Mapping the brain during Sound Massage with Karlene McIntosh BArch Bsc. (UWA) Neuroscience (UWQA)
- Ute Coleman
- Aug 25, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 5, 2022
Board certified in Quantitative EEG
I met neuroscientist Karlene McIntosh in June to experience my first BrainMapz Sound Treatment. This is something I've been waiting to have for a while, and it was incredible to experience the deep state of relaxation along with this amazing Electrocap technology, and Karlene's expertise in analyzing and reporting the activities of my brain in this session. I was very happy to receive a Sound Massage by Miranda Conrau, Nurturing With Miranda, a certified Peter Hess® Sound Massage Practitioner and drop quickly into a deeply relaxed mental & physical state.
Here are Karlene's words about my BrainMapz Sound Treatment:
"As everyone has their unique brain wave patterns, singing bowl placements and techniques will naturally produce different effects for each client."
"The major treatment effect (in this case) was the increase in Alpha waves and relaxation which extended into the frontal areas. The transition into a relaxed state was quickly achieved and sustained throughout the whole session. Background EGG results also saw a significant drop in fast wave activity related to muscular tension."
What did the results show in more detail?
The Sound session produced some marked changes to the Baseline EEG as follows:
Background EEG
Adverse fast wave activity at pre-frontal electrodes, which is probably from tension in the forehead and/or eye strain, disappeared in the sound session recording. This is a very promising outcome
Power Spectra
The Posterior dominant rhythm (PDR) dropped from 10.5 Hertz in the Baseline recording to 9.28 Hertz during the sound treatment session. Alpha is significantly more widespread (pink, red and green in the maps) and reflects a deeper relaxation state
Alpha frequency in the sound session power spectra has a larger range (wider profile in the yellow band) which suggests the treatment is creating substantial changes within the Alpha band.
Power Maps
Alpha power levels have increased to normal (green) in the 8-10 Hertz range. In the A2 (10-12 Hertz ) bandwidth, Alpha has become more widespread and extends into the frontal regions
Coherence
Hyper-connectivity was noted in the Baseline analysis in Centro-frontal sites in the alpha band and posterior areas in faster frequencies. This Baseline activity has reduced in the faster frequencies (Beta) in the sound session, which reflects a more balanced eyes-closed pattern.
Site F3 has become over-connected in the sound session QEEG results in the slower frequencies (Delta), rather than under-connected, as displayed in the Baseline. This is a significant correction and shows the dramatic effects of the treatment on neural electrical activity.
Excerpts from my BrainzMaps report:
Hi Benjamin,
thank you for taking the time to read the blog entry and for sharing your thoughtful reflection.
You’re right that while the idea of specific frequencies activating exact brain regions is still being explored, there is good evidence that sound can influence brainwave activity and support nervous system regulation. In Sound Massage, vibration is not only heard but also felt throughout the body, often encouraging a shift into a more relaxed, parasympathetic state.
Approaches like the Peter Hess® method are based on over 40 years of practical application and ongoing exploration in both practice and research contexts. Studies have shown measurable changes in brain activity - such as shifts in brainwave patterns and reduced stress responses during Sound…
I found this article on mapping the brain during sound massage with Karlene McIntosh really fascinating, especially the part about how different frequencies can activate specific regions of the brain. It made me think about how our nervous system responds to sensory experiences in ways we often overlook. I was particularly intrigued by the discussion of measurable changes in brain activity during the sessions and how this could inform both relaxation practices and broader neuroscience research. It also got me reflecting on how even academic support, like what New Assignment Help Australia provides for neuroscience students, can make complex topics more accessible and understandable. I am now curious about how these sound techniques might be applied in other therapeutic settings…