No, listening to specific sound frequencies cannot ‘heal’ health issues

By: Umme Kulsum
August 9 2023

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Context

A TikTok video is being shared widely, with claims sound frequencies have "healing" benefits. A computer-generated human model dressed as a doctor can be heard stating, "Doctors don't want you to discover this problem in your body. There's a frequency that can heal you. Nikola Tesla himself said, 'If you wanna find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of frequency.'" The CGI model says, "If you have trouble sleeping, listen to a 3-hertz frequency. This soothing frequency will guide you toward deep and restorative sleep. If you are anxious, listen to a 432-hertz frequency; let this harmonious vibration envelop and calm your troubled mind. If you wanna lose weight, listen to a 280-hertz frequency..." and so on, listing other frequencies that can help "cure" health issues.

The video had 37,000 shares and 470,000 likes when writing this piece. It can be noted the TikTok account that posted the video shares health-related claims, which are often misleading and encourage the use of unproven treatments.

In fact

On consulting experts and multiple studies, we found these claims to be misleading.

The concept of using specific frequencies, often referred to as "Hz frequencies," for health benefits has been associated with various pseudoscientific and alternative medicine practices. Some proponents of these beliefs claim that certain frequencies can heal the body, promote well-being, and treat various ailments. However, these statements have long been debated, and little scientific evidence supports them.

Professor of Music Production and Engineering at Berklee College of Music Susan Rogers told Logically Facts, "The main difference between sense and nonsense is that when something is true of the natural world, we can predict when, where, how, and to whom it will happen. If a technique cures one person, then it should be able to cure others. If these claims were true, then there would be evidence published in peer-reviewed science journals. So far, there is not."

 Can sound frequencies promote better?

Some practices use specific frequencies for sleep enhancement, though it is important to note that scientific understanding of this topic is still evolving, and there is no substantial scientific evidence that these methods work. A pilot study published by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states that auditory stimulation with a Delta binaural beat is an alternative method for medicine. However, more extensive research and recording of brain wave activities during stimulation are required. Moreover, it is essential to understand that the evidence is still limited, and music or sound should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based medical treatments or therapies.

 "Our nervous system vibrates with waves of synchronized activity going on all the time; it doesn't follow that listening to a given frequency alerts the system to behave in a certain way. Sound and color frequencies are simply not that special," Susan Rogers said.

The video also claims that listening to a particular frequency, specifically 432 Hz, can reduce anxiety. Although the frequency of 432 Hz is believed to impact the human body and mind positively, there is currently no scientific validity to this claim. There is limited concrete empirical research that directly supports the specific effects of listening to 432 Hz or other frequencies on anxiety reduction.

The video also claims that listening to specific frequencies can lead to weight reduction, body regeneration or can help reduce pain. There are a lot of assertions that certain frequencies have nebulous, mystical healing abilities, but there is no scientific evidence that shows music and sound can replace allopathic or scientific medical treatment. These are often mixed with the conspiracy theories that authorities or doctors conceal the benefits of these frequencies for their own good.

While music and sound can relax and positively impact moods and emotions, claims that specific frequencies directly influence physical healing or body regeneration are not supported by rigorous scientific research.

There is no harm in exploring different types of music or sounds that one could find personally soothing. However, it's essential to recognize that any claims about specific frequencies having healing properties are misleading and should not replace scientific medical interventions.

The verdict

No evidence supports the theory that sound frequencies alone can lead to significant healing or health benefits. Although some sounds can influence certain brainwave patterns, their impact on cognitive abilities remains uncertain and should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based medical treatments. Therefore, we have marked this claim as misleading.