“There’s no organ system in the body that’s not affected by sound and music vibration.”
—Mitchell Gaynor, MD, author of Sounds of Healing
The late Dr. Mitchell Gaynor was a true pioneer in the study and practice of sound healing. As the director of Medical Oncology and Integrative Medicine at Cornell Cancer Prevention Center, he incorporated crystal bowls, nature sounds, Sanskrit yoga chants and other sounds to help heal cancer patients. He went on to found Gaynor Integrative Oncology and author several books on health and
wellness.
Dr. Gaynor used sound therapy to complement his conventional oncology practice. “Sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies,” he said. As long as something is vibrating, it is producing some kind of sound and affecting us physically and emotionally, even if we can’t hear it.
Research had shown that sound healing and meditation, along with other relaxation techniques, might help to reduce blood pressure and stress, as well as ease pain and anxiety. While this may have seemed like a new idea at the time, sound healing has actually been used for centuries.
Sounds are simply vibrations emitted through the water or the air. Because everything vibrates, we are constantly surrounded and stimulated by different sounds.
“I have always been drawn to the ocean—its sounds and movement.”
—Danielle Selleck
The vibrations of sound can create a state of relaxation and tranquility deep within. They can also stir and release blocked energy and emotions and take us to a place of greater self-awareness.
