Many people associate tuning forks with piano tuning, but have you heard of using tuning forks for facials? I bet you haven’t? Although, sound therapy isn’t new and has been on the scene for quite some time, using tuning forks cosmetically is just now gaining ground. What is a tuning fork facial?
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What Is A Tuning Fork?
A tuning fork is a two-pronged steel fork, that resonates at a specific pitch, when struck against an object or surface. This tone peaks and gradually fades away after a few seconds. The pitch of any particular fork is dependent on both the mass and length of the two prongs. Tuning forks come in a wide array of sizes and tones.
A harmonic massage session consists of tuning forks placed on acupuncture points from the top of the head to the feet. The prongs of the fork are struck against a hard surface, such as a hockey puck, which activates the vibration. The stem is then placed on these targeted points to unblock and stimulate energy that has become blocked.
Tuning fork facials simulate this process except the vibrations are focused on the energy points of the face. Sound vibrations are effective at reducing swelling and puffiness because they clear blockages where lymph has become stagnant. When lymph is able to flow freely, it can then drain, which enables the immune system to work more efficiently.
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What Is Sound Therapy?
Just as its name implies, sound therapy uses sound to therapeutically benefit the body. It can involve any type of music to improve both emotional and physical health, and especially trauma. Sound therapy modalities include chanting, singing, swaying to the beat of music, playing any type of instrument, guided imagery, or simply listening to music while meditating.
All of us know firsthand, the powerful calming or stimulating effects music has on physiology. You’ve likely experienced this phenomenon many times in your life. Vibroacoustic therapy, another sound therapy modality, is used to regulate breathing and blood pressure. This type of therapy uses chairs and beds with embedded speakers to deliver vibrations to the body.
Many sounds therapists use Himalayan singing bowls to transmit sound. I’ve experienced the use of singing bowls firsthand after Pilates or yoga classes I’ve attended, and it’s very relaxing and calming to the emotions and nervous system. Vibrational frequencies are believed to have a positive impact on brain waves.
Sound is so powerful that it’s used to soothe premature babies in hospitals, to alleviate pain in cancer patients, and to rehabilitate those who have sustained traumatic brain injuries. Sound therapy is not new as various forms of music have been used by virtually all cultures throughout time.
For hundreds of years, Tibetan monks have used singing bowls as part of their meditation rituals, and people with Alzheimer’s disease can remember their favorite songs, but are unable to recognize the faces of those they love. The use of tuning forks is another type of sound or vibrational therapy.
Tuning Fork Facial Benefits
Tuning forks are placed on acupuncture points, along meridian pathways, to increase Qi or energy flow. The premise behind the effectiveness of tuning fork facials is that sound vibrations travel deep into these energy pathways where they tighten and lift sagging skin, and decrease the visibility of fines lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles. Dark circles and eye bags also appear less apparent.
Sound vibrations boost energy flow, and relax muscle tension and stress. These vibrations travel deep into the tissues to stimulate healing. If Qi is stagnant or not flowing freely, the complexion can look dull and dry, and not as youthful as it otherwise would.
Tuning fork facials, like most skin care procedures are not cheap, so why not buy your own forks and do facials at home? All you need is one or two forks, a hockey puck to strike them against, and a Chinese acupuncture meridian chart. Sound therapy facials can be done for a few minutes in the morning or before bed to promote relaxation and restful sleep.
I like doing facials first thing in the morning to improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and brighten my complexion. And on nights where I didn’t sleep well, the increased circulation makes me look much better than I feel. Optimal circulation means that more oxygen and nutrition are brought to the delicate tissues of the face, giving a plumping and color-boosting effect.
Tuning Fork Therapy
Tuning fork therapy is also a form of touch therapy that works along the acupuncture meridians. Instead of using needles, sound frequencies are used on targeted points using tuning forks. And because sound has the ability to travel deep into the body, it can reduce muscle and bone pain by quelling inflammation. Sound is also amazing for calming anxiety.
A wide range of tuning forks, in varying lengths and vibrations, are available. Hertz (hz) is a unit of frequency that is equal to one cycle per second. For instance, a tuning fork that vibrates at 136 hz is vibrating at 136 cycles per second.
Following is a brief explanation of some of the forks that can be purchased:
Om Tuning Forks
An Om tuning fork has a hertz of 136, creating a deep resonance, which is grounding and relaxing. This fork is useful for low-energy states and decreased mental concentration. It also promotes connection and well-being. When used on muscles, joints, and nerves, it releases stress and relaxes the body. Watch the video below to learn how to use tuning forks.
Solfeggio Tuning Forks
Solfeggio tuning forks are based on an ancient scale that has evolved over time. These frequencies were discovered by Dr. Joseph Puleo while researching the Old Testament and numerology. It is thought that each note in the scale, initiated an individual stanza, of Gregorian chants and hymns to St. John the Baptist.
Based on the numbers 3, 6, and 9 , these forks are used to achieve blissful states, heal deep-seated emotional issues, and heighten awareness. They can be used anywhere on the body, and are exceptional for facials. This 9-piece set includes a bag and an activator with nine forks in varying frequencies, including 174, 285, 396, 417, 528, 639, 741, 852, 963 Hz.
Otto Tuning Forks
I like using a combination of forks for my facials. This set of Otto tuning forks comes with three forks; 32, 64, and 128 Hz. Each fork is a variation of a C octave in the Pythagorean scale, a scale designed from pure perfect fifths and octaves. In fact, these deeply resonate forks are each below middle C, and vibrate at fewer cycles per second.
They are particularly efficacious for bones and muscles because of their ability to align and relax, while toning surrounding tissue. And because the vibrations stimulate nerves, they’re also great for skin and hair. These forks are tremendously grounding, balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and are useful for emotional trauma. The lower the Hz, the longer the stem will be.
Key Points
Tuning forks are incredible tools that can deliver healing vibrations deep into the tissues of the body where they exert a beneficial effect upon circulation and the body’s energy pathways.
Tuning fork facials are safe, non-invasive, and work by relaxing underlying muscles, while optimizing function.
I’m a DIYer and like using my forks to do facials at home. It only takes a couple of minutes, and the result is a smoother, brighter, more refreshed complexion.
Have you heard of a tuning for fork facial? Let me know in the comments:)
I have never heard of tuning fork facials, but they seem like a great thing to try. You are right that sound is very therapeutic so I can definitely see how they would be beneficial.
I’d love to try a facial sometime. It’s great that it’s something you can do on your own. I’ll have to look into it more and learn how to do it.
Thanks for reading and commenting Holly.
Sound is very therapeutic, and using tuning forks is a great way to harness the healing properties inherent in vibrational frequencies. Definitely grab a couple of forks and do a facial on yourself. It’s fun!
This is a lovely and insightful post. Let me first of all commend your effort for bringing up this relevant article. I am just getting to know more about tuning fork facials so this was an eye opener for me.
The video you shared was also helpful, and a great supplement to your article. This is incredible and I hope to also do some facials at home myself.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment Ola. Tuning forks are fun and easy to use, plus you can see a difference in your complexion when you use them on your face. And the best part is they don’t take much time.
I was quite perplexed when I read the title of this post, and at the same time it piqued my curiosity and I just had to read further. A tuning fork facial is a new term for me, and an unknown therapy for me as well. It really makes a lot of sense though.
Tones and sound waves affect everything around us, and although we may not be able to hear everything, almost all things resonate with some kind of tone. I have been studying sound waves and how they cause formations or patterns to be formed (i.e. sand will form different shapes and patterns when tones at different pitches are played around the sand.
Sounds have a definite effect on us. As you point out, meditation often involves calming, soothing music, and who does not like to listen to their favorite genre of music once in a while?! It makes us feel good and brings up memories of good times in the past.
This is why this tuning fork facial makes sense to me. The energy that is created can help the body, including the face. Tuning forks emit different tones, which can positively affect the tissues of the body. As I read about the many types of tuning fork, I realized just how uninformed I am.
I would like to try one or more of these therapies and will be looking around Dubai to see where such a treatment might be available. I thank you for bringing this to my attention, and I am sure that many people will be as much in the dark as I was, but like me, will also want to try this treatment.
Hi Dave,
Most people haven’t heard of tuning fork facials. That’s why I wanted to write a post about how to do facials at home. It’s true, if you understand that sound waves are therapeutic, using tuning forks to tap into these powers, does make a lot of sense.
I’m sure your studies on sound waves is fascinating. Every living thing resonates at its own frequency. Studies have been done on how music affects water either positively or negatively. Music is very powerful as we all know.
You can buy tuning forks online if you can’t find a sound therapist in Dubai. Thanks for taking the time to read my article. I appreciate your comment!
Great information!! I am a Massage Therapist, and just new to sound healing. I love the crystal bowls, and tuning forks, but would like to get a set of the Himalayan bowls, can I ask where you purchased your set of 4? They have lovely sound in your YouTube video