Therapeutic Tuning Forks

Presentation

Therapeutic tuning forks are precision sound therapy instruments made of surgical stainless steel or medical-grade aluminum, tuned to specific frequencies. Unlike singing bowls that create ambient sound baths, tuning forks allow pinpoint, targeted vibration application to specific body points. Their therapeutic use was notably developed by Dr. John Beaulieu, American music therapist and naturopath, in the 1980s–1990s.

The principle is simple: the tuning fork is activated (struck on a block) then applied to a body point — bone, joint, acupuncture point or tension zone. Vibration propagates through bone conduction into surrounding tissues, creating a local resonance effect. Weighted tuning forks are used on the body, while unweighted ones are used near the ears for auditory work.

Modern developer: Dr. John Beaulieu

Core Principles

• Schumann Resonance: The 7.83 Hz frequency (Earth's fundamental resonance) serves as basis for certain tuning fork systems
• Harmonic intervals: Using two simultaneous tuning forks creates intervals (fifth, octave) with specific vibrational effects
• Bone conduction: Bones transmit vibrations very efficiently, allowing deep penetration
• Solfeggio Frequencies: 174, 285, 396, 417, 528, 639, 741, 852, 963 Hz — each associated with specific therapeutic properties

Technical Details

Materials

Surgical stainless steel, aerospace aluminum

Types

Weighted (for body), unweighted (for auditory)

Common frequencies

128 Hz (C), 256 Hz (C), 512 Hz (C), 528 Hz (E), Solfeggio Series

Application

Direct on bones/joints (weighted), near ears (unweighted)

Session duration

20 to 45 minutes

Main Indications

• Joint and bone pain
• Muscle tension points (trigger points)
• Sinusitis and nasal congestion
• Tinnitus (specific frequencies)
• Autonomic nervous system rebalancing
• Localized circulatory disorders
• Headaches and migraines (mastoid application)
• Stress and anxiety (auditory harmonics)

Session Overview

The practitioner begins by identifying work areas (palpation, interview). Weighted tuning forks are activated and placed on targeted points — often vertebral spinous processes, sacroiliac joints, mastoids, knees or acupuncture points. Vibration is felt deeply. For auditory work, the practitioner activates two unweighted tuning forks and places them on each side of the head, creating a harmonic interval. Sessions typically combine body and auditory work.

Contraindications

• Do not apply on recent fractures
• Avoid on tumor areas
• Caution with metallic implants (possible unwanted resonance)
• Do not use unweighted forks directly against ears with ear infection
• Deep vein thrombosis (do not apply on lower limbs)