Sound Therapy: Exploring Benefits and Potential Risks

As sound healers, we often receive questions about the effectiveness of sound healing. But what about the potential side effects of this modality? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the question of whether sound healing can make you "sick" and explore the evidence and research behind its benefits.

This article is meant as an introduction and guide to this legitimate question and not as a complete answer, with of course things omitted and not included that might deserve a place in the discussion.

The Power of Sound: Positive and Negative Reactions

Sound is a powerful force that can elicit both negative and positive reactions from us. Just like how certain sounds can grate on our nerves, others can bring us immense joy and pleasure. We all have different musical preferences and tastes, with a vast array of genres to choose from. Similarly, in the world of sound healing, everyone's experiences can be unique. While some may find certain sounds pleasing, others may have negative emotional, mental, or physical reactions to them.

In the realm of sound healing, not all sensations and experiences are inherently problematic or a health concern. Sometimes they are part of the client's healing journey. However, it is essential for the client not to become overly attached to specific healing outcomes and become discouraged when unexpected situations arise.

Similarly, sound healers must recognize that not all of their techniques and sounds will be well-received by everyone. This is simply a part of reality, and it provides an opportunity for growth and learning. It's unrealistic for any sound healer to claim they never make mistakes and always know exactly what they're doing - we're all human after all.

In my opinion, sound healing is most effective when there's open and honest communication between healers and clients, players and listeners. When it comes to sound healing, it's crucial to recognize that certain sounds can bring up patterns of suffering and trauma that need to be addressed with care and compassion. As healers and clients, we need to remain flexible in our approach and avoid prescribing specific frequencies as a cure-all solution.

Potential Side Effects of Sound Healing

While there is some scientific evidence on the positive effects of sound healing, the research is still limited. Some studies suggest that sound therapy can reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, and may even positively impact the immune system. However, some people may experience discomfort or negative reactions during or after a sound healing session. These reactions are often related to the release of deep-seated emotions or the healing process itself, and may not necessarily be harmful.

Sound Healing: How It Works, Benefits, and Risks

Here are some potential side effects to be aware of:

Over-listening: One common way in which sound can make you "sick" is firstly over-listening. Remembering the important watchword of balance, to overdo almost anything becomes or can become harmful. Drink too much water and you can die, listen to sounds too loud too often, in particular pure tones and singular frequency music (like some of these healing videos you see on YouTube) and yes you can harm yourself energetically, mentally and physically. I would like to stress that this "harm" usually manifests like minor problems easily dealt with than any serious hurt or life threatening reaction.
Entrainment: Another way is through the process of entrainment. For example if you sit next to a car engine for 2 minutes its not too bad or upsetting, sit next to that engine on repeat for 2 hours and you will feel awful and perhaps very distressed. This mainly applies to man made or machine noises, mechanical sounds. Conversely sit next to a stream, waterfall or the sea for 2 hours and you will most likely feel amazing. It isn't always cut and dry, some people get triggered into all sorts of negative states by bird noise and many natural sounds.
Shifting perceptions: It is not uncommon to experience a shift in our perception of certain sounds over time. Sounds that we once found enjoyable and beneficial for healing may suddenly become less desirable or even problematic.
Emotional distress or release: Sound healing can sometimes bring up deeply suppressed emotions, leading to emotional distress or release during or after a session. This can be a difficult and sometimes uncomfortable experience for the client, but it can also be an important part of the healing process. Sound can have a powerful effect on the body and mind, and can stimulate areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory. This can sometimes bring to the surface emotions or memories that the client has been suppressing or avoiding.
Flashbacks or re-experiencing of traumatic events: Flashbacks or re-experiencing of traumatic events can be another potential side effect of sound healing. Sound can stimulate the memory centres of the brain, which can trigger the recall of traumatic events or experiences that the client may have suppressed or forgotten. It is important for practitioners to be aware of the potential for flashbacks or re-experiencing of traumatic events and to create a safe and supportive space for the client to process their experience.
Hallucinations or illusions: Hallucinations or illusions are potential side effects of sound healing in individuals with mental health conditions. Individuals with mental health conditions may be more susceptible to experiencing hallucinations or illusions during a sound healing session. This can be due to the nature of their condition and the way in which their brain processes sensory information. Practitioners should be aware of the potential for hallucinations or illusions and should take steps to minimize the risk of such experiences occurring. This may include screening clients for mental health conditions, adjusting the frequency or volume of the sound, or using different instruments or techniques. In some cases, individuals with mental health conditions may find sound healing to be a beneficial complementary therapy to their existing treatment plan.
Negative reactions to certain instruments or frequencies: Negative reactions to certain instruments or frequencies are a potential side effect of sound healing, as some individuals may be more sensitive or reactive to certain sounds. This negative reaction can manifest in different ways, depending on the individual. Some people may experience discomfort or pain in the ears or head, while others may feel irritable or anxious. It is important for practitioners to be aware of the potential for negative reactions and to adjust their approach or technique accordingly. Practitioners may need to modify the frequency or volume of the sound, or use different instruments or techniques to ensure a safe and effective healing experience. Furthermore, certain frequencies may trigger traumatic memories or emotions, leading to negative reactions in clients.
Interference with medical devices: Sound healing sessions that involve the use of sound waves at high volumes or frequencies may interfere with hearing aids or other medical devices such as pacemakers or implantable defibrillators. For individuals with hearing aids, exposure to loud sounds can cause discomfort or pain, and may also damage the hearing aid itself. Similarly, individuals with implantable medical devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators may be at risk of interference from sound healing sessions. It is important for practitioners to be aware of the potential risks and to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their clients.
Discomfort or pain from lying still: During a sound healing session, clients are typically asked to lie still and relax while the sound vibrations do their work. For example, individuals with chronic pain conditions, injuries, or disabilities may experience discomfort or pain while lying still. This can make it difficult to fully relax and benefit from the sound healing session. To mitigate discomfort or pain during a sound healing session, practitioners can provide additional supports, such as pillows, bolsters, or blankets to ensure that the client is as comfortable as possible. Practitioners can also work with clients to find a position that is comfortable and sustainable for the duration of the session.
Discomfort or pain from instruments being played on or near the body: During a sound healing session, some practitioners may use instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, or tuning forks on or near the client's body. Each individual's body and personal space should be respected, and practitioners should obtain explicit consent from the client before playing instruments on or near their body. Clients should feel empowered to communicate any discomfort or pain they experience during the session, and practitioners should respond promptly and respectfully to their concerns. If a client experiences discomfort or pain from the use of instruments, it may be necessary to modify the approach or use alternative techniques that do not cause discomfort.
Overstimulation or discomfort: Overstimulation or discomfort from loud or repetitive sounds is another potential side effect of sound healing. Some individuals may find that certain sounds, particularly those that are loud or repetitive, cause discomfort or even pain. Additionally, some sound healers may use specific instruments or techniques that produce particularly loud or repetitive sounds, such as gongs or chanting. Practitioners should be aware of the potential for overstimulation or discomfort and should adjust their approach or technique as needed. They may need to modify the volume or frequency of the sound, or use different instruments or techniques to ensure a comfortable and effective healing experience for their clients.
Nausea and dizziness: Nausea and dizziness are common side effects that some people may experience during or after a sound healing session. This may be due to exposure to certain frequencies or vibrations that are too intense or unfamiliar to the individual's system. While nausea and dizziness can be related to the release of deep-seated emotions or the healing process itself, they may also be related to a detoxification reaction in some people. To minimize these side effects, practitioners should be mindful of the individual needs and sensitivities of their clients. They may need to modify the frequency or volume of the sound, or use different instruments or techniques to ensure a safe and effective healing experience.

The Importance of Discernment and Balance

It's important to note that not everything that feels uncomfortable or unsettling is necessarily bad. In fact, these situations can initiate powerful and deep healing. However, it's essential to hold onto your discernment and instincts and be open to moving beyond your comfort zone. Ultimately, you have to decide what's best for you. It's crucial to avoid healers who insist on certain sounds or refuse to stop when asked.

The parameters of sound healing are not fixed and can fluctuate like tides. Sound can affect our entire being and evoke challenging experiences for individuals with psychiatric and mental health issues. While some may find significant healing and help, it's important to exercise caution and seek medical advice when in doubt.

Attachments to healing outcomes can be detrimental to both the healer and healee, creating dissonance in the healing space. Sound healing aims to restore, re-pattern, and bring balance and harmony to our being. It supports the body's natural ability to utilize its own wisdom, immune systems, and minds for healing.

Contraindications for Sound Healing

While this list is mainly for in person physical work some of these can be relevant also for online sessions as this article has briefly touched on.

Serious mental health conditions (e.g.
Infectious diseases (e.g.

As the reader I hope this blog post has given people a flavour of why its important to find trained and professional sound healers, and many out there have not received training, experience and qualifications in dealing with the art and how to mitigate potential issues and problems that may arise for people.

I am a fully qualified sound healer with many years experience and I am happy to do my best to answer any further questions people may have.