In our fast-paced world, finding proper balance—physically, mentally, and emotionally—is a constant challenge. At Framework, we’re harnessing the power of sound to help you build the foundation for your health.

A Primer on Sound Waves and the Human Brain

Johns Hopkins Medicine said, “If you want to firm up your body, head to the gym. If you want to exercise your brain, listen to music.” Luckily at Framework, you can do both.

Sound is more than just something we hear—it’s a force that profoundly impacts our body and mind. Sound healing therapy is a transformative practice that uses sound to improve physical and emotional well-being. Sound waves travel through the air, reaching our ears and triggering brain responses. Different frequencies, rhythmic patterns, and vibration directly impact the brain—influencing everything from our focus, stress, and mood to our physical energy and relaxation. 

And its effect on us is at both conscious and subconscious levels. Think of how music can transform a workout or how calming sounds can ease you into sleep. By tapping into sound’s power, we can enhance our health, deepen our self-awareness, and find more balance in our daily lives.

“Historical accounts of healing with music are complemented by research demonstrating that emotional responses to music are neurally mediated, such that listening to music activates brain structures involved in reward, pleasure, and emotional processing…More recently, trauma researchers and clinicians have been promoting the use of alternative and less verbally-intensive treatment modalities for trauma survivors involving body movement and creative arts (e.g. Garrido, Baker, Davidson, Moore, & Wasserman, 2015; Van der Kolk, 2014; Van Westrhenen & Fritz, 2014).”

By combining healing sounds, music, and therapeutic instruments, sound healing has been shown to alleviate symptoms of various conditions, including anxiety, PTSD, dementia, cancer, and more.

Through techniques like “binaural beats” and “brain entrainment,” sound healing can alter brainwave states, promoting deeper relaxation and balance. But it’s versatile and can be applied on and off the body. Instruments like crystal singing bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, monochords, and tuning forks can be played around the body to create a soothing sound environment. Sound healing sometimes includes vocal sounds and tones, enhancing the body’s receptiveness to healing vibrations.

That’s exactly why we’re working with sound design studio Father and others to integrate custom sound healing into the entire experience at our new Flagship sauna and cold plunge studio. 

All to promote relaxation, a deeper connection to our bodies, and a multi-faceted approach to health.

The Benefits of Sound Healing

Sound healing has been studied and shows a wealth of health benefits:

• Disease prevention: Rhythmic sensory stimulation at 40 Hz appeared to have the strongest impact on persons with mild and moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. It also provides deep physical cellular stimulation to skin, muscles and joints, resulting in decreased pain and increased mobility for those with Parkinson’s Disease.

• Stress reduction: Sound healing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, calming tension and fatigue for an all-encompassing, increased condition of health. When studied, 22-minute sound therapy sessions resulted in a cumulative reduction of symptoms by 53%.

• Mood management: Sound treatment studies suggest participants experienced reduced pain, anxiety, and depression, increased relaxation, improved quality of sleep, and empowerment from the treatment.

• Pain moderation: Vibroacoustic therapy is a revolutionary tool in the field of multidisciplinary management of chronic pain. Studies of its effects resulted in the reduction of Arthritis activity from severe to moderate—and an increase in the strength of the muscular system, which can lead to reduced pain and improved range of motion in patients after surgeries.

• Enhanced spiritual wellbeing: Sound promotes a sense of calm, inner peace, and connectedness, helping to foster overall emotional balance and well-being.

The benefits of sound healing amplify when combined with other wellness practices. Sound healing is fully integrated in sauna and cold plunge sessions at Framework, as well as throughout studio facilities, which allows for a more profound physical and mental release. And knowing that sound healing complements meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices, we’re excited to continue to program Framework Fitness classes that feature music and sound elements. 

These practices synergistically cultivate a more balanced, centered state of mind and body.

Finding Peace Through Sound at Framework

Sound healing is a powerful therapy that goes beyond simply calming the mind—it works holistically to restore balance in the body. By incorporating sound healing into your daily life, you can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and foster a sense of peace that permeates your entire being.

Whether you’re looking to unwind, deepen your wellness practice, or explore a new form of therapy, book a session to see how sound healing can help you find the balance you’re after.