are more susceptible to experience depression, and the depression, may then increasingly exacerbate the pain.  In many cases, psychological intervention can benefit patients suffering from both conditions.  One advantage for the use of guided imagery and sound frequency therapy techniques for the treatment of chronic pain and depression is that both conditions can be addressed with the same protocols.

References

1. LeScouarnec R., et al.,  Use of binaural beat tapes for treatment of anxiety: a pilot study of tape preference and outcomes.  Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 200l; 7:58-63.

2. Ruutel E.  The psychophysiological effects of music and vibroacoustic stimulation.  Nordic  Journal of Music Therapy, 2002, 11.

3. Brady B, Stevens L, Binaural beat induced theta EEG activity and hypnotic susceptibility.  The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.  2000, 24:53-69.

4. J.D. Lane et al., Binaural auditory beats affect vigilance, performance, and mood. Physiology & Behavior, 1998; 63:249-252.