Vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) is an innovative and emerging therapeutic technique that harnesses the power of sound and vibration to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. This cutting-edge therapeutic technique uses low-frequency sound waves, transmitted through specially designed beds or chairs, to deliver soothing vibrations directly to the body. Unique among sound therapies, VAT combines both auditory and tactile sensations for a deeply immersive healing experience.

How Vibroacoustic Therapy Works

Rooted in the principles of sound healing and music therapy, the core concept of VAT is to use sound waves, typically in the range of 30-120 Hz to deliver therapeutic vibrations. These vibrations are absorbed by the body, providing a form of internal massage that penetrates deep into muscles and tissues. By lying on a vibroacoustic bed or sitting in a vibroacoustic chair, clients experience these vibrations in a way that can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, and promote overall relaxation.

Mechanism of Action

The scientific basis for VAT’s effectiveness lies in the way low-frequency vibrations interact with the body’s tissues and cells. These vibrations can enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Additionally, the physical resonance created by the vibrations can induce a state of deep relaxation, facilitating both physical and mental healing processes.

One acoustic component of VAT involves a process known as brainwave entrainment, where listening to specific frequencies synchronizes brain activity with these external sounds. Low-frequency sounds like 40 Hz can promote delta brainwaves, associated with deep sleep and relaxation, and are beneficial for achieving a meditative state and enhancing overall mental clarity.

Rhythmic sound vibrations also stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and lowering heart rate and stress hormones, inducing deep relaxation and endorphin production, which alleviates discomfort and enhances wellbeing.

Sound also aids mindfulness practices by providing a focal point to reduce wandering thoughts, and promote focused relaxation, thereby helping to achieve and sustain meditative states more easily.

Research and Evidence

A growing body of research supports the efficacy of VAT, particularly in areas such as pain relief, stress reduction, and improved sleep.

• Pain Management
  • Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) in mitigating various types of pain. For instance, research published in the Journal of Pain Research found that low-frequency sound stimulation significantly reduced discomfort levels in patients with fibromyalgia, highlighting the therapy’s potential in alleviating symptoms.
• Stress and Anxiety Reduction
  • Research published in the Journal of Music Therapy demonstrated VAT’s effectiveness in reducing stress and anxiety. Participants reported significant decreases in anxiety levels, with the soothing sound vibrations inducing a state of relaxation and mental calmness.
• Improved Sleep Quality
  • A pilot study published in the Journal of Sleep Research indicated that VAT could improve sleep quality in individuals with insomnia. The relaxing vibrations help reduce tension and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
• Physical Rehabilitation
  • VAT has been shown to aid in physical rehabilitation, particularly for patients recovering from surgery or injury. A study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that VAT improved muscle function and reduced recovery time in patients undergoing physical rehabilitation.

Our Outlook on the Industry

VAT is steadily gaining traction, particularly in integrative and complementary medicine settings. As awareness increases, more clinics and wellness centres are incorporating VAT into their services, recognizing its potential to bridge the gap between modern technology and ancient healing practices.

One such company exploring the space is Tersa, who has developed an innovative vibroacoustic therapy product called SAVA that combines cutting edge design with a curated musical soundscape, aiming to elevate physical and mental wellbeing.

While several companies are exploring zero-gravity positioned beds and chairs, we were particularly impressed by the ergonomic benefits of Tersa’s memory foam bed and its open cocoon-like curved wing design. Experience has shown that closed environments, like flotation pods, can keep the nervous system in a state of alert due to instinctual responses to potential danger, such as the inability to open the lid or concerns about water getting into the eyes, increasing stress and anxiety.

Tersa has utilized this understanding in developing their world-leading product over the past seven years, incorporating VAT benefits and creating a soothing cocoon experience. This design eases the nervous system by mimicking a womb-like environment, enhanced by a weighted blanket and a blackout sleeping mask.

We are excited to collaborate on Tersa’s global expansion with their founder Ray Kelly, whose expertise in injury rehab and human performance has catered to high-profile clients, including professional athletes, corporate executives, and royal families. We believe innovative wellness tech products like SAVA can significantly enhance the wellbeing offerings of our clients, such as leading resorts and wellness destinations. These pioneering solutions not only deliver transformative experiences but also optimize operations by extending hours, reducing staff requirements, and streamlining processes. Furthermore, it offers a truly immersive mindfulness experience transcending language barriers and cultural differences while also invoking a sense of place through authentic, localised sound journeys to guests.

We are seeing the rise of wellbeing hubs in more remote and urban locations that offer a holistic range of modalities bridging ancient wisdom and the latest technology. This trend reflects the increasing priority of longevity and healthspan, particularly among our target market in the luxury lifestyle space.

As the body of evidence grows, VAT is emerging as a promising frontier in the realm of therapeutic practices, increasingly being recognized as a valuable complementary treatment in mainstream healthcare. Whether for pain management, stress relief, or physical rehabilitation, the integration of VAT offers a non-invasive, deeply relaxing method to enhance overall wellbeing.

For more information please visit www.tersa.co