Sound vibrations elicit a healing response when nerve endings (reflexes) and acupressure points (acupoints) on feet are stimulated.

Using tuning forks for anything other than adjusting a musical instrument or assessing hearing may seem to some like new-age nonsense. It’s not. Studies show that tuning forks generate strong vibrations which are not only heard but also felt. Through years of research these amazing instruments have been designed to such a level that they can aid in healing the body and all its systems.

Activating a tuning fork sends out strong vibrating impulses through the air. According to Dr. John Beaulieu, an expert on stress science and researcher on the healing effects of sound and music, the human body can be “tuned” to achieve optimal physical balance. Every cell in the body is a sound resonator; and all organs, glands, and cells respond to sound vibrations.

Sound/vibrational healers have adopted tuning forks as a key aspect of healing and use unweighted forks around the body to restore emotional and mental balance. Conversely, an Osteophonic (Otto) weighted tuning fork applied directly on bone and connective tissue relieves pain and inflammation, promotes muscle relaxation. The Otto tuning fork also spikes the production of nitric oxide. Produced naturally in human cells, nitric oxide is essential for maintaining and sustaining good health. Nitric Oxide enhances cell vitality, vascular flow and heart healing. It increases energy, relieves stress, and strengthens the immune system. Normal nitric oxide production, however, is inhibited by stress and illness. Research shows that an Otto tuning fork encourages nitric oxide puffing rhythms. A boost of nitric oxide “balances the autonomic nervous system and signals a natural release of anti-bacterial, anti-virals, and free radicals” at the cellular level. Otto tuning forks also enhance the benefits of pressure point therapies, such as acupressure and reflexology, when used on the feet. Both modalities have similar comprehensive benefits but access different pressure point locations.

Reflexology focuses on “reflex zones” and the 7200 reflexes on each foot connecting spinal cord and brain with all body systems. Stimulating these points on the feet can help activate sluggish glands and organs. Specific thumb-finger-hand techniques remove toxic mineral deposits that settle on the bottom of feet and cause congestion.

Acupoints are distributed symmetrically along channels or meridians—a bio-energy circulation system similar to the blood-circulation system. Points on the ankle are effective for relieving pain after a sprain, swelling, and stiffness due to osteoarthritis. Accessing acupoints on feet also relieves premenstrual bloating and prevents swollen feet and ankles. As a point is pressed, muscle tension yields to finger pressure enabling fibers to elongate and relax, blood to flow, and toxins to be released and eliminated.

Tuning forks are a source of vibrational medicine that can affect a wide variety of conditions by unblocking or releasing energy disturbances inside and outside the body. Body tuning by itself or as an adjunct to foot reflexology or acupressure can be an effective way to align the inner rhythm of the body and achieve optimal health and well-being.

Christel Haase holds a Ph.D. in Holistic Health and certification in Reflexology, G-Jo Acupressure, and Iridology. Christel has been practicing reflexology for over 12 years.