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Writer's pictureOlivia Carter

Cymatics; The visual representation of sound

Updated: Jul 16



In the realm of sonic exploration, cymatics stands as a captivating phenomenon that intrigues sound healers, musicians, and general sound enthusiasts alike.

In short it is the study of visible sound and vibration.

Cymatics is demonstrated through the visual patterns created by sound waves onto physical mediums.

Using substances like sand, water, or clay that are then vibrated on a metal plate, cymatics show us how sound vibrations can become visible through the intricate patterns that the chosen medium becomes arranged in!

First certain frequencies are emitted to a metal plate, either by machine or other sounds, (such as a Gong) then as the plate vibrates at a chosen or played frequency the salt, or other substance, begins to create dynamic geometric shapes that are mirroring the intrinsic qualities of the sound waves!

Some of those shapes and patterns can be absolutely beautiful

Cymatics as a term is a relatively modern word, however we have to go back in history to try to get idea of how long humans have been aware the field of cymatics.

As with most questions of antiquity, sadly its difficult to find documented evidence of the ancients observing and understanding cymatics - certainly there's no evidence of ancient people studying it, but by looking at historical figures who were discussing the concept of sound and its effects on the human psyche and the cosmos at large we could be led to assume that there may have been at least some discussions or perhaps even a deep understanding of the field of cymatics.

The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Babylonians had a fantastic understanding of sound phenomenon.

For example we know that the Egyptians used sound in their religious rituals and ceremonies and there are some theories suggesting that they may have discovered certain sound patterns through chanting or using musical instruments.

Evidence does suggests that they used sound in their construction of monuments, as certain frequencies were believed to enhance the bonding of stone.

There are some who theorize that this may have even been the way many of the great monoliths still on earth today were constructed – using Sonic energy to move giant stone carvings, or laser like precision cuts found on enormous stones – if sonic energy was being used this would demonstrate a fantastic understanding of sounds relationship to matter.

When we look to the middle east we see many intricate geometric patterns found in ancient Islamic art and architecture this too may reflect an intuitive grasp of the principles underlying cymatics, as these designs often mimic the shapes created by sound waves interacting with physical matter.

While direct evidence of cymatics as a formal study in ancient times is limited, these examples indicate that ancient people were most likely aware of and intrigued by the profound connection between sound and form.

In ancient Greece Pythagoras and his followers explored the mathematical relationship in music which involved understanding the patterns of sound vibrations, in fact  Pythagoras is credited with discovering the mathematical ratios underlying musical intervals which may well have involved some observation of study of sound phenomena

There are also reports of ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle discussing the nature of sound and its effects on the human psyche and the cosmos at large.

Moving over to Asia and ancient China, Chinese philosophers and scholars such as Confucius and Laozi discuss the nature of sound and its effect on human beings

Interestingly traditional medicine also incorporates the concept of sound vibration in healing practices which suggests an early understanding of the sound's influence on matter (matter in this case being the human body!)

There are also many fabulous examples of cymatics in the natural world if we are interested to look for, such as an example of the mating call of a toad, whereby the toad, sitting half in and half out of the water shows us the the vibrations of the sounds admitted from its vocal cords as they produce ripple like effects on the surrounding water  - A beautiful pattern to see emerge!

And so with these examples of cymatics in nature it's highly plausible to think that many of the ancient cultures with an interest in sound may have also made these observations and began working with the field of cymatics themselves.

Lets fast forward to documented history now, where we find Ernst Chladni.

Ernst Chladni, was a German physicist and musician who is often considered the father of acoustics.

Chladni's experiments in the late 18th century involved spreading sand on metal plates and then using a violin bow to make the plates vibrate, producing distinct patterns known as ‘Chladni figures.

These experiments laid the groundwork for the study of cymatics by visually demonstrating how sound waves create specific geometric shapes.

After Chladni we come to Hans Jenny.

Jenny was a Swiss physician and natural scientist who is best known for his pioneering work in the study of visual sound.

In the 1960s, he began to build upon the work of Earnst Chladni.

He advanced this work to provide a deeper understanding in the field.

Jenny conducted experiments using various materials such as sand, powders, and liquids placed on vibrating plates to visualize how sound waves create intricate and symmetrical patterns.

His work demonstrated the direct relationship between sound and form, providing the first recorded scientific basis for understanding how vibrations influence physical matter.

This is where the term cymatics comes from.

The term was coined by Jenny himself, derived from the Greek word kyma meaning ‘wave’

(And is now the name of my smallest Gong!)

As Gong players we work as 'sonic alchemists' coupling intuition and learned playing techniques to harness the power of those resonant frequencies produced by our amazing Gongs.

We use these frequencies to achieve positive effects for the Gong attendee(s).

From our vantage point as a professional Gong players cymatics takes on a particularly fascinating dimension, offering a tangible connection between the vibrations emitted our Gongs and the possible visible patterns that could be shown to emerge in various mediums such a salt or clay.

However, the study of sound wave visualization, has a range of practical applications beyond sound healing, and covers various fields:

 

In fluid dynamics and material science, cymatics helps researchers understand wave phenomena and the behaviour of materials under vibrational stress. This knowledge can be applied in designing materials with specific properties and in studying wave propagation in different mediums.

 

Artists use cymatics to create visually stunning pieces that capture the beauty of sound in a tangible form. The patterns generated by sound waves can inspire intricate designs and multimedia installations, providing a unique intersection of science and art.

 

Cymatics offers musicians and sound engineers a visual tool to understand and manipulate sound. By visualizing how sound waves interact with different mediums, they can fine-tune acoustic environments, optimize speaker designs, and create novel musical experiences that integrate visual and auditory elements.

 

In the medical field, cymatics is explored for its potential in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. For instance, sound waves are used in ultrasound imaging to visualize internal body structures.

Researchers are also investigating the therapeutic effects of sound frequencies on the body, including treatments for conditions like chronic pain, stress, and inflammation through techniques like sound therapy and vibroacoustic therapy.

 

Cymatics provides such valuable insights that help bridge science, artistic expression, musical innovation, and medical advancement – both mainstream and holistic!

 

In that holistic realm is Sound healing, or for me the Gong

The Gongs produce an incredibility complex array of tones and harmonics in the vibrations produced when their played; as those vibrations then traverse the air, they encounter different surfaces and substances, creating an effect that extends beyond mere auditory perception.

For us as Gong players, witnessing a visual manifestation of sound is akin to glimpsing into the hidden power of our art—a visual representation of the sonic landscape we craft with our Gongs, many of us mainly use our intuition in the work, whilst this is a gift, this method of work will alienate many in the mainstream.

This is why using science for visual representation could be so industry changing, this could open our work up and beyond  the Yoga and new age market.

The synergy between cymatics and Gong play offers a unique way to understand the complex interplay of frequencies and vibrations and opens our imagination to begin to understand the often unbelievable and at times bizarre way the Gongs effect the human experience.

Each handmade artisan gong, with its distinct size, shape, material composition, and careful individual toning contributes to a symphony of patterns that would unfold in response to the vibrations it imparts when played.

The intricate designs formed in cymatics serve as a testament to the Gong's capacity to create a multi-sensory experience—one that extends beyond hearing to encompass the entire being of that person.

Furthermore, cymatics could become a tool for us Gong player's to refine our craft.

By observing the visual patterns produced by different Gongs, we could gain insights into the unique nuances of our instruments, and also the range between two of the same Gongs – including the effect that one’s own relationship has on the vibrations a Gong produces – We could speculate for example that the patterns formed on our lead Gong may well change in response to our intentions and overall wellbeing as practitioners!

As a Gong-player who is interested in cymatics, this fascination with the sound -matter connection has become part of my journey with sound, as I delve deeper into the mystical and trans-formative qualities of my own sonic artistry.

But it’s not just Gong play, technological advancements have significantly expanded the possibilities for cymatics leading to numerous innovations:

High-Frequency Generators

Modern high-frequency generators allow for precise control over sound frequencies, enabling researchers to explore a much wider and deeper range of vibrational patterns and their effects on various materials. This precision enhances the accuracy and repeatability of cymatic experiments.

High-Speed Cameras

The use of high-speed cameras enables the capture of rapid changes in cymatic patterns that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. These cameras can record thousands of frames per second, providing detailed insights into the dynamics of sound wave interactions with materials.

Computer Simulations

Advanced computer simulations software allow researchers to predict and visualize cymatic patterns without physical experiments. This technology helps in understanding the underlying principles and exploring new applications in a cost-effective manner. No salt required!

3D Printing and Fabrication

 3D printing technology has enabled the creation of customized plates and materials for cymatic experiments. Researchers can design specific structures to observe how sound waves interact with complex shapes, leading to new discoveries in material science and engineering.

Nanotechnology

The application of nanotechnology in cymatics allows for the exploration of sound wave interactions at microscopic levels. This can lead to breakthroughs in material science, such as the development of new nanomaterials with unique properties influenced by vibrational energy.

Medical Imaging and Therapy

Technological advancements have improved the use of cymatics in medical applications, this could mean more precise ultrasound imaging techniques and the development of targeted sound wave therapies for medical conditions. These innovations enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy.

 

Overall, modern technological advancements have and will I hope continue to expanded the potential of cymatics, making it a more versatile field across science, art, music, and medicine, and of course holistic medicine which includes Gongs where cymatics unveils a dimension where the invisible threads of sound materialize into actual, tangible, intricate patterns! 'Effects you can see!'

I’d like to close with some thoughts on the future possibilities of cymatics.

Here are some possible future directions for cymatics:

Medical Applications

Research is increasingly focusing on the therapeutic applications of sound waves.

Future directions could involve the development of more refined sound-based treatments for various conditions, such as cancer, neurological disorders, and chronic pain. Ultrasound technology might advance further, providing even clearer imaging and non-invasive diagnostic tools.

 

Material Science and Engineering

Cymatics could lead to the development of materials with properties tailored by specific sound frequencies. Researchers may explore how to use sound waves to create self-assembling materials, influencing their structural properties at both macroscopic and nanoscopic levels. This could revolutionize industries such as construction, aerospace, and electronics.

 

Environmental Monitoring and Conservation

Cymatics could be used to study natural environments and monitor ecosystems. This one I particularly like!

By analyzing the vibrational patterns of different environments, researchers could gain insights into ecological health and detect changes or threats, such as pollution or habitat destruction, more effectively. Perhaps this would also allow us to start seeing the land as a holistic pattern, rather than the way we currently view most things - individual parts.

Architectural Acoustics

Future research might explore how cymatics can influence architectural design, optimizing building acoustics for various environments, from concert halls to urban spaces.

Evidence of this has been found from the ancient world where archaeologists have discovered the acoustic properties of many ancient sites 

Sound wave studies could help shape the creation of structures that naturally enhance sound quality and for example reduce noise pollution.

 

Cognitive and Psychological Studies

There is potential for deeper exploration into how cymatic patterns influence human cognition and emotions. Research could investigate how specific sound frequencies and their visual representations affect brain activity, mood, and mental health, leading to new therapeutic practices in psychology and psychiatry.

 

Overall, I’m hopeful for a future with cymatics seeing  significant growth and innovation, we are certainly on the right track with the technological advancements! As research progresses, cymatics may uncover new applications that transform various fields and in fact enhance our understanding of the natural world.

Long gone are the modern days of thinking of sound as purely entertainment or information for the ears, the future looks brights for sound as a technology in its own right!

 

 


So next time your at one of the fortnightly Gong baths in Totnes, or a 1-1 'Gong Therapy' session, lay back, relax and imagine your simply that vibration salt on a vibrating metal plate, and maybe dare to imaging what beautiful patterns and shapes the vibrations are moving in you!


EDIT

You wont actually feel like your on a vibrating plate, its all blankets, cushions, and fairy lights at my Gong baths I promise!

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