I recently had the opportunity to experience a vibroacoustic wellness session with Senses & Synergy at the end of June. This practice combines the use of music and vibration that synchronize to a specific frequency, promoting relaxation, relieving tension, and regulating the nervous system, amongst other benefits. Throughout my hour-long session, I noticed several shifts occur, both physically and mentally. 

In the beginning, I had trouble settling in. I’m a busy mom whose mind is constantly running (like my computer- SO many tabs open all the time, who else can relate??), and I realized this opportunity was a good practice in remaining present and noticing thoughts come and go. Over time I began to drift into a meditative state: both awake and aware, yet fully relaxed. My brain chatter quieted a bit, and when new thoughts arose, I allowed them to pass by. I could also feel tension leaving my body, especially in my face/jaw and shoulders, where I tend to hold it. 

At the end of the session, I took time to reflect and revisit the experience, which I would describe as a 'journey'. My mental and physical state were noticeably different from when I arrived. I felt at ease, and I recalled different visuals that came forward while my eyes were closed, in response to the music. 

For those new to this type of practice, or meditation in general, I'd recommend a shorter session (30 minutes or 45 minutes) to begin with, to get familiarized with the overall experience and what to expect. 

Sherry Wheeler, owner of Senses & Synergy, shares more about vibroacoustic wellness below, including current offerings at her location in Churchville: 

What is vibroacoustic wellness?

Vibroacoustic Therapy (VAT) is a  Rhythmic Sensory Stimulation (RSS) that is a general wellness practice that utilizes low-frequency engineered musical compositions and specially outfitted furniture or wearables so that you can feel what you hear for a multi-sensory brainwave entrainment relaxation and pain-relieving session.  VAT was developed in the 1980’s in Europe (Norway) by Olav Skille. Vibroacoustic Therapy came to the United States in the early 1990’s and in the mid- 1990’s received FDA clearance. Vibroacoustic therapy is highly popular on the West Coast and is rapidly growing here in the Mid-Atlantic region as the National Institutes of  Health (NIH), which is headquartered here in Maryland, has begun researching VAT. Where a traditional massage targets muscles and even joints through physical manipulation, vibroacoustic therapy targets our cells, our fascia, our musculoskeletal system, and even our emotions through the process of mechanotransduction, utilizing the sound waves' resonance to penetrate deeply into our cells.

What are some of the main benefits of vibroacoustic wellness?

• Easing Chronic Pain and tension
• Recovery and Rehabilitation
• Promotion of restful sleep
• Emotional Regulation / elevated mood / stress relief / improved clarity
• Improved blood flow &circulation
• Lower heart rate and  blood pressure

How to prepare for a session:

Avoiding stimulants (ex: caffeine, alcohol, nicotine) and “heavy” (carb-rich) meals for approximately 4 hours pre-session is pivotal to the success of a session. Hydrating with water or decaf tea is recommended to enhance effects. You remain clothed during the session, so comfortable clothing is a must.  I recommend bringing a pair of socks to wear as your feet may get cold when your parasympathetic nervous system activates.  Remove any jewelry containing metals. Silence or power down any devices you brought with you.  Use the restroom to avoid a session interruption.

What to expect during a session:

I have tailored my sessions to provide a multi-sensory experience for my clients. I will guide my clients onto the table (also commonly called a bed), which I have an ergonomic topper on to enhance comfort. You are lying on your back. I provide a disposable steam eye mask and apply a self-created essential oil blend to the mask. I also ask the client if they would like to use a weighted blanket, where I focus the bulk around the client, creating a “nest-like” effect. I  give the client the headphones to put on.  (These are full-size recording studio quality headphones to give the most immersive audio experience possible. I place a knob controller box in your right hand to allow you to control the audio volume so that you have the most comfortable experience.  No matter what your audio volume is set at, it does not control the vibration of the table; that is set by the track being played.  

You will NOT be touched during this session; this is a great alternative to traditional massages for people that do not like to be touched.  Once turned on, you will begin to hear the melody and feel the vibrations throughout your body.  With our bodies being approximately 65% water, the vibrations travel right through us! At first, it may be a bit foreign, and your brain may be trying to “figure things out”. That usually lasts approximately 10 minutes. After acclimation to the vibration and the sound, your parasympathetic nervous system activates to rest and restore mode. This is where your meditative, even dream-like state sets in. Many times clients (and myself) fall asleep.

What to do following a session:

The single most important post-session recommendation is to hydrate your body by drinking plenty of water (tea is also good, especially if it contains chamomile). This will assist your body in flushing out any toxins or “stuck energy” that your session targeted.  As with the preparation for a session, the client should reduce or eliminate stimulants (ex: caffeine, alcohol, nicotine) for approximately 24 hours; this allows for further detoxification and increases your relaxation. I always stress no strenuous activity for about a day as well. Yoga, light walking, and stretching are extremely beneficial after a session as it aids in releasing any stored tension and aids in extending the therapeutic effects of your session. Taking time to reflect is another favorite of mine, especially journaling after my post-session nightly sleep!  

Are different frequencies recommended for different clients?

The short answer is Yes!  In fact, each session the client has can be tailored to their body and mind at the time of the session!  Every session you have can be a different experience with the track library that I have! I will ask the client before each session if there is anything physical or mental they want to work specifically on or if they would like to have a general wellness session.   My most common sessions are for physical pain, sleep disturbances, calming, grounding, stress, and tension relief. 

What was the frequency of the music/table for my session?

As a new client of Vibroacoustic Therapy (VAT), I selected the 174 Hz frequency (based on the Solfeggio scale) because 174 Hz is considered a general wellness/well-being (mental and physical) frequency. The Solfeggio scale is heavily based on the Gregorian chants, which originated in religious masses in Europe. I selected this for you because this frequency has been nicknamed the “holistic anesthetic.” It can relieve pain, tension, and stress by regulating your nervous system (activating your parasympathetic nervous system), which allows you to ground/ center and meditate or connect during spiritual practices more easily.

The link to the track from your session is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5uDoYPlurU&list=PLtkPsfi4eQakqij6E-g5wJab2NpmNQ-xu&index=20

Listening with headphones or earbuds is highly recommended in order to reap the fullest extent of the benefits of the music when not on the table.

Is there an age requirement for participation?

The minimum age requirement I have set is 8 years old. Children under 16 must have a parent accompany them in the room.  For clients aged 16 & 17, I do require that a parent sign a consent form.

Who can benefit greatly from vibroacoustic wellness sessions?

Anyone except for those listed below!  But some people can greatly benefit from VAT, and those are:

• Chronic Pain Sufferers ( Fibromyalgia, back, neck, shoulder pain, arthritis, etc.)
• Insomnia and Sleep Disturbance Sufferers
• Those with Neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease)
• Post-Surgery Recovery (12 weeks out or doctor's approval)
• Athletes (for recovery, in our area I see a high volume of golfers, bowlers, and baseball/softball players)
• Mental Health ( those with high stress, anxiety,  depression, traumas, PTSD
• Respiratory Disease (Such as Asthma and COPD)
• People who suffer from poor circulation or neuropathy
• Those who are Autistic or have ADHD

I urge anyone with questions to talk with their doctor about their specific conditions first before scheduling a session!

Who should not participate in vibroacoustic wellness sessions?

• Persons with implanted medical devices (ex: pacemakers). However, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM’s) (ex Dexcom) are perfectly fine.
• Women who are pregnant (It is generally only within the 1st trimester; however, my professional preference is throughout pregnancy)
• Recent Surgery (within 12 weeks)
• Those with Epilepsy
• Those with DVT / blood clotting disorders
• Those with severe/unstable cardiac conditions including hypotension (Low blood pressure)

Current offerings

I offer mobile appointments, in-office appointments, and I do pop-up sessions at local businesses as well as operating booths at local events/fairs.

My current in-office appointments are held at:
Be.Well. Bellezza Wellness
3038 Churchville Road (Rt. 22 by the Churchville Mini Golf and Batting Cages)
Churchville, MD 21028

In- Office Appointment Schedule:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 6 pm to 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm

Mobile Appointments Available  (these do require an in-office appointment first):

Mondays  & Thursdays 6 pm to 8 pm
I can also do mobile appointments during my in-office appointment schedule if needed.
I bring this offering to clients around working a full-time job. 

I also open up  additional availability on federal holidays and I post that on social media, as well as flash sales!

Session Length and pricing are:

30 minute = $40
45 minute = $60
1 hour = $80

If a client extends beyond 1 hour, I offer discounts.  I also offer a loyalty program where after every 5th appointment the 6th is 50% off.

I generally start clients at 30-minute sessions and work up to an hour.  I have 1 client that consistently books a 2-hour appointment on a weekly basis.

Booking can be done by:

Phone (text or call) 443-206-9727
Facebook Direct Message on Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/SensesAndSynergy
Email: sensesandsynergy@gmail.com
Payment is due at the time of service.  Accepted methods are: Venmo, Zelle, and Cash.  I do not accept credit cards at this time.