The Surprising Benefits of Sound Therapy for Cancer Patients

Sound therapy is an alternative treatment that has been used for thousands of years across different cultures to promote healing and well-being. This therapy uses sound waves and vibrations to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving overall health. In recent years, sound therapy has been gaining popularity as a complementary treatment for cancer. So it comes as no surprise that clinical studies suggest that it offers a variety of benefits for cancer patients.

Reduces stress and anxiety

As any cancer patient will tell you, stress and anxiety are very often part of their daily life due to the physical and emotional challenges that cancer brings about. A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that sound therapy can help reduce this stress and anxiety in cancer patients. The study involved 40 cancer patients who received six sessions of sound therapy over a two-week period. The researchers found that the participants had significant reductions in anxiety and stress levels after the therapy sessions.

Reduces unpleasant chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy is a powerful cancer treatment that can cause a range of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Sound therapy has been found to help reduce the unwelcome side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients, promoting a sense of well-being and reducing the negative effects of the treatment. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that sound therapy can help reduce nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study involved 52 cancer patients who received three sessions of sound therapy during their chemotherapy treatment. The researchers found that the participants had significant reductions in nausea and vomiting after the therapy sessions.

Reduces inflammation

Studies have suggested that sound therapy helps to reduce inflammation in the body, making it a promising therapy for those dealing with cancer. Chronic inflammation is linked to the development and progression of cancer, and reducing inflammation has been shown to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that sound therapy was able to significantly reduce inflammation in the brains of rats with chronic inflammation. Another study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that sound therapy reduced markers of inflammation in the blood of patients with fibromyalgia. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effects of sound therapy, these findings suggest that it may be a safe and effective therapy for reducing inflammation and improving outcomes for those with cancer.

Improves immune function

Cancer weakens the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections and other health problems. Sound therapy has been found to have immune-boosting effects, which can be beneficial for cancer patients. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that sound therapy can help improve immune function in cancer patients. The study involved 25 cancer patients who received six sessions of sound therapy over a two-week period. Researchers found that the participants had significant improvements in immune function after the therapy sessions.

Examples of Sound Therapies

There are various types of sound therapies that cancer patients may use to help manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Here are some examples:

Music therapy: This involves listening to or creating music to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.
Singing bowl therapy: This involves using Tibetan singing bowls to create calming vibrations that help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Gong therapy: This involves using gongs to create deep, resonant vibrations that can help to release tension and promote relaxation.
Guided meditation: This involves listening to a practitioner or recorded audio that guides the listener through a meditation focused on sound or music.
Vibroacoustic therapy: This involves using sound waves to produce vibrations that can help to reduce pain, muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Chanting or mantra therapy: This involves repeating specific sounds or phrases to promote relaxation and inner peace.

Are you taking advantage of sound therapy?

If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer, why not add sound therapy to your daily routine? In addition to helping to greatly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, sound therapy has also been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce pain and inflammation, and support emotional balance. By experiencing the soothing vibrations of sound, you may find that you feel more relaxed and centered, giving you the strength and resilience you need to navigate the challenges of cancer treatment. Don’t hesitate to explore the many benefits of sound therapy for yourself!

Tibetan singing bowls are used to create calming vibrations that help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

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Resources:

Huang ST, Good M, Zauszniewski JA. The effectiveness of music in relieving pain in cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Nurs Stud. 2010 Nov;47(11):1354-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2010.03.008. Epub 2010 Apr 18. PMID: 20403600.

Burns SJ, Harbuz MS, Hucklebridge F, Bunt L. A pilot study into the therapeutic effects of music therapy at a cancer help center. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001 Jan;7(1):48-56. PMID: 11191042.

Dóro CA, Neto JZ, Cunha R, Dóro MP. Music therapy improves the mood of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (controlled randomized study). Support Care Cancer. 2017 Mar;25(3):1013-1018. doi: 10.1007/s00520-016-3529-z. Epub 2016 Dec 12. PMID: 27942868.

Pauwels EK, Volterrani D, Mariani G, Kostkiewics M. Mozart, music and medicine. Med Princ Pract. 2014;23(5):403-12. doi: 10.1159/000364873. Epub 2014 Jul 19. PMID: 25060169; PMCID: PMC5586918.

Bradt J, Dileo C, Myers-Coffman K, Biondo J. Music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in people with cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Oct 12;10(10):CD006911. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006911.pub4. PMID: 34637527; PMCID: PMC8510511.