Note: The specific type of sound healing I offer is the use of tuning forks and crystal singing bowls, the effects of which have not been scientifically studied very much.  The effects seen are largely anecdotal in nature. I found one research study (published in 2015) on effects of listening to crystal singing bowls (see below).  Because of this, the following research focuses more on types of sound healing and what research has been done with them, including the use of instruments, exposure to different frequencies, computerized frequencies, listening to various styles of music, singing, chanting and toning, and vibrational effects on matter (water, sand).

There are many facets and branches to sound therapy.  Ancient cultures used sound for healing, whether utilizing instruments or vocalization.  Examples include the Aboriginal people of Australia who used the didgeridoo, Egyptian and Babylonian cultures that used drums and rattles, and the Greek and Egyptians who used the voice.  Pythagoras (circa 500BC) is credited as the first modern world person to use music as medicine, playing the flute and lyre and exploring effects of musical intervals, using a monochord instrument and the voice. Since the 1930s, modern medicine has started to explore its healing properties, beginning with the discovery of ultrasound.  Ultrasound is used to break up kidney stones and shrink tumors (http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/lithotripsy; http://www.eeni.com/news/default.asp?ID=40&itemId=43).

Cymatherapy®: In the 1950s, British osteopath, Peter Guy Manners, developed this system, which uses computers to create combinations of ultra pure tones that address specific types of injuries and ailments.  It has been anecdotally found to promote more rapid healing from injuries and to help with chronic pain.  Ultimately, it may be used to treat specific organs or systems by introducing frequencies found in healthy organs and systems to help the body recalibrate its frequencies back to health (http://www.rexresearch.com/cymatherapy/cymatherapy.htm).

Vibroacoustic Therapy: Discovered and developed by Norwegian therapist and educator Olav Skille in 1980, this is a new sound technology that uses audible computer-generated sound frequencies to reduce symptoms, promote relaxation, and lower stress.  Audio waves in the range of 30Hz-120Hz transmitted through the vibroacoustic device were found to have a positive effect on various systems of the body.  Because the body is 70% water and sound travels 5 times easier through water than air, this stimulation can access the deep cellular layer of the body (http://www.vibroacoustic.org/FrequencyInfo/Vibroacoustic%20Therapy.pdf).  The following are summaries of some studies done on its effectiveness:

1. Vibroacoustic Therapy for Children with Learning Difficulties and Elders in Residential Care: Music/sound technology used with children with profound and multiple learning difficulties and elders in long-term care homes/who are mentally infirm enables self-expression, empowerment, and communication skills. This study (pub. 2004) highlights 2 case studies (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15747903). 
2. Vibroacoustic Therapy for Heel Spurs: In a study (published 2013) that compared vibroacoustic wave therapy to laser and ultrasound therapy, 60 patients were treated for plantar heel spurs; 40 received vibroacoustic wave therapy, 10 were in a laser control group, and 10 were in an ultrasound therapy control group. Vibroacoustic therapy showed greater reduction in perceived pain levels than the other groups (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23510823).
3. Vibroacoustic Therapy for Pain and Stress Reduction: Research (published in 2004) is showing potential of vibroacoustic therapy to reduce pain symptoms, invoke relaxation, and alleviate stress, and the article explores use of this therapy in various nursing settings (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15222599).

Sonocytology: Dr. James Gimzewski, Nobel Prize winner, of UCLA, California studied cellular response to sound, using an atomic force microscope to listen to the sounds emitted by the outer membrane of various cells in the body, and in 2001 created this new science. By identifying each cell’s unique solar signature, this may eventually be used diagnostically to find unhealthy cells and to play back their destructive sounds greatly amplified, so they implode and are destroyed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Gimzewski).

Using tuning forks with specific sound frequencies on acupressure points is one example of this sound healing therapy (http://www.acutonics.com/).

Effects of Crystal Singing Bowls on the Body: One study (published 2008) examined effects of harmonic vibrations of crystal singing bowls on perception of pain, subjective wellbeing, and quality of sleep in 54 patients with chronic unspecific spinal pain; with 2 placebo treatment and non-treatment control groups. The treatment group received 6 units of singing bowl therapy. Pain intensity was evaluated pre- and post-sessions, pulse rate and skin conduction were measured in 3 of the sessions, and a 24-hour measurement of heart rate variability to evaluate quality of sleep was made 4 times. A mood questionnaire was completed pre- and post-sessions. Both treatment and placebo groups showed significantly lower pain intensities; the control group had increased pain intensity (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=crystal+singing+bowls). In a study of 42 subjects, all received toning on the back from a Marcel Vogel crystal, and playing of a quartz crystal bowl tuned to the ‘F’ musical note, which is associated with the heart chakra. Responses were noted on Asyra, a computerized electronic electrodermal instrument that measures energetic readings of acupuncture meridians under exposure to low voltage electrical frequencies. Readings after a toning and crystal bowl session showed significant increase in energetic readings on the left hand and right foot (non-dominant hand, non-dominant foot), which seems to indicate heightened activity in the right temporal gyrus of the brain, a major area affecting creativity. This part of the brain has been found to be larger in musicians (http://journals.sfu.ca/seemj/index.php/seemj/article/viewFile/65/52).

Music Therapy for Chronic Aphasia Post-Stroke: This study (published 2015) evaluated effects of active music therapy based on free-improvisation, with speech language therapy, compared to speech language therapy alone control group, in 20 stroke patients with chronic aphasia. Both groups received 30 speech language therapy sessions over 15 weeks; the experimental group also received 30 active music therapy sessions. Results show significant improvement in spontaneous speech in the experimental group; 50% o the experimental group also showed improvement in vitality scores on a Short Form Health Survey (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26000622).

Music and Learning Disabilities: A literature review (published 2002) found studies showing effects of musical interventions provided to clients with learning disabilities. Results were reduction of self-injurious behavior, aggression and other behaviors that challenged service providers, improved communication skills of clients, and improved ability to maintain their psychological wellbeing (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12353618).

The Ear as a Transmitter of Sound to the Body: French ear, nose and throat specialist Dr Alfred Tomatis has spent the last 50 years studying the ear and its connections to the rest of the body. It controls the body’s sense of balance, rhythm and movement and is conductor of the entire nervous system. Through the medulla, the auditory nerve connects with all of the body’s muscles, affecting muscle tone, equilibrium, flexibility and vision. Through the vagus nerve, the inner ear connects with the larynx, heart, lungs, stomach, liver, bladder, kidneys, small intestine and large intestine. Tomatis believes high frequency sounds (3,000Hz and above) activate the brain and affect cognitive functions such as thinking, spatial perception and memory. Listening to these sounds increases our attentiveness and concentration. (Tomatis Alfred. The Conscious Ear. Station Hill Press. New York. ISBN 0-88268-108-7. 1991)

Sound Creates Shapes in Sand: In the 1700s, Ernest Chladni, a German physicist, found that when a violin bow was drawn vertically across the rim of a metal plate, the sound waves produced created geometric patterns in sand sprinkled on the plate; different musical tones created different patterns. In the 1960s, Hans Jenny, a Swiss scientist, spent 10+ years discovering effects of sound waves on materials placed on metal plates, including glycerine, mercury, gel, powder and iron fillings. Photography showed that low frequency sounds produced simple geometric shapes, while higher frequencies generated more complex patterns. The sound ‘OH’ produced a perfect circle. Jenny came to the conclusion that sound creates form and that the entire human body had its own sound made up of all the sounds of its cells, tissues and organs (Jenny Hans. Cymatics, Volumes I and II. Basilius Presse AG. Basel. 1974).

Sound Affects Shape of Water Molecules: Japanese scientist, Masaru Emoto, dedicated his life to exploring how environment, emotion, and music affect the crystalline structure of water, hypothesizing that because our bodies are made of 70% water, where and how we live and process life experiences has an impact on our health. He began his work by gathering water over 4 years from various locations, including natural water sources and tap water in different cities. Water was placed in petri dishes in a freezer for 2 hours, then placed under a microscope and photographed at a magnification of 200-500 times. He found that in a given location, water crystals that formed were all similar in shape, but that tap water in places like London and Japanese cities wouldn’t form complete crystals. Spring water and water from holy places formed the most beautiful crystals. Next, he played different types of music to distilled water and froze the water. Classical music produced beautiful crystals of slightly different colors. Healing music, a Tibetan mantra, and folk music also produced beautiful crystals. Heavy metal music resulted in what looked like a crystal that had exploded into many pieces. Japanese pop music produced square-shaped crystals, rather than hexagonal ones (Emoto Masaru. The Message from Water. HADO Kyoikusha. Tokyo. ISBN 4-939098-00-1. 1999).

Cellular Changes from Sound: In 1974, professional jazz musician, Fabien Maman, noticed that certain musical keys had an energizing effect on both musicians and audience. He worked with French physicist, Joel Sternheimer, who had discovered that elementary particles vibrate at frequencies in accordance with musical laws. They found that body tissue, organs and acupuncture meridians each have a musical note. Then, Fabien met Hélène Grimal, senior researcher at the National Centre for Scientific Research in Paris. For 1-1/2 years, using drums, gongs, flutes, guitar, bass, and xylophone, they studied effects of sound on normal and malignant cells, specifically looking at the health of blood cells, hemoglobin, and the ‘Hela’ cancer cell from the uterus. They found that even at 30-40 decibels the sound always produced noticeable changes in cells. As the sounds progressed up the musical scale, to about the 7^th interval, cancer cells exploded at a certain frequency as sound travelled from the center of the cell out to its outer membrane, especially using the human voice. Kirlian photography showed different shapes and colors for each note and half note on the musical scale. When a person sang the note ‘F’, which corresponds with the heart chakra, it produced a balanced, round shape and vibrant magenta and turquoise colors. (http://tama-do.com/roothtmls/cell-research.html). Healing musician and composer, Jim Oliver, placed selected sounds exclusively into a pair of headphones and put them on a client’s ankles. They responded to the sound even though their ears could not hear the sound. (Oliver Jim. Notes from CD Harmonic Resonance. The Relaxation Company. New York. 1995).

Physiological Effects of Listening to Different Types of Music: Research has found that listening to Mozart helps improve powers of concentration and enhances ability to make intuitive leaps. The fetus prefers listening to Mozart and Vivaldi over other composers; heart rates become steady and kicking lessens. Rock music results in more kicking. A Dr. Mike Lewis found that classical music works on the whole brain, while pop music affects only one side of the brain (Lewis Mike. Why Music Heals Your Mind. Interview. Sunday Express. p51.21 May 2000). Slower tempo music slows the breathing rate; the heartbeat tends to match the rhythm of the music. Pachabel’s Cannon, with a rhythm of 64 beats per minute, changes brain wave patterns from beta to alpha. Calming music has also been known to calm the nervous system and affect metabolism. The pitch and rhythm of music affect the limbic system (emotions). Music is now used to reduce pain and anxiety of patients undergoing dental treatment and surgical operations. In a study of 59,000 patients, 97% stated music helped them relax in post-operative situations and during surgery in regional anesthesia (Campbell Don. The Mozart Effect. Avon Books. New York. ISBN 0-380-97418-5. 1997).

Vocalizing: Singing, Toning, and Chanting: In the early 1960s, French ear, nose and throat specialist Dr Alfred Tomatis, who has studied for 50 years how health of the ear relates to health in the rest of the body, worked with monks in a Benedictine monastery in France who had been asked to eliminate traditional chanting for more constructive use of time. Over time, there had been a gradual increase in lethargy and decrease in motivation; this corrected itself within 9 months when he suggested they be permitted to chant again (http://www.tomatis.com/add.html). Toning has a neurochemical effect on the body, boosting the immune system and causing the release of endorphins. Toning assists in good breathing and posture. The muscles of the digestive system are massaged and stimulated by regular toning. Toning has also been effective in relieving insomnia (Wilson, Tim. Chant the Healing Powers of Voice and Ear, in Campbell, Don, ed. Music: Physician for Times to Come. Quest Books. Illinois. pp.12-14. ISBN 0-8356-0668-6. 1991).

Bones for Life® and Biosomatics® movement therapies are both off-shoots of Feldenkrais® movement reeducation.  Very little research has been conducted on benefits of specifically performing Bones for Life® movement therapy, and none on Biosomatics® movement therapy.  However, research has been conducted on the effectiveness of Feldenkrais® movement reeducation, and is summarized below.  The one study on the Bones for Life® method found that bone mineral density (BMD) increased significantly in the forearm (distal radius) for 31 female participants, ages 28-69 years, who learned Bones for Life® three hours per week for four months.  BMD is a diagnostic measurement for osteoporosis.  A Sonometer was used to make the measurements.  Prior to starting the program, BMD scores ranged from -3.70 to +1.40; after the program, scores ranged from -3.50 to +2.70 (1).  (http://www.bonesforlife.com/185745/Study)

An article (http://www.achievingexcellence.com/about-research-on-the-feldenkrais-method.html) cites summaries of studies on conditions for which Feldenkrais® has been found to be helpful, as follows:

• Chronic Pain: 6 weeks of classes resulted in significant increase in mobility, lowered pain, less depression and anxiety, and greater ability to relax; these effects lasted one year.
• Stroke: Following a 6-week program, patients showed an 11% average increase in neurological function, 55.2% improvement in gait, and 35% enhancement in overall recovery.
• Balance: A study of older women showed improvement in the Burg Balance Scale, increased walking speed and movement time, quicker correction of balance, and reported increased confidence and strength.
• Injury: Lessons were shown to help patients avoid maintaining protective, maladaptive patterns to an injury during the recovery process.
• Fibromyalgia: Patients showed improved balance, posture, and gait, reduced pain, increased sleep, and reduced fatigue after 15 weeks of individual sessions and classes; results stayed for six months.
• Multiple Sclerosis: In one study, steadiness and comfort with daily movements, self-esteem and quality of life improved in patients who used sessions and lessons. In another study, a group did lessons only. Results showed significantly improved mCTSIB scores and improved balance confidence compared to controls.
• Low Back Pain: After 4 sessions, 76% of subjects with chronic low back pain improved to normal activity.
• Neck & Shoulder Pain: Thirty female employees took 6 weeks of classes. Results showed increased range of motion in neck flexion, significantly improved neck-shoulders index, and decreased neck-shoulder pain.
• Arthritis: Twenty-one subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis were tested after a series of lessons. Electromyographic equipment used during trunk flexion showed significant changes in muscle activity and perceived effort of task. Two years later, a large percentage had increased function, maintained higher levels of function, had less pain, and continued to use skills learned. A subject with Rheumatoid Arthritis participated in several sessions, and learned to rise from a chair without assistance from the upper extremities, using less kinetic energy. Walking speed increased and pain intensity decreased by 30%.
• Anxiety, Depression and Mood: Engagement in a single session reduced anxiety levels, with increased effects after 6-8 sessions. A study of 147 female general curriculum and physical education teachers taking a one-year enrichment program at a physical education college showed improved mood after lessons.
• Senior Movement: 31 older adults were studied using a prospective, repeated measures control group design. The SF-36 assessed health status – quality of life. Video motion analysis collected data on walking and on floor-to-stand transfer movement. Coordination of transfer movement, vitality, and mental health improved significantly.
• Eating Disorders: Preliminary research suggests that in patients with eating disorders, sessions improved self-confidence, increased contentment toward their health, and decreased sense of helplessness. 
• Flexibility: A study of neck flexion in normal subjects found a significant increase in the amount of flexion after a single one-hour class, as well as significant positive changes in muscular activity in the trunk.
• Parkinson’s: Feldenkrais improved musculoskeletal flexibility, alignment and functional movement in 3 persons with early stage Parkinson’s Disease. One individual, who had not yet received medication for Parkinson’s disease, showed improvements in balance, gait, and functional movement. A second individual, who was receiving medication, also illustrated improvements of balance gait and functional movement.

An analysis of 77 clinical, randomized trials on qi gong and tai qi that were published in peer-reviewed journals between 1993 and 2007 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085832/), found the following benefits to regular practice:

• Increased Bone Density: Although most people think of resistance training and weight-bearing as the way to increase bone density, this mild practice helps reduce bone loss, aids with balance issues, and reduces the number of fractures among post-menopausal women.
• Reduced Blood Pressure: Qi gong and tai qi have been found to significantly reduce blood pressure, compared to inactive control groups, and show equal results in reducing blood pressure as do active control groups that practice aerobic exercises or balance training.
• Improved Physical Function: Capacity for rising out of a chair, walking 50 feet, muscle contraction, and hand grip improved with individuals practicing tai qi over an exercise group and minimal physical activity groups, except with osteoarthritis or multiple co-morbidities.
• Balance: Tai qi or qi gong practice significantly improves balance and reduces falls, and is as effective for this as is physical therapy.
• Immune System: Blood markers show immune system improvements with tai qi and qi gong practice.
• Psychological Benefits: Tai qi and qi gong improve anxiety, depression, stress, and fear of falling, when compared with inactive control groups, and are equally effective compared to active control groups. 
• Patient Reported Improvements: Patients report increased confidence at not falling when walking, decreased arthritic pain, and reduced neck pain, with tai qi or qi gong practice.

Reiki is a subtle form of energy work that has only received the attention of the research community recently.  Some studies used poor methodology and some have been inconclusive in results.  The following are some of the positive results that studies have found from the provision of Reiki:

1. Adjunct to Cancer Treatments: In a 6-month study (published in 2012) of cancer patients receiving services at a cancer infusion center or other part of the hospital, recipients of Reiki were asked to rate benefits they experienced from Reiki on a 5 point scale, as it related to changes in pain, mood, distress, sleep, and appetite; 145 (34.5%) completed a survey. Results (1^st number is of those at cancer infusion center; 2^nd number is those elsewhere in the hospital) showed 75%/75% experienced less anxiety/worry, 81%/78% had improved mood, 43%/35% had improved sleep, 45%/49% had reduced pain, and 30%/30% had improved appetite (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23221065). A second study (published 2007) examined effects of receiving Reiki versus just resting, on subjective fatigue levels of 16 cancer patients. Fatigue, pain and anxiety levels significantly decreased in the Reiki treatment group over the control group (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17351024).
2. Reduction of Pain, Anxiety, & Depression: A pilot study (published in 1997) of 20 volunteers experiencing pain for various reasons who received Reiki as an adjuvant to opioid therapy found a highly significant reduction in pain following a Reiki treatment (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9765732). A study (published in 2010) evaluated Reiki as an alternative approach to treating 20 community-dwelling older adults who experience pain, depression and/or anxiety; half received Reiki and half were placed in a wait-list control group. There was significant reduction in pain, depression and anxiety; no changes in heart rate or blood pressure were noted (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20635803). A literature review was made of randomized trials published in 2000 or later on Reiki’s effects on pain or anxiety; all selected studies used a control or usual care group. In total 49 articles were examined, with 7 meeting inclusion criteria; 4 studied cancer patients, one examined post-surgical patients, and 2 analyzed community dwelling older adults. Statistical analysis showed Reiki as a promising therapy for pain and anxiety (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24582620). In a study (pub. 2006) of 10 women, post-abdominal hysterectomy, who received traditional nursing care plus 3 30-minute Reiki sessions, compared to a control group of 12 getting traditional nursing care, the Reiki group had less anxiety than the control group 72 hours post-operation (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17099413). A study (published 2009) of 35 college students who either received distance Reiki or none while engaged in one of three tasks involving self-hypnosis/relaxation for 10 20-minute sessions over 2-1/2 to 12 weeks found the Reiki group showed reduction of illness symptoms while a substantive increase was seen in the non-Reiki group. The Reiki group also showed a near-significant reduction in stress (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19819311).
3. Lowered Heart Rate, Cortisol, Stress Levels: A study (published 2011) analyzed immediate effects of Reiki on heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature, salivary flow rate, and cortisol level in 21 health care professionals with burnout syndrome; half received 2 Reiki sessions and the others got 2 sham placebo treatments. Body temperature was significantly higher and low frequency component of HRV was significantly lower for the Reiki group (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21821642). A pilot study (published 2010) looked at effects of Reiki on work-related stress on 17 registered nurses who attended a Reiki I training and did self-treatments for 3 weeks afterward; results showed that practicing Reiki reduced perceived stress levels (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699431). A pilot study (published 2004) equally assigned 45 outpatient medical patients to no-treatment/rest-only, Reiki, or sham-Reiki/placebo treatment groups. Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly solely in the Reiki group (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15674004).
4. Improved Cognition: A study (published 2006) explored providing 4 weekly Reiki treatments at a health center to improve memory and behavior deficiencies in 12 patients aged 60-80 years, who experienced mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease, compared to 12 in a control, no-treatment group. The Reiki group showed statistically significant increases in mental function and memory, and reduced behavior problems, based on standardized tests (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17109583).
5. Reiki in Hospitals: Reiki is used more and more in hospitals, hospice programs, psychiatric settings, nursing homes, and family practice clinics.  USA Today reported in 2007, 15% (800+) US hospitals offered Reiki as a regular patient service (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-2009-2014-alternative-therapies_N.htm).  Reiki has been used in operation rooms beginning as early as the mid-90’s, as well as post-operatively, in emergency rooms, with adult and child cancer patients, and for other conditions.  It is performed by nurses, doctors, physical therapists, other employees, and by touch therapy practitioners.  Reiki is now listed in a nursing “scope and standards of practice” publication as an accepted form of care (American Holistic Nurses Association and American Nurses Association (2007), Holistic Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (Silver Spring, MD: Nursesbooks.org.).  It was shown to accelerate surgery recovery, lessen pain, reduce negative effects of medication and medical procedures, improve mental attitude, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.  It also decreases asthma and wheezing, improves circulation, resolves rashes, and eliminates nerve blocks.  It is helpful for trauma, acute infections, heart attacks, headaches, pain from musculoskeletal injuries and chronic illnesses, child abuse, and allergic reactions. A 1999 study at Hartford Hospital found Reiki improved patient sleep by 86%, reduced pain by 78%, decreased nausea by 80%, and reduced anxiety during pregnancy by 94% (http://www.harthosp.org/integrativemed/outcomes/default.aspx#).  A small study at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, in New York that compared patients who received Reiki during operations, including open-heart surgeries and heart transplants, found that none of 11 heart patients treated with Reiki felt usual symptoms of post-operative depression, post-operative pain or leg weakness, and transplant patients experienced no organ rejection (Julie Motz, Hands of Life, Bantam Books, New York, 1998).  For detailed descriptions of 64 hospital programs, go to www.centerforreikiresearch.org