What can happen when sounds are used specifically to alter or change one's physical/mental state? In the fall of 1989, researchers Bill Harris and Wes Bait started the Centerpoint Research Institute located in Oregon. They developed a sound healing program using a unique system called Holosync technology, in which precise sounds are used to alter a listener's state of mind. The listener uses headphones to experience a series of CD soundtracks, resulting in a meditation process where "meditators reach an altered, meditative state and then reprogram their unconscious mind through mantras, affirmations, or prayers." The soundtracks are created using a proprietary 3D recording process. While a person listens with headphones, their neural pathways between the right and left hemispheres of the brain are stimulated as sounds move around within the stereophonic field. The results reported from the use of this technology are indeed dramatic:
"improved mental abilities; heightened creativity and problem solving ability; dramatic reduction in stress and anxiety; improved health and a new sense of mental, emotional and physical well-being; better, more restful sleep." This is an application of sound healing in which one uses sound vibrations to specifically alter one's state. There is a very specific focus of intention here, but I believe that the idea of using precise sounds to alter a listener's state of mind can extend to the use of ambient music and sounds in our living environments. In this case, the effect may be more subtle in the moment, though, more dramatically felt over time. This type of ambient environmental sound programming can also bring us a new sense of mental, emotional and physical well-being. With the vast diversity in music and sound effects available to us all, sound healing for a renewed quality of life is possible, wherever we are.

One of the most inspired organizations doing work in the area of sound healing is the Sound Healers Association. Founded in 1982, the Sound Healers Association (SHA) is the original organization dedicated to "expanding the uses of sound and music as therapeutic and transformational modalities." The organization's director, Johnathan Goldman, is an authority on sound healing and a pioneer in the field of harmonics. Goldman's research includes sound and heat thermography from self-created vocal sounds for healing. He states, "Much of my research, work and training involves the use of the human voice for healing and transformation. In particular, I focus upon vowel sounds and the power of their corresponding vocal harmonics to effect these changes. Vocal harmonics have been utilized by many sacred and spiritual practitioners since ancient times, including Tibetan Monks and Mongolian Shaman. I’ve now introduced a simplified method of making these vocal harmonics for Westerners—easy to create and receive the therapeutic benefits." Information about vocal harmonics is found in Goldman"s book HEALING SOUNDS. In a chapter entitled "Harmonics and Healing," Goldman displays heat thermography photographs taken while he was creating vocal harmonics-demonstrating the powerful physiological changes that occurred through self-created sounds. Goldman's formula of "frequency-plus-intention-equals-healing" eloquently describes just how sound healing occurs in our lives: for example, singing a pure sound to another person with a pure intention can promote healing. Johnathan Goldman is one of the many dedicated and visionary people who has, for the past 30 years, worked diligently to bring the healing nature of sound into mainstream awareness.

As a result of the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto, Bill Harris, Johnathan Goldman and many others, a new branch of health care, called Vibrational or Harmonic Medicine, has emerged. Since 1991, Donna Carey has pioneered in this new field, developing the comprehensive sound healing systems and tools of Acutonics. Her center, the Kairos Institute of Sound Healing, based in New Mexico, trains and treats thousands of individuals who are drawn to this powerful, deeply transformational, non-invasive work. The Acutonics Healing System is "an energy-based non-invasive treatment that is similar to acupuncture. Precision calibrated tuning forks are applied to specific acupuncture and acupressure points to access the body's Meridian and Chakra energy systems. This holistic modality uses sound and vibration to heal the body, mind, and spirit." John Beaulieu, creator of Biosonics, which also markets sound healing tuning forks, states that "like adjusting a piano, your body can be tuned to achieve optimal physical balance. Tapping two BioSonic tuning forks will instantaneously alter your body’s biochemistry and bring your nervous system, muscle tone and organs into harmonic balance." Crystal Tones, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, also manufactures and sells Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls and Tuning Forks, allowing one to achieve high frequency sonic healing.