Sansula – Monochord and Sound Therapy Accessories
The Sansula is the unique combination of the kalimba (thumb piano) and the sound therapy bowl: developed by the company Feeltone by placing classic kalimba tone plates inside a small frame fitted with a resonant membrane. Sansula sounds reflect off the membrane surface and give a particularly floating, ethereal, tremolo-like sound that can simply be amplified or muted by holding it in the palm or on a table. Sansula tuning is generally A-minor pentatonic — this is one of the most hypnotic and most meditative scales, which almost no one can play out of tune. The Sansula is excellent for meditation, sound baths, and all occasions where meditative and floating sound is needed.
The Monochord in Sound Therapy and Meditation
The monochord is one of the most effective sound therapy instruments, widely used by sound therapy professionals. The vibration of strings acts directly through the body when the client lies on the instrument — this somatic vibration acts deeply to the tissue level and helps release tensions and blockages. The monochord sound can also create binaural beats-like effects that, by influencing brainwave frequency, induce alpha and theta wave states — the domain of deep relaxation and meditative receptivity. The application of monochord has found its place in modern integrative medicine, psychiatric and psychological complementary treatments, and palliative care alike.
Scientific Foundations of Sound Therapy
The physiological and psychological effects of sound therapy are confirmed by an increasing number of scientific studies. Sound vibrations — especially in the 40-500 Hz range — directly affect cell membranes and the nervous system, mediated by so-called mechanoreceptors. The alpha wave brain state (8-12 Hz) — most easily induced by monochord, gong, and crystal bowls — is the state of relaxation, creativity, and inner attention. Theta brainwaves (4-7 Hz), elicited by deeper sound therapy experiences, characterise the hypnagogic state before sleep and profound meditation. Reduction of cortisol (stress hormone) levels with sound therapy, improvement of sleep quality, and alleviation of chronic pain are all documented effects supported by clinical research.
Traditions of Monochord and Sound Therapy
The monochord is one of the oldest instruments of European music theory: Pythagoras himself studied the laws of string division using monochords, and these observations led to the discovery of the mathematical relationships of the octave, fifth, and fourth intervals. In the Middle Ages, the monochord was the standard instrument for tuning church music and Gregorian chant. The innovators of modern sound therapy — Peter Hess, Fridolin Mechler, Stefan Kaspar, and others — developed the scientifically-based sound therapy applications of the monochord at the end of the 20th century, which have since spread throughout Europe. Today the monochord is an integral part of basic and advanced training curricula in sound therapy.
Monochord Purchasing Guide
When purchasing a monochord, the instrument, accompanying accessories, and tuning must all be considered. The first monochord is generally the Monolini or Monolina, which is smaller, more manageable, and provides adequate sound for basic-level sound therapy work. The Master Monochord is a professional-level investment, recommended for the sound therapist practising for years and cases requiring the highest sound quality. Tuning (D-base, A-base, other scales) determines the meditative character of the instrument — the basic D-major tuning is the most versatile. When assessing value for money, the instrument's service life and maintenance needs must also be considered. In our range we provide expert advice for selecting the most suitable type.