Sound Baths

Tibetan Ringing Bowl

                If you are one of those people for whom meditation is more torture than tranquility, good news! The sound bath is for you! It's a type of meditation that is great for people who are terrible at meditation. It is actually great for everyone precisely because it is an effortless form of meditation.

          Sound baths are part of the mind/body/spirit wellness movement and are rapidly growing in popularity. A sound bath session typically lasts about an hour and involves the playing of various resonant musical instruments to induce a state of deep relaxation.

          Youthologie is featuring sound baths, starting with an event Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Sound has been used in healing for millennia; and, although it is not clear where the sound bath originated, the Integratron in Joshua Tree, California is perhaps the most famous place where sound bath work has been developed in recent years. Many more practitioners have now come on the scene.

          One of the reasons sound baths have become more prominent is that people are looking for a refuge from the stress and toxicity of modern life with its ceaseless electronics, technology and stream of often depressing information, not to mention the cacophony of traffic, alarms, sirens, phones ringing, landscaping engines and other noise pollution that generally surrounds us all day, every day.  the beauty of the sound bath is there is no way to "do it wrong".  People often feel inadequate at meditating--they find it difficult to quiet the mind and feel they are failing at it. The sound bath removes those obstacles by inducing an almost instantaneous state of deep meditation without requiring any effort on the part of attendees. The experience is virtually always positive and grounding.

          Another advantage of the sound bath is that it can be performed as an individual or a group experience. A group experience is very affordable, averaging $30-$50 per person.

          How does a sound bath work? The human body, with its large percentage of water content, is an excellent conductor of sound. As sound moves through space, the human body resonates with the sound frequencies. Sound has overtones or harmonics which also resonate with the body; and sound frequencies, waves and rhythms are capable of entraining brainwaves. During a sound bath typically brainwaves are entrained to a low (delta) frequency, which is like a state of deep meditation. We also experience delta brainwaves in deep sleep and in states of concentrated focus like hypnosis. Delta brainwaves are known to promote healing. Other benefits include decreased stress hormones, reduced stress, lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, lower respiratory rate, immune system enhancement and in interesting phenomenon whereby delta frequency brainwaves have a tendency to connect or link the right and left halves of the brain.

          What can you expect at a sound bath? As you enter a calm and soothing environment, redolent of aromatic essential oils, you will take off your shoes, turn off your phone and lie on the yoga mat you brought with you. You can also bring a pillow or pillows for your head or under your knees. An eye mask is provided to keep light out, and blankets are available. The experience is never exactly the same, but uses instruments like crystal ringing bowls, monolinas (stringed harps), chimes, shells, drums and tuning forks.  You will begin by taking deep breaths, setting your intention for the session and then just relaxing and allowing your body, mind and spirit to be completely surrounded by the rich ocean of sound. There will be some guided imagery and some vocalization to enrich the experience. The arc of treatment usually begins softly and gradually swells to a fuller wave of sound. the sound undulates in waves, slowly waning and waxing to enchant and delight attendees. Participants often say the experience feels timeless, weightless and euphoric.    

          How should you prepare for a sound bath? Wear comfortable clothing, plan to be in the experience for a total of about 75 minutes and expect to enjoy the experience as you allow the sound massage to open your inner universe.  It's meant to induce a calm state of rest and relaxation. You may be tempted to fall asleep; and that's okay, too.

             What about after the sound bath? You will probably feel the need to drink extra water, and you may urinate more than usual as the sound bath can have a mild detoxifying effect. You may sleep more soundly after a sound bath, and you may tolerate stress more easily.

          Space is limited, so make your reservation now for the next sound bath at Youthologie.

          Phone 919-847-1495

Principles of Sound Therapy

Feeltone Monochord Table

          There is a tendency toward harmony in nature. This is reflected in resonance and entrainment, the principles of sound and rhythm. Every atom, molecule, tissue, organ, being, object, etc. has a natural vibrational motion at its own natural frequency and is associated with a standing wave pattern that has overtones or harmonics. When one object vibrating at the natural frequency of a second object causes that second object to vibrate, this is known as resonance. Entrainment is a type of resonance and is universal.  It is the tendency for two or more rhythmic cycles to synchronize. In other words, two or more objects with an oscillation or frequency become locked in phase so that they vibrate in harmony.  Entrainment is seen in many systems including chemistry, pharmacology, biology, medicine, psychology, sociology, astronomy, architecture and more. Entrainment was first described by Christian Huygens, a Dutch scientist, in 1665. Huygens was working on the design of a pendulum clock and noticed that when two pendulums were placed near to each other, swinging at different rates, eventually they would end up swinging at the exact same rate in unison. These are just a few of the principles or ideas behind sound therapy. Music has the potential to entrain rhythmically, melodically and psychologically.

          Nikola Tesla famously said, “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” Einstein further elaborated on vibration, stating, “What we have called matter is energy, whose vibration has been lowered as to be perceptible to the senses.” In other words, everything is made of energy and vibration, and has frequency. Sound therapy dates back to the beginnings of human civilization and was a primary tool of shamanism. Sound therapy is the process of using music, sound and vibration to assist healing and to support wellness. Because sound is vibration, it is “heard” not only with the ears, but throughout the body, in every cell. It permeates our entire being, connecting us to the rhythms and harmonics of the universe.

          Water is a far better sound conductor than air, and the large water content of the body makes it an excellent conductor of sound and vibration. Many studies have demonstrated the health benefits of music, sound and vibration. Music has been shown to lower blood pressure; lower heart and respiratory rates; reduce cardiac complications; increase the immune response; decrease stress hormones; and boost the body’s production of natural opiates. Perhaps one of the more profound effects of sound and music is the ability to synchronize or entrain brainwaves to achieve a deep state of relaxation, similar to that of an experienced meditator. Brainwaves in the delta or theta range have been shown to be associated with accelerated healing.

          To summarize these are some of the theories and demonstrable reasons for why sound therapy works: tissue resonance affects the cells; music acts as a distraction; it lowers stress by causing relaxation and decreasing stress hormones; sound works by breaking the cycle of pain and anxiety; the effects are related to the release of oxytocin, nitric oxide and endogenous opiates, which all lead to a more relaxed state; music has the effect of entraining brainwaves to achieve a more relaxed state; a relaxed state leads to accelerated healing. When integrated as part of a total approach to wellness, music can improve health and quality of life. After all, the ultimate goal of healing is to create harmony out of disharmony.

          I am currently working with sound therapy in the form of the Feeltone Monochord Table and Feeltone Monolinas (which are smaller, more portable versions of the table), all used for meditation and wellness. The Monochord Table is a bed-sized stringed instrument that is used to create a holistic sound massage experience. The person receiving the treatment lies on the resonating chamber

of the instrument, and the strings of the instrument are played to weave an endless-loop sound ocean that vibrates and reverberates through the entire body. The strings have a deep, calming sound with harmonic overtones. Other instruments and sounds such as tuning forks, crystal ringing bowls, bells, Tibetan tingshas (temple cymbals), gongs, etc. can be incorporated to further enhance the experience. Sound-based and light-based treatments that work on the human biofield by affecting acupuncture points and channels, as well as the major chakras can also be added.

          For information, contact Lisa Hogan, MD 

          at Youthologie Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine

          Phone 919-847-1495

Vibradermabrasion

We happen to be working with Plum District this month (July 2012)—the online deal purveyor “for moms, by moms who know”; so watch our FaceBook page and be on the lookout for our emails ‘cause we’ll let you know when our special is running.  We are offering an introductory Vibradermabrasion treatment at 50% the normal pricing, so I thought I would write a little about what Vibradermabrasion is and what it does for your skin.

Vibradermabrasion is considered to be a type of microdermabrasion, but it is so radically different from other types of microdermabrasion as to be almost a totally different treatment.  All microdermabrasion treatments are exfoliating, and the older, more dated versions exist in two forms.  Either they are performed by a sort of dremel like tool that is used on all comers (after a dunk in some disinfectant, at best) or by a sort of sand blasting of aluminum crystals against the skin.  The obvious problem with the dremel type tool is that it is very porous and users are likely sharing some DNA with the previously treated users.  The problems with the sandblasting tool are many; the crystals often get in the eyes and up the nose of users and have been shown to become embedded in the skin, which makes it impossible to follow the treatment with any sort of laser or IPL treatment, difficult to follow with a facial, infusion or mask and allows aluminum, a known neurotoxin, to effect the brain of users.  Another problem with both of these tools is that because the surface area of the treatment device is small, the treatment often takes a fairly long time, it can be uncomfortable, and it often leaves the skin with “streaks” of treated areas, which results in a clawed look. 

Vibradermabrasion uses neither of these two imperfect technologies.  Instead, each user has their own dedicated paddle that is made of surgical steel, which is inert and will not leave deposits in the skin.  No other person uses that same paddle; everyone has their own.  Vibradermabrasion achieves exfoliation by the polishing motion of this paddle against the skin, and the surface area of the paddle is large enough that the treatment is relatively quick and efficient, never looks streaky and leaves the skin looking smooth and polished, both to the naked eye and microscopically.  The strength of the treatment is adjustable, so that the experience is customized for each individual user; and the treatment is pleasant and relaxing.  Other treatments such as laser, IPL, facials, etc. can be performed immediately following Vibradermabrasion; and, in fact, are enhanced by preceding the treatment with Vibradermabrasion.

What, exactly, makes exfoliation such a desirable treatment?  First of all, it removes the dull, coarse layer of dead skin at the surface of the skin; so immediately the skin looks brighter and more luminous.  This action also stimulates new skin cells to be created and increases skin cell turnover.  New skin cells are desirable because they are younger and healthier, which will be reflected in their appearance; and they are better at most functions such as producing collagen (more on this in a minute) and protecting you from sunburn and skin cancer.  Studies have shown that regular exfoliation reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.  Exfoliation also has a sort of deep cleaning type effect on the pores of the skin, and so is often helpful for controlling acne breakouts.  Its exfoliation effects also make Vibradermabrasion a great treatment for keratosis pilaris (red bumps on the upper arms or thighs).

All of this is great, but the genius and unique part, the really cool part of vibradermabrasion is, in addition to the exfoliative effects of the treatment, vibrational energy in the 80-180 Hz range is applied to the skin throughout the treatment. This results in an immediate documented increase in blood flow to the skin, which allows greater oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin and a delayed documented increase in the collagen content of the skin.  Why would you want more collagen in the skin?  Many of the unwanted changes of aging and photodamage (damage from sun exposure) such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and draping result from a decrease in collagen, so an increase in collagen in the skin is always part of the anti aging strategy. 

Vibradermabrasion can be performed on any area of the body.  It is commonly used in the areas of the face, neck and chest—a series of treatments is transformative and can be followed by regular maintenance treatments. 

Below I have included a list of FAQs.

What is Vibradermabrasion?

Vibradermabrasion is an advanced form of dermabrasion or microdermabrasion that also offers an infusion system to enhance absorption of topical treatments.  The Vibraderm system uses a set of paddles that are unique to each patient, so there is no shared surface between patients.  The paddles are made of stainless steel and plastic.  There is a gentle scrubbing motion that provides a complete and uniform removal of the stratum corneum (the top “dead” layer of skin) while at the same time delivering vibration, which enhances the circulation and oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin.  The system is also capable of Vibrafusion, an enhanced delivery of topical compounds into the skin; deeper into the skin, at a faster rate, with increased absorption.  The absorption of topical compounds is increased by an estimated 500% using Vibrafusion.

What can Vibradermabrasion treat?

Vibradermabrasion is used as an in-office exfoliation technique that increases cell turnover, collagen production, and skin circulation/oxygenation that ultimately results in smoother, healthier more polished looking skin.  It is also used for Vibrafusion to drive beneficial topical compounds deep into the skin where they can have a greater effect.

How does Vibradermabrasion work?

Vibradermabrasion works by the use of an abrasive stainless steel paddle that “scrubs” the skin in a gentle back-and-forth motion in combination with vibration.  Each patient has their own steel paddle, which can be used many times.  Each paddle also has a pebbled plastic side that is used in the same fashion for Vibrafusion (infusion of topical compounds.)

Indications for treatment with Vibradermabrasion:

Vibradermabrasion is used cosmetically for the treatment of variations in skin pigment, scarring from acne or other injury, coarse or dull skin, enlarged pores, thinning of the layers of the skin, fine lines and wrinkles, loss of collagen and elastin and other evidence of sun damage.  Vibradermabrasion increases results from laser and IPL treatments, chemical peels, facials, and levulan treatments.  Vibradermabrasion is also a valuable tool in preventing acne breakouts and in eliminating keratosis pilaris.

Indications for Vibrafusion:

Vibrafusion is used to enhance the absorption of compounds such as hydrating compounds, moisturizing compounds, hydroquinone for pigment correction, collagen stimulating compounds, and many others.

Who should not have treatment with Vibradermabrasion or Vibrafusion?

Vibradermabrasion is gentle enough to be performed on almost everyone.  It should not be performed in an area with an open wound or a recently healed wound.  Any restrictions that apply for topical compounds would also apply when used with Vibrafusion.  For example, pregnancy would contraindicate the use of tretinoin topically with or without Vibrafusion.

What is treatment with Vibradermabrasion like?

The treatment is performed in the office, and is quick and comfortable.  There is an enjoyable and gentle massaging or “buzzing” sensation as the treatment is performed.  The strength of the treatment is adjustable, and so is customized for the comfort of each individual.   Vibradermabrasion can be performed on any area of the body, but is commonly performed on the face, neck and chest areas.

Will there be restrictions after treatment with the Vibraderm system?

There are no special restrictions after treatment with the Vibraderm system.  Restrictions that apply for topical compounds would also apply when used with Vibrafusion.  For example, use of tretinoin topically is photosensitizing and precludes sun exposure with or without Vibrafusion.  It is fine to exercise or wear make-up immediately following treatments.

How quickly will I see results?

There is an immediate, more smooth and polished look to the skin.  Within 2 to 6 weeks, the skin will show evidence of increased collagen production.  A good skin care program at home will enhance the results.

Are the results permanent?

Typically, a series of 6-10 treatments are performed every 1-4 weeks for maximum improvement, and results last 3-6 months.  Maintenance treatments are usually performed once every 1-3 months following the completion of the initial series.  It is safe and gentle enough to be performed every week for the rest of your life! 

What are the risks, potential complications and side effects of Vibradermabrasion?

·         Mild swelling or redness of the skin immediately following the treatment, but generally no downtime

·         Hypersensitivity to the treatment or to a topical compound

·         Allergic reaction to a topical compound

·         Tickling sensation or sneezing with treatment of the nose