This thesis describes ethnographic research conducted on a vocal sound healing method practiced in Great Britain at the College of Sound Healing, founded by acupuncturist and sound healer Simon Heather.

This phenomenological, narrative inquiry embraces a perspective recognizing the dialogic nature of ethnographic research, and includes the perspective of sensory anthropology by exploring the role of the senses in sound healing.

The research also positions sound healing in relation to the field of music therapy, the career practiced by the researcher. The study involved a sample of individuals who had undergone sound healing. Interviews consisted of two parts: the participant's life story, and their experiences with sound healing. Data collection consisted of interviews and participant observation/sensation.

Findings of the study reflect a wide range of experiences which embrace a holistic conception of health encompassing both mind and body. Categories evolving out of participants' own language used to describe their experiences include the following: physical, mental, insight, emotional and spiritual.

Effects such as the release of emotions and trauma, a change from negative to more positive thought patterns, the elimination of physical pain, relaxing, calming effects and receiving deeper perceptions of life situations, are among the experiences described by participants.

Contributions to an evolving theory of sound healing include: The recognition that altered states of consciousness appear to play an important role in facilitating certain kinds of healing; the phenomenon of after-effects of sound healing which extend and evolve for sometimes days, weeks and even months after a sound healing session; the role of the senses in terms of healing efficacy, with colors experienced as healing in and of themselves; and an analysis of the relationship between intuition, intention and the sounds utilized in this method of sound healing.

Shelley Snow holds a Master's Degree in Music Therapy and a Doctorate in Music Therapy and Anthropology.

Read Shelly's Doctoral Thesis

The CymaScope as a therapeutic instrument for the treatment of autism and severe deafness.

The CymaScope allows voice patterns, unique to each person, to be visually studied. This new technology can be used for phonology research - the study of speech sounds - and it is anticipated that this will lead to the development of successful therapies to support autistic children and deaf children in their acquisition of speech and language.

When the visual equivalent of vocal sounds or words can be created in real time it becomes possible for children to see the energy patterns of their own sounds on a computer screen. Some speech pathologists have suggested that such pattern recognition by the child could assist in the process of acquiring speech and language.

Marsha Steinberger, M.A. CCC-SLP, a Speech-Language Pathologist based in Las Vegas, USA, works with autistic children. "Since many children with autism are visual thinkers the CymaScope provides an ideal way to capitalize on their learning style. The visual feedback offered by this new instrument offers a real ray of hope to families with autistic children - if the child can see the sounds they are making it could greatly accelerate their ability to speak and acquire language."

Cost of Initial Study
Regarding the cost of an initial CymaScope autism study, we would estimate a budget figure in the area of £12,000 is needed. This would include the cost of all necessary equipment and work with a specialist therapist, observing (discreetly) a number of their child patients in order that we can make any changes to the settings, evolve protocols etc. Finally, we would write a report of the study.

From this initial study we would hope to see some evidence of the efficacy of the CymaScope for the support of autistic children. This would provide the basis for a grant application from a suitable funder such as the Wellcome Trust for a much larger study.

If you would like to support this study please contact John