VibroAcoustic
Therapy
Music & Meditation
A full body sound experience

Julie is educated in VibroAcoustic Therapy by Kate Kunkel

(VibroAcoustic Therapy International & KateKunkel.com)

Vibroacoustic Sound Lounge/Table for use with VAT & VAM

VibroAcoustic Therapy & VibroAcoustic Music-

What are they exactly?

VAT is a non-invasive, energy-based alternative approach to wellness. It has been used for over 40 years and works by harnessing the healing power of sound converted into vibration.

Our bodies are composed mainly of water, so these sound vibrations set the water into motion at a deep cellular level, reverberating throughout the entire body.

The molecules begin reacting and communicating with each other, leading to a sense of deep relaxation as well as a more balanced and healthier state of being.

VAT affects the central nervous system. It does this by delivering sound frequency vibration through a non-invasive process that exercises the brain and central nervous system. This vibration has a specific intent of balancing, optimizing, and harmonizing the body and brain.

During a VAT session, sound waves programmed at very specific frequencies generate an “internal massage” at the cellular level. In this way, organs deep within the body which cannot be reached by traditional methods - nerves, glands, heart, lungs, deep-lying blood vessels, myofascial and brain tissue - are gently stimulated through sound vibrations.

As each sound wave “washes” into the body, it is transferred as vibrations to these components of the body. The body absorbs the energy from the sound waves.

While the VAT experience feels relaxing, the primary physical effect is that it adds subtle mechanical stress to our bodies.

It can be compared to a workout. Just as we add stress to our body when we are working out, the effect on the body afterward is a feeling of relaxation and well-being. That is what happens in a VAT session.

During a VAT session, the brain starts to produce stress hormones. By stimulating the body via sound, we change the production of stress hormones (Beta-Endorphin, ACTH, & Cortisol) in a positive way. The stress hormone peak happens after approximately 15 minutes of your session (the relaxation response).

VAT also stimulates the Vagus nerve (an information superhighway between the brain and the body). When the vagus nerve isn’t adequately stimulated, the brain and body can’t communicate as well, and can create difficulties with functions such as digestion, sleep, and our stress response.

The more you use this technology, the more you will learn to recognize this state of relaxation and over time, become able to reach relaxation at will. You might sense during the session (around that 15 minute mark) that your mind/brain feels like it is taking a break from its automatic thought processes - like it just “takes a break from thoughts”. This helps your mind/brain and body come into a more balanced state. Your time on the VAT equipment will feel like it flies by.

VAT is a great way to train your body/mind to relax, recognize when you are stressed (and when you are not), and to develop relaxation as a daily habit.

Hugging the Vibroacoustic pillow

Vibroacoustic pillow horizontally over the abdomen & hip flexors - great for tight/painful hips & cramps

What are the Benefits of Vibroacoustic Therapy?

While VAT cannot cure you of any disease, it is an effective, drug free modality that helps ease the symptoms of a number of conditions. Research and case studies have shown that VAT can help:

Reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, & depression (VAT & VAM)
Improve sleep (VAT & VAM)
Alleviate pain from arthritis, injuries, cancer and treatments (VAT)
Ease breathing issues from asthma and COPD (VAT)
Reduce blood pressure & aid in circulation (VAT & VAM)
Speed rehabilitation after stroke, cardiac surgery, knee and hip replacement surgery. (VAT)
Alleviate many of the symptoms of MS and other progressive neurological diseases and disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. (VAT)

You do NOT have to have serious health issues to benefit from VAT. Many people love it because it is a great stress reducer, and helps alleviate pain from old injuries, arthritis, and even muscle strain.

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What happens during a session?

When you first come into the office, you and Julie will have a quick “intake” discussion to help decide what sound frequency track will be best for that day’s session. After this short discussion, Julie will process your payment so that you don't have to think about it at the end of the session. NO tipping on this modality please - it is not necessary; The table does most of the work.

You will then be guided through a short breathing exercise as well as a quick body activity such as “contract/relax” or gentle movements. This is done to improve and assist in the effectiveness of breathing as well as enhance your mind/body connection.

You will then recline on a specially designed lounge embedded with 4 transducers, recline on the massage table & lean back onto a pillow that is embedded with 2 transducers, or recline back while wearing the single transducer belt around your abdomen, low back, or chest.

Vibroacoustic Pillow behind the back in a reclined position. Can be used with VAT & VAM

The time lying on the sound lounge lasts about 25 - 30 minutes.. In addition to the specific frequencies chosen for your needs for VAT, you may also listen to nature sounds along with the frequencies; OR you may rest in silence as you feel the vibrations sweep through your body. If you choose silence, I will place noise-canceling headphones over your ears so that you will not be distracted by any potential noises in the hallway.

The length of your full session (including our intake discussion, brief exercises, payment, time on the sound lounge, & short discussion afterward) will be between 30 & 40 minutes @ $55. If you choose one of the shorter 16-20 minute vibration sessions, your full session may be between 20-30 minutes @ $30.

It is very important to arrive on time or even 5 minutes early to get a complete session in. If you are late the session will be cut short & you may not reap the full benefit ***

It is important that during your time on the table, if you feel that the specific vibration used is not comfortable - you tell Julie immediately so she can

1) adjust the amplitude/strength of the vibration

2) try a different frequency that may feel more comfortable to you. This is your time for mind/body rejuvenation and relaxation - it is OK to adjust as needed.

Once the vibration session is finished, you will be given 3-5 minutes to simply stay in that relaxed and meditative state and enjoy the lingering effects of the experience. This extra time allows your mind/brain and body to fully absorb and internalize that feeling. Once that 3-5 minutes is up, Julie will gently bring you back to the present moment with a slight tap of the Tibetan metal bowls (if you are not wearing headphones), followed by a gentle hand to your shoulder. You will be guided through a brief breathing exercise together, and then you can roll to your side and sit up).

Once you are sitting, you will have a chance to discuss your experience with Julie if you’d like. Together you can review the outcome and fine-tune the therapy to maximize the benefits of your course of treatment for upcoming sessions if you choose to try it again.

You may decide you would like to experience VAM (VibroAcoustic Music & Meditation) instead of VAT on any given visit. The two versions of frequency vibration feel slightly different & there is music involved in the VAM experience instead of nature sounds with VAT.

Keep reading to learn the differences between the two …

Differences between

VAT & VAM

When using VAM (VibroAcoustic Music & Meditation) there are multiple frequencies being used instead of the single frequency of VAT. The vibrations you feel will be coming from the music you are listening to.. This is a great choice if you don’t have any issues that you are wanting to work through such as any of the aforementioned issues listed under the “benefits” section.

VAM(vibroAcoustic Music/Meditation) is a wonderful way to meditate & decompress with assistance of sound vibration and music.

In VAT (VibroAcoustic Therapy) , it is preferred to use ONE frequency at a time in order to easily distinguish what is working and what is not. Nature sounds are used instead of music with the purpose of not overstimulating the nervous system.

During your VAT session you will feel a relaxing/lulling sweep of the one frequency throughout your body. There are some instances in which a combination of two frequencies are used intermittantly to more beneficially address specific issues. Julie (your therapist) will have knowledge of the frequencies being used and can adjust or change it as needed.

With a VAM (VibroAcoustic Music & Meditation) session, Julie may not be aware of the specific frequencies used with the music being played. The music can be changed, however, if you do not find it pleasing.

VAT and VAM are both great ways to decompress from a stressful day, or simply chill out and meditate with assistance of the frequency vibration. It just depends on what you are in the mood for that day.

Both VibroAcoustic Therapy and Music can be used in conjunction with other therapies.

They are usually used BEFORE the other therapy/modality.
A beneficial way to combine VAT/VAM with other modalities is as follows:
- VAT/VAM before your massage session, craniosacral session, or yoga nidra session.
You will enter these other modalities with your body & mind in the parasympathetic state allowing you to fully reap the benefits on a deeper level.

Limitations of Vibroacoustic Therapy, Music & Meditation

Vibroacoustic therapists do not diagnose medical conditions, nor do they cure diseases or conditions. You should always consult with your physician before starting any treatment program.

As is the case with all therapies, there is no way to guarantee results. What we can say is that VAT & VAM, like most therapies, is most effective when done with consistency. Repetition is required to receive desired results.

Contraindications & Precautions

VAT/VAM should not be performed on clients with very low blood pressure (90/60 is considered very low per Mayoclinic.org) because this type of modality may lower blood pressure even more.
VAT/VAM is also not to be performed with clients who have a thrombus/clot or are recovering from one. Written permission will need to be obtained from your physician when he/she states it is safe to try it.
VAT/VAM is not recommended for clients with implantable devices in the brain, or a history of seizures.
While there has been no indication that vibroacoustic therapy/music could in any way cause problems, we prefer to err on the side of safety by not administering VAT/VAM to pregnant women in the first trimester. Please discuss with your physician before trying VAT/VAM during the second and third trimesters. Studies have been performed on women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters without incident; However, to err on the side of caution - please discuss with your doctor anyway. (See website for links to studies).
To remain cautious & safe, written consent will need to be given by your medical doctor prior to your first session in cases where you have a pacemaker or other implantable devices (other than in the brain)
Clients who are diabetic are safe to use VAT equipment; However, please be advised to bring what you need to check your blood sugar as well as glucose tablets should you need it. Because using this equipment is like a workout for your cells, your blood sugar may be affected. It is always best to err on the side of caution and have what you may need ready and available.

What are people saying about VAT / VAM?

VAT with gentle night-time crickets as background: “I can’t believe how relaxed my body and my mind are while I’m lying on the sound lounge table. it’s just what I need when I’m having a busy or stressful day & I don’t have time for a massage. It is unreal how my brain can shut off and my body feels so still! ”
VAM on Sound table listening to ‘Water Of Life’: “ That was very relaxing. I felt myself go into that relaxed brain state a few times. The vibration is very subtle through the table but it definitely got the job done. I use the bass belt at home; The vibration coming from that feels very strong & it helps me feel relaxed, BUT the sound table was a different level of relaxation - it got me into a higher meditative state.” S.G.
VAM with Bass Belt listening to 'Enlightenment': "I really enjoyed this experience before my massage! It felt as though my mind was able to become focused and then relax. It's the first time my mind didn't wander while I was trying to relax" J. L.

VAM with all pieces of equipment & various music trancks from Sound of Light/Globe Institute: "At first my mind still wanders as I enjoy the music and the vibration ... then little by little the thoughts in my head go away as my body physically relaxes from both the vibrations & the music - it's an amazing sensation. When the music ends I just want to stay there with my eyes closed for a few more minutes so that I can fully take in the experience." J.C

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PRICES:

20-25 MINUTES = $30

This is a VAM only session
Choose from 3 short music tracks

30-40 MINUTES = $55

Choose from a combination of 7 VAM music tracks OR use a single frequency VAT session. Julie & you will discern what frequency will be best to use for how you feel that day. For anxiety, stress, & chronic pain these single frequencies work wonders!

Add 30 minutes to your massage / craniosacral session

1.25 hr combo = $105

1.5 hr. combo = $120

2 hr. combo = $160

2.5 hr. combo = $200