Imagine, if you will, if spas interchanged the calming and soothing music they typically play in their massage sessions with rock music – it doesn’t lend nearly enough of the same calming environment. For some, it might even create the opposite of what they expect from a spa massage, often as an experience that’s considered from a multisensory perspective. Whether you notice it or not, different kinds of sound have various mental and physiological effects, a fundamental principle upon which sound therapy draws upon. In many ways, the approach poses many similarities with infrared saunas. They’re both non-invasive, and they both provide excellent benefits to your physical and emotional well-being. But what if these two treatments are combined? Will their benefits be amplified? In this article, our team at Sun Stream Saunas will explore the relationship between these two treatments, and whether combining them yields better results.
What is Sound Therapy?
Throughout history, music has been used in various ways to affect human emotion, from boosting troop morale to providing a meditative experience, for example. In the past few decades, researchers have linked music to a number of health benefits, from lowering stress levels to boosting the health of premature babies.
In sound therapy, particularly, the process involves listening to different sound frequencies upon which certain states of mind (as neurological brainwaves) and bodily systems function. Listening to these specific sounds taps into deep-rooted neurological pathways. When stimulated, it has the potential to benefit cognitive abilities, emotional resonance, blood flow, as well as the functions of muscles and bones. It can also affect hormones and the nervous system.
What Happens When You Combine Infrared Saunas and Sound Therapy?
For those wondering if combining sound therapy and infrared sauna sessions constitutes a net good for the body, the answer is yes. Given that they provide similar benefits, integrating sound therapy into your infrared sauna sessions will amplify their effects. Let’s dive into the mechanisms of this below.
Deep Relaxation and Stress Relief
Infrared sauna sessions engage the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is also known as the “rest and digest” system. This induces overall relaxation, especially in the muscles and the mind.
This state of relaxation can be further deepened when paired with sound therapy. Listening to the harmonic vibrations of sound has the potential to attune frequencies of the brain to a desired qualia, in addition to soothing your nervous system, putting your body in a relaxed, dream-like state.
Furthermore, sound therapy has also found itself effective in lowering stress levels. Researchers have found that it’s more effective than certain prescription medications in reducing anxiety levels in pre-surgery patients.
With these mechanisms, the combination of both treatments may leave users feeling more centred and emotionally-balanced.
Improved Circulation and Cardiovascular Health
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, or the “fight or flight” response of the body, which can end up increasing blood pressure. A prolonged stay in this state can contribute to the development of serious or chronic conditions.
When using infrared saunas, the deep-penetrating infrared heat induces the dilation of blood vessels, improving blood circulation and, in turn, optimising the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s muscles and tissues. It also helps lower blood pressure.
Sound therapy adds to this by creating rhythmic vibrations. These sound waves create physical vibrations that cause microscopic movements in blood vessels and cells that enhance circulation. Additionally, the stress reduction capability of sound therapy decreases blood pressure and reduces abnormally high heart rates.
Pain Relief
Through the ability of infrared saunas to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, stimulate the production of endorphins, and retrain the body’s stress response, it can alleviate pain, especially in those with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis. When sound therapy is added, the body’s pain response is further mitigated.
In a study about vibroacoustic therapy, patients with chronic pain experienced a significant reduction in pain sensations and an increased quality of life after several sessions. Researchers found that aside from reducing stress and stimulating a relaxation response in the body, the therapy also distracted the brain’s attention from the pain, enhancing the outcome.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being
While infrared saunas mainly induce physical benefits, adding sound healing into the mix introduces an effect on emotional and mental wellbeing. Sound therapy uses harmonic vibrations to influence brain activity.
For instance, low-frequency sounds, such as those produced by gongs or bowls, can increase the production of alpha waves which are associated with relaxation and creative thinking.
By encouraging the brain to shift to these calmer wave patterns, you enter a meditative state which can be highly valuable for people who struggle to quiet their minds in traditional meditation practices.
Choosing the Right Sound Therapy for Your Infrared Sauna Sessions
When choosing the sounds you’ll incorporate into your infrared sauna sessions, they must reflect your personal needs. For instance, for relaxation and stress relief, the low-frequency sounds of Tibetan singing bowls or soft nature sounds like ocean waves or rain are ideal. Meanwhile, high-frequency sounds including chimes or gongs can help stimulate the body and mind for enhanced energy or focus.
Most modern infrared sauna home units like our products at Sun Stream are equipped with sound systems. With these, you can experiment with different frequencies and sound techniques to create an experience that effectively addresses both your physical, mental, and emotional needs.
If you’re looking into investing in a home infrared sauna system, shop our top-of-the-line units at Sun Stream Saunas. Our premium infrared saunas, equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, allow you to enjoy the benefits of both heat and sound therapy in one seamless experience. Contact us today for more inquiries.