Need more info? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions.
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Why should I choose a Vibrational Sound Association licensed sound therapist over any other sound healer?
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Frankly, because you can't trust everyone.
We at Vibrational Sound Association care deeply about the modality of Vibrational Sound Therapy. We eat, sleep, and breathe it. We seek to advance the modality so that it's credible, reputable, and ever-evolving. We care about the modality, our students, and their clients.
Choosing a VSA licensed sound therapist means the person administering therapy to you has done all of the following: undergone an intensive 6-day training, passed an exam afterward, submitted to and passed a criminal background check that includes medical licensures and sex offender registries, obtained liability insurance, committed to and completed the continuing education requirements of the VSA licensure process, and been further vetted by our organization's instructors and board of directors.
The criminal background check we run on every licensed sound therapists includes:
Quite simply, our licensed sound therapists are the cream of the crop in the sound therapy world.
We at Vibrational Sound Association care deeply about the modality of Vibrational Sound Therapy. We eat, sleep, and breathe it. We seek to advance the modality so that it's credible, reputable, and ever-evolving. We care about the modality, our students, and their clients.
Choosing a VSA licensed sound therapist means the person administering therapy to you has done all of the following: undergone an intensive 6-day training, passed an exam afterward, submitted to and passed a criminal background check that includes medical licensures and sex offender registries, obtained liability insurance, committed to and completed the continuing education requirements of the VSA licensure process, and been further vetted by our organization's instructors and board of directors.
The criminal background check we run on every licensed sound therapists includes:
- FACIS III - The Fraud and Control Information System (FACIS) is a database search of records containing adverse actions against individuals and entities sanctioned in the healthcare field
- SSN Verification - This search confirms name, aliases, and all associated counties based on a specific Social Security Number. This helps us comb criminal databases and verify identity
- Nationwide Criminal Databases Search - This search combs county-by-county arrest and conviction databases nationwide
- Sex Offender Registry Search - Searching all US states and territories for individuals charged with crimes of a sexual nature
Quite simply, our licensed sound therapists are the cream of the crop in the sound therapy world.
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It's easy! We've put together a directory for you right here on this website. Click the button below to open a new browser window for that directory.
Find your state and select a practitioner bio that best suits you. Contact that sound therapist and make an appointment right there in your city of residence.
Going on a trip or vacation soon? Find a sound therapist in your destination city who can help you achieve a state of zen for your trip.
The directory will be updated constantly, as we add new licensed sound therapists, so if you can't find someone in your city or state today, don't despair. VST is a growing field so we will likely have someone near you soon.
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Nothing.
That's the beauty of it. Nothing is required of you except that you relax. Your licensed sound therapist might ask you to set an intention for your session, or focus on your breathing, or to repeat a mantra. But really, all you need to do is commit to relaxing. Because, honestly, that's the purpose. What happens during a session? A trained expert (your VSA licensed sound therapist) will place therapeutic-grade singing bowls on your fully-clothed body in a methodical fashion. Using measured strikes from a mallet applied to the bowl, your practitioner will begin to relax you immediately. The sounds and vibrations should lull you off into a deepened state of mindfulness. |
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The intention you set at the beginning of the session, whether it's to find inner calm or whatever you decide your focus should be, will be enhanced by the mindfulness you begin to experience during your session. Some people are wide awake the whole time, others enter a state of consciousness between awake and asleep, while others go into a deep sleep. It doesn't matter what you do; the session will relax you and melt the stress away.
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I'm really freaked out by the thought of a stranger touching me. Should I avoid VST?
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You do not need to avoid Vibrational Sound Therapy, because your practitioner will not even have to touch you the entire time you're in their therapy room.
Remain fully clothed and make yourself comfortable on the massage table, based on your chosen therapy session. You can even opt to have a sheet over your clothes if that makes you more comfortable. The vibration and sound will not be affected by the sheet. The practitioner has been trained to place and remove the bowls without touching or disturbing the client because that practice deepens relaxation levels.
So fear not! You can enjoy a VST session without fear of being touched by anything other than a therapeutic series singing bowl.
Remain fully clothed and make yourself comfortable on the massage table, based on your chosen therapy session. You can even opt to have a sheet over your clothes if that makes you more comfortable. The vibration and sound will not be affected by the sheet. The practitioner has been trained to place and remove the bowls without touching or disturbing the client because that practice deepens relaxation levels.
So fear not! You can enjoy a VST session without fear of being touched by anything other than a therapeutic series singing bowl.
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Results vary of course, but VST has profound effects on the body and the mind.
The VST method is above all a method of relaxation, and most people will reach this state of relaxation quickly, even during their first session. During a VST session the body will go through noticeable changes as it responds to deeper states of rest. Relaxation is not only a physical state but also a state of consciousness, and VST has very strong effects on alertness and perception. Relaxation during a VST session brings on the same kind of brain states as yoga, Tai chi, and meditation. It is very important for a sound therapist to understand the physiological responses to relaxation and how they relate to state of mind in order to react and respond in kind to your client. This kind of observation is part of the vital system of communication and feedback in VST. |
Most clients will start to relax as soon as the session begins. Their muscles will lose tension, and they may even start to slip into the alpha brain wave pattern within the first minutes. The alpha wave pattern is associated with daydreaming and pre-sleep. At this point the clients breathing and heart rate will start to slow down, and the body will begin to absorb the waves of vibration into its tissues. The slowing of breathing and lack of muscle tension are both signs that the metabolism is slowing. Insulin levels will rise, and cortisol levels will fall. As the heart rate slows, blood pressure falls and arteries expand giving rise to a feeling of warmth. This relaxed state allows the body to repair itself instead of responding to outside concerns. The immune system is at its best when we are relaxed.
VST is so gentle and relaxing that almost all people will fall asleep at some point during the session. The theta brain wave state is associated with meditation, sleep, and deep relaxation. The delta brain state is a deeper form of sleep and is also associated with hypnosis and ritual. During normal sleep, people will oscillate between both of these states. The brain wave state of clients undergoing a sound massage will change naturally and in reaction to the modality as positions are changed and different bowls are introduced. Small tremors and shakes are common as people enter and exit the theta and delta brain rhythms. Some of these movements may be sudden and strong. The practitioner must always be mindful to prevent a bowl from falling from its desired position. Above all, take note of how these reactions are related to your actions, and be aware of giving the client the most relaxation possible while still adhering to the basic principles of the modality.
Those who undergo a state of deep relaxation often report a feeling of mental freshness that they carry with them after the session is over. Relaxation and meditative states of mind have also been shown to increase the threshold for emotional response, meaning they can help us control our emotional responses to outside influences. Like other kinds of meditation, sound massage can help us be more internally aware while being more present in the moment and more connected with our surroundings.
VST is so gentle and relaxing that almost all people will fall asleep at some point during the session. The theta brain wave state is associated with meditation, sleep, and deep relaxation. The delta brain state is a deeper form of sleep and is also associated with hypnosis and ritual. During normal sleep, people will oscillate between both of these states. The brain wave state of clients undergoing a sound massage will change naturally and in reaction to the modality as positions are changed and different bowls are introduced. Small tremors and shakes are common as people enter and exit the theta and delta brain rhythms. Some of these movements may be sudden and strong. The practitioner must always be mindful to prevent a bowl from falling from its desired position. Above all, take note of how these reactions are related to your actions, and be aware of giving the client the most relaxation possible while still adhering to the basic principles of the modality.
Those who undergo a state of deep relaxation often report a feeling of mental freshness that they carry with them after the session is over. Relaxation and meditative states of mind have also been shown to increase the threshold for emotional response, meaning they can help us control our emotional responses to outside influences. Like other kinds of meditation, sound massage can help us be more internally aware while being more present in the moment and more connected with our surroundings.
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You betcha!
Vibrational Sound Therapy is useful for the following:
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Glad you asked! Because mindfulness matters, and it's something seriously lacking in today's stressful world.
Technically speaking, mindfulness is defined as: (noun): 1. a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. Pretty profoundly effective for our brand of therapy. Mindfulness is the ability to focus on the very moment you're in. |
So often, our minds wander away to obsessive thoughts about future plans or past experiences, that we aren't fully engrossed in the moment happening right in front of our faces. We live in a culture of distraction. Cell phones going off all the time, work stressors that occupy our thoughts even when we're off the clock, worries that flood our mind when we're doing other activities. Even joyful activities can be sources of anxiety when we can't fully focus our thoughts on the present moment.
Anxiety thrives in that toxic mental environment.
VST to the rescue! Vibrational Sound Therapy is designed to keep you in that mindful state during your session and beyond. By having you set an intention and focus on your breath or the sounds and vibrations from the bowls, you're allowing your mind to reset from the culture of distraction you're immersed in. The intention you set, the sounds and vibrations from the bowls, the relaxation you're experiencing ALL work together to enhance your state of mindfulness.
So you can take that out into the real world and live in the moment once again.
Anxiety thrives in that toxic mental environment.
VST to the rescue! Vibrational Sound Therapy is designed to keep you in that mindful state during your session and beyond. By having you set an intention and focus on your breath or the sounds and vibrations from the bowls, you're allowing your mind to reset from the culture of distraction you're immersed in. The intention you set, the sounds and vibrations from the bowls, the relaxation you're experiencing ALL work together to enhance your state of mindfulness.
So you can take that out into the real world and live in the moment once again.
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The Vibrational Sound Association (VSA) is the only licensing body for the modality of Vibrational Sound Therapy worldwide.
A committee of instructors with valuable experience handles course instruction, the wealth of knowledge offered at any of our classes throughout the year all over the United States is beyond compare. |
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Classroom instruction is filled with combined wisdom coming from the backgrounds of musicians, recording engineers, sound therapists, and sonic visionaries. This potent combination is coupled with the founder of the organization that is the largest importer of singing bowls in the USA, Jeff Howard.
Jeff Howard, with over fifteen years of experience with singing bowls, traveling the world and learning about sound therapy in many cultures including Tibet, Nepal, India, Thailand, USA, and China. Jeff created the Vibrational Sound Association (VSA) to offer singing bowl therapy designed with the professional and practitioner in mind. Our course which is now used in Spas, Hospitals, Massage Therapy Clinics, Reiki Practices and many other organizations. The VSA is dedicated to the continued evolution of the Vibrational Sound Therapy with singing bowls. Vibrational Sound Therapy is a method of professionally using singing bowls and other instruments on and around the body for therapy and relaxation. The VSA seeks to further the use of these ancient tools in a professional modern and structured modality that is an efficient relaxation and therapy system. This is a secular course with no need for any specific spiritual or religious beliefs and relies on proven methods of using sound and vibration for therapy.
Jeff Howard, with over fifteen years of experience with singing bowls, traveling the world and learning about sound therapy in many cultures including Tibet, Nepal, India, Thailand, USA, and China. Jeff created the Vibrational Sound Association (VSA) to offer singing bowl therapy designed with the professional and practitioner in mind. Our course which is now used in Spas, Hospitals, Massage Therapy Clinics, Reiki Practices and many other organizations. The VSA is dedicated to the continued evolution of the Vibrational Sound Therapy with singing bowls. Vibrational Sound Therapy is a method of professionally using singing bowls and other instruments on and around the body for therapy and relaxation. The VSA seeks to further the use of these ancient tools in a professional modern and structured modality that is an efficient relaxation and therapy system. This is a secular course with no need for any specific spiritual or religious beliefs and relies on proven methods of using sound and vibration for therapy.
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Honestly, we're everywhere! We have classes all over the United States every year. Our instructors teach classes in major cities to amazing people who want to help others achieve a better state of mindfulness.
But technically? Our offices are in Roca, Nebraska -- just outside the capital city of Lincoln. We host a VSA retreat every year right here in Nebraska, where we rendezvous with all of our practitioners and help them keep up with this ever-changing industry.
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I have no experience with any relaxation modalities, and I hadn't heard of VST until now. Should I take your class?
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Absolutely!
The great thing about this taking our courses is that there are no pre-requisites.
Work with singing bowl massage as a stand-alone practice. Add a sound based modality to your current technique repertoire. Vibrational Sound Therapy is the perfect companion to massage therapy, reiki, and chiropractic services, psychotherapy, music therapy, acupressure, and acupuncture, dental and medical services. The practitioner is able to work within an established institution, providing complimentary services, which increases the market share of spas, healing centers, yoga centers, or retreat centers. We currently have practitioners providing relaxation therapy in professional medical settings where the profound effect has presented incredible results. Now we want you to join us!
With over 500 graduates in the Vibrational Sound Therapy Method around the globe from the USA, Canada, Europe, and the Carribean, you will find certified practitioners with an incredible range of backgrounds, working in a broad variety of fields. From elementary school teachers to light workers, yoga teachers and kirtan leaders, we see our influence spreading. Retailers of singing bowls gain an incredible amount of knowledge during the course, helping them to better cater to the needs of their customers. Therapists and counselors are using our modality to introduce a new way of life to people who are suffering. The Therapeutic series bowls are being used in the offices of psychologists and in the homes of retired individuals with equal benefit. The modality is universally effective and our practitioners emerge from our program ready to provide the techniques to the public.
The great thing about this taking our courses is that there are no pre-requisites.
Work with singing bowl massage as a stand-alone practice. Add a sound based modality to your current technique repertoire. Vibrational Sound Therapy is the perfect companion to massage therapy, reiki, and chiropractic services, psychotherapy, music therapy, acupressure, and acupuncture, dental and medical services. The practitioner is able to work within an established institution, providing complimentary services, which increases the market share of spas, healing centers, yoga centers, or retreat centers. We currently have practitioners providing relaxation therapy in professional medical settings where the profound effect has presented incredible results. Now we want you to join us!
With over 500 graduates in the Vibrational Sound Therapy Method around the globe from the USA, Canada, Europe, and the Carribean, you will find certified practitioners with an incredible range of backgrounds, working in a broad variety of fields. From elementary school teachers to light workers, yoga teachers and kirtan leaders, we see our influence spreading. Retailers of singing bowls gain an incredible amount of knowledge during the course, helping them to better cater to the needs of their customers. Therapists and counselors are using our modality to introduce a new way of life to people who are suffering. The Therapeutic series bowls are being used in the offices of psychologists and in the homes of retired individuals with equal benefit. The modality is universally effective and our practitioners emerge from our program ready to provide the techniques to the public.
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VST fits great with almost any other modality!
Acupuncturists and Acupressure therapists find direct correlation between the healing points and meridians they have already learned, and the basic positions and movements of the procedure. Massage therapists are finding the Vibrational Sound Therapy to be the perfect addition to the knowledge base they are already working with. The procedure has been designed to be done on a massage table, so the equipment is very similar as well, but that is where the comparison ends. The Vibrational Sound Therapy Method allows the busy massage professional to provide a treatment that is as gentle to the practitioner as it is to the client. |
For energy workers, Reiki Masters and practitioners of Qi-gong we find a synchronous harmony with the Vibrational Sound Therapy blending seamlessly with almost all forms of energy work and healing. Most of you are already using singing bowls to some degree. For those of you already experienced in the use of the bowls the modality will flow smoothly. For the beginner we have provided a structure that is simple and easy to follow, yet unanimously effective.
In addition to the Vibrational Sound Therapy taught with a handful of variations, several other techniques are taught and explained in the class such as using the bowls, or combinations of the bowls in grounding or energizing techniques. These expanded techniques provide more physical demonstrations of the power of the Therapeutic grade singing bowls. This helps to give clients both existing and prospective a great introduction to the power of the bowls.
As the Vibrational Sound Therapy intensive workshop progresses, the discussions delve deeper and deeper into the concepts behind both the modality itself and live performance of sound meditations and sound concerts. Basic principles of music theory are presented in the manner that they relate to the sound of the bowls. Because of unique sonic characteristics found in hand hammered singing bowls, some adaptation is required and investigated, and the use of hand hammered singing bowls as meditative sonic instruments is revealed.
In addition to the Vibrational Sound Therapy taught with a handful of variations, several other techniques are taught and explained in the class such as using the bowls, or combinations of the bowls in grounding or energizing techniques. These expanded techniques provide more physical demonstrations of the power of the Therapeutic grade singing bowls. This helps to give clients both existing and prospective a great introduction to the power of the bowls.
As the Vibrational Sound Therapy intensive workshop progresses, the discussions delve deeper and deeper into the concepts behind both the modality itself and live performance of sound meditations and sound concerts. Basic principles of music theory are presented in the manner that they relate to the sound of the bowls. Because of unique sonic characteristics found in hand hammered singing bowls, some adaptation is required and investigated, and the use of hand hammered singing bowls as meditative sonic instruments is revealed.
