It has become widely accepted that the most common causative factor in the process of disease is stress. As much as 80% of disease, according to numerous sources, has been documented as being at least in part, linked to stress. Therefore reducing stress levels, even temporarily, can only be of benefit to individuals as a whole in terms of well-being.

Studies carried out into levels of conscious awareness have identified that there are indeed many valuable benefits of being able to access the slower brainwave patterns that  occur when in more relaxed states of consciousness such as that of alpha and theta. Alpha brainwave state i.e. between 7-13 hertz is actually considered to be our natural state, more closely resonating with the frequency of the planet Earth which has been measured as being around 8 hertz or more specifically and fundamentally 7.83 hertz. The electromagnetic frequency range of the planet Earth varies in much the same way as the electromagnetic brainwave measurement of a human does but  the fundamental or core frequency has been measured, as mentioned as being around 8 hertz. The frequency of the planet is measured using the same scaling system i.e. Hertz ( vibrations per second) as human brainwaves are measured. Sound frequency is  generally measured using this same scale.

Alpha brainwaves (brainwaves of around 8-12 hertz) are the brainwaves of detached awareness, visualization and sensory imagery. Alpha has been described as the gateway to meditation, providing a bridge between the conscious and the subconscious mind. Due to the busy lives that we collectively and individually lead, we consequently tend to spend less and less time in this alpha state and more and more time in beta state. ( hertz frequency of around 12-30)  Operating in higher, faster brainwave states is great for getting things done but predisposes to disease when this becomes a permanent state of being or the norm. Benefits of alpha brainwave states which include, enhanced immune system, improved mood, clarity of mind and increased creativity have been identified in numerous studies.

 Scientists have also shown that the brains of creative people sometimes undergo a burst of gamma activity, (the brain wave frequency associated with heightened perception, learning, problem solving and focus  when faced with a problem to solve, but this only occurs, arises, or is accessed when first vibrating in lower  brainwave states such as alpha and theta; indeed many of the major breakthroughs in science are documented as having been inspired whilst in lower brainwave states. It is whilst in lower brainwave states that the flashes of inspiration or 'eureka moments' have been found to occur. Gamma brainwave state which is measured as being 30 hertz and above is the fastest and highest vibration of the 5 main brainwave states. Being in gamma state is also associated with feelings of unity consciousness, feelings of euphoria and enlightenment. As mentioned this state occurs in bursts and is unsustainable for long periods. One of the most famous studies on meditation was performed with Tibetan Buddhist monks and Celestine nuns. Both groups demonstrated the ability to produce gamma waves during meditation.  Those who have been found to produce high levels of gamma activity through meditation such as Tibetan monks have been  found to be otherwise operating  in lower brain wave states and to be very calm generally. They are only able to achieve these temporary states of higher consciousness it seems by first (lowering the vibrations) of their awake brainwave hertz frequencies to below beta range through practiced meditative techniques.

 Changes in brainwave activity can be altered or facilitated however, by using various external stimuli. Auditory stimuli is amongst the most interesting. As famous British neurologist Oliver Sacks states, " our auditory systems, our nervous systems are tuned for music. Perhaps we are a musical species no less than a linguistic one" The impact of consonant and dissonant chords which investigated seven patients with intracranial electrodes implanted for pre surgical intervention showed changes in brainwave patterns in response to particular sounds. Sound therapy aims to utilize the inherent effects of sound and vibration to affect changes within the brain and nervous system such as accessing more relaxed states of mind with the inherent health benefits there of, whilst facilitating potentially enlightened states of mind at best. Many people that I have worked with have described the feeling of being neither awake nor asleep, but somewhere in between. This state is known as hypnagognia which if measured would probably reveal  brainwave states within the alpha/theta range. Mental phenomena that may occur during this state include lucid dreaming/thoughts and  visions. It is not uncommon for clients experiencing a sound therapy session to report the sensation of transient sound and visual information or insights occurring.

To summarize, though transiently being able to raise our vibration  to achieve peak focus and to facilitate feelings of connection to higher consciousness may be the ultimate goal; Being able to lower our vibration is not only essential for  creating the ideal conditions for this to occur but without doubt and  most importantly, to facilitate feelings of peace, serenity and balance within the mind and body which for most people is a welcome interlude  and often a blessed relief!  Hopefully this goes some way in explaining why the recommendation that we should all be raising our vibrations is somewhat of a misnomer. 

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