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BioAcoustics® Sound Therapy – Going Beyond Words for Sound Health
Human Bioacoustics, literally human “life sounds”, is sound therapy that explores the relationship between vocal codes, sounds in human voice frequency patterns, and anatomy, physiology, and psychology patterns using vocal analysis, vocal profiling, and sound presentation. Sharry Edwards, M.Ed., Director, Sound Health Research Institute, is the acknowledged pioneer of human bioacoustics, having originated the concepts, invented the analysis software, and ingeniated analog sound presentation devices such as the Little Back Box, Charley Chaser, Gout Tone Box, Overture Tone Box, and Square2 programmable Tone Box for personalized sounds.
Voice analysis is a method used to gather data from the human voice as a portrayal of the significant frequency features and architecture that may relate to anatomical, physiological, or emotional imbalance. Using an individual’s voice to establish stressed frequencies, vocal profiling reports are generated to interpret the qualities represented by those frequencies and patterns. One objective is to determine the extent to which an individual exhibits the traits corresponding to the frequency data found in their voice.
Based on biometric data gathered from profiling the voice, researchers investigate the efficacy of sound presentation, delivering low frequency analog sound as a means of supporting inherent health, integrity, and coherence.
Although sound frequency has been studied in a variety of contexts and with an array of applications, Human Bioacoustics is a recent study originating with the ingenuity, and extraordinary abilities of Sharry Edwards. In 1982 while writing a graduating thesis on tinnitus Ms. Edwards discovered specific sounds that would dramatically drop a person’s blood pressure. In 2005 the Journal of Bioacoustic Biology published Ms. Edwards’ Definitive Theory of Human BioAcoustic Vocal Profiling and Sound Presentation. http://www.lifespirit.org/SHRI-JBAB-issue1.pdf
A pivotal component of human bioacoustics developed by Ms. Edwards is the concept of Bioacoustic biology,
the systematic study dealing with the sound frequencies of human physiochemical organization as it relates to the vital processes of the human body. The relationships between biochemical, muscle, nutrient, hormone, and nerve sound frequency equivalents and a mathematical matrix are elucidated. Key concepts include octaves of sound frequencies, biochemical pathways and cascades, and mathematical ratios.
Sonostry or sonistry, another model developed by Ms. Edwards, systematizes acoustic emissions detected in generating and receiving sound as basic sets of sound frequencies based on RNA, the molecules responsible for maintaining DNA patterns. This systematic study of predicting and monitoring biological function based on sound frequency relationships is likened to the interactions of basic elements in chemistry. Sonistry literally means "the work of sound."
Research Methods
Three processes are utilized in the practice of human bioacostics – voice analysis, vocal profiling, and
sound presentation.
Voice Analysis and Vocal Profiling
Frequency domain: To determine individualized vocal patterns, a 30 second sample of the voice is captured as numeric data using a uni-directional microphone connected to a computer equipped with a calibrated sound card. Applying Fast Fourier Transform, the analog sample is first converted to numeric data and then to a digital graph displaying 0-1000 cycles per second and 0 to -60 decibels. Horizontal areas of the graph are identified as predictive (future), now (present), and long term (past) ranges. The vertical axis identifies the amplitude of each frequency, displaying disproportionate extremes. Interpretation includes: high points on the graph indicate strident, vociferous frequencies; low points indicate deficiencies. A chart with fewer highs and lows shows greater coherence. Case studies have revealed that predictable architectures appear on the graphs of those with toxins, trauma, pathogens, inflammation, and infection.
Chart showing toxin architecture:
Chart showing more coherence:
Reports created from the sample data include information on issues with muscles, toxins, pathogens, biochemicals, nutrients, metabolic and hormonal issues, genomes, vaccination safety, and other risk factors in terms of frequency equivalents. These reports have been used by health professionals and wellness practitioners to gain direction toward supporting optimal form and function.
Time domain: To determine individualized vocal patterns, a sample of the voice is captured as chromatic scale musical notes using a condenser microphone connected to a computer equipped with a sound card and an nVoice software program from Sound Health, Inc. This information is used to profile personality, situational dynamics, relationship potentials, and offer insight concerning emotional issues.
Example of an nVoice chart:
To view an example of an nVoice report click here
Sound Presentation
Based on the results of the vocal profile, sound formulas are constructed and presented to the individual using a specialized low frequency analog tone generator in a procedure described as tone trials. Brain wave oscillations have been measured as a range from 0 – 64 cycles per second. Tones are constructed in this range for bioacoustic sound presentation and are referred to as Brain Wave Multiples (BWM).
Each tone formula is presented for 30 to 60 seconds, or in the case of muscle involvement, two minutes while biofeedback equipment is used to gather objective data such as pulse rate, heart rate, temperature fluctuations, brain wave and muscle response, and resolution of symptoms. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is used to collect subjective feedback allowing individual reactions to be rated with minimal constraints.
Once appropriate sound formulas are ascertained, they are programmed into a small analog frequency generator which allows an individual to listen privately through headphones or subwoofer. Other sound delivery methods such as an underwater speaker are also being investigated. Just as learning the words of a song or the spelling of a word is accomplished through repetition, repeated exposure to the frequency formulas is intended to entrain the body’s innate rhythmical scheme of vibrational patterns. Harmonics of the sound formula are thought to be the operative factor. Human hearing spans eleven octaves from 20 to 20,000 cycles per second and each shade of sound frequency appears to represent a precise nutrient, biochemical, structure, muscle, protein, genome, toxic compound, or pathogen. These frequency representations are known as frequency equivalents (FE). Case studies have revealed that a variation as small as .02HZ may determine the difference between creating a desired outcome or not.
Theory
Ms. Edwards theory of Human Bioacoustics originates from the observation that brain-wave frequencies are impulse patterns. As the brain perceives and delivers these patterns to the body via nerve pathways, they serve as directives, functioning to sustain structural integrity and emotional equilibrium. The laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve, innervates larynx muscles which create vocal sounds by oscillating the vocal cords. This direct conduit from the brain and body to the vocal cords suggests a message pathway, supporting the theory that frequencies in the voice are representations of the autonomic nervous system’s activity. Vocal profiling is a human bioacoustic technique used to detect this frequency communication, and is further based on the theory that vocal cords are entrained to reflect the frequency communication between the body and brain via their involvement in this pathway. By recording vocal frequencies in Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), information is collected and analyzed to delineate patterns of coherence and dissonance. These patterns are theorized to represent very specific clues regarding the health of the speaker, revealing discordant patterns which are thought to be associated with symptoms of dis-ease and distress. Once discordance is identified, low frequency sound formulas are delivered as a means of balancing the disharmony, promoting the body’s innate ability to self-heal through entrainment. Additionally, the frequency patterns thus far discovered appear to reveal a predictable mathematical matrix which may predict outcomes of sound frequency interventions. Case studies also suggest that the beat created by sound formulas is an integral component of targeting specific structures.
As with many systematic studies, it’s yet to be determined whether or not human bioacoustics can be confined to the physical world and therefore considered to be a science. The possibility exists that it may transcend the accepted view of the physical world, going beyond what is considered public knowledge to include intuition, creativity, and expanded perception. The possibility also exists that frequencies found in the voice may relate to a previously undetected organizational system within all living things, or that it may be the foundation of poorly understood phenomenon such as the self-healing capabilities of the body. Considering the commonalities to other physical sciences, however, human bioacoustics does share methodical exploration of logical sequences, consequences, and relationships.
No therapeutic effects can be claimed due to the lack of large randomized controlled trials (RCT). It appears that an important strength of human bioacoustics is its ability to address very specific individual complexities and does not lend itself to the generalities of broad syndromes. This strength also makes it more difficult to discern the probability that effects are due to intervention, placebo or random variation. Therefore, even when RCT are conducted in the future, it’s possible that no significant statistical results will be obtained concerning general disease syndromes even as individual disease conditions improve.
Conducting formal randomized control studies on the effectiveness of human bioacoustics has yet to be done. As such, no claims have been made about its effectiveness. However, results from numerous individual case studies have been notable and impressive indicating that further investigation into the relationship between the human voice, frequency, and health is warranted.
Some of the concepts associated with human bioacoustics go beyond a common understanding of physiology to include the idea that energy, frequency, and matter may be related in ways that we are not currently aware of. Although this may be a target for critics, it can also be seen as an exciting opportunity to explore new levels of the human experience.
Individual case studies in Bioacoustic research often indicate that sound presentation initiates self-healing processes so natural that they’re perceived as the body having healed on its own. Testing the subsequent withdrawal of the supporting sounds has been coincident with the return of symptoms, suggesting the body’s ability to respond to low frequency analog sound. Examples of case studies are available at
http://www.nutrasounds.com/
For an in-depth article see Definitive Theory of Human BioAcoustic Vocal Profiling and Sound Presentation, Sharry Edwards, M.Ed., Capital University of Integrative Medicine, Washington, D.C. Department of Natural Medicine
http://www.lifespirit.org/SHRI-JBAB-issue1.pdf
Independent research from audiologist Dorinne S. Davis M.A., CCC-A, FAAA, of the Davis Center in Budd Lake, NJ, published a study of over 200 vocal samples exploring the relationship between oto-acoustic emissions (sounds measured as coming from our ears) and stressed frequencies in vocal profiling reports. Results of this study published by the American Acoustic Society showed 100% correlation between stressed vocal frequencies and oto-acoustic emissions from the ear.
Davis, Dorinne. (2004). Sound Bodies through Sound Therapy
Accreditation and Controls
Sound Health Research Institute, Inc. established a seven level Credentials System for Professional BioAcoustic Research Associates in 2004. The system includes certification, peer review, research, education, and ethics standards.
External Links
http://www.sharryedwards.com/
http://www.lifespirit.org/shriposts.html
http://www.lifespirit.org/shri1.html
http://www.lifespirit.org/SHRI-Certification-Standards.htm
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2005/3/emw223146.htm
http://www.thedaviscenter.com/therapies/t-bioacoustics.htm
http://www.insideoutput.com/
http://www.youbewell.com/mainframe.html
http://www.natureswell.com/soundtherapy.html
http://www.bioacousticsforsoundhealth.com/
References
Edwards, Sharry M Ed. October, 2005. Definitive Theory of Human BioAcoustic Vocal Profiling and Sound Presentation. The Journal of BioAcoustic Biology, volume #5, issue #11. Retrieved 4/1/2006 from http://www.lifespirit.org/SHRI-JBAB-issue1.pd
Davis, Dorinne, and Edwards, Sharry. (April 2002). BioAcoustic Voiceprint Frequencies
and Otoacoustic Emissions, American Academy of Audiology Annual Convention.
Disclaimer: Human BioAcoustics®, as originated by Sharry Edwards, M.Ed., does not diagnose or prescribe for medical or psychological conditions nor does it claim to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure such conditions. Human BioAcoustics® researchers do not provide diagnosis, care, treatment or rehabilitation of individuals, nor apply medical, mental health or human development principles.
© Nancy Blachly 2005
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