86 Audio healing

Audio healing

Wellness seekers are tuning into audio platforms and sound technology to achieve relaxation and mental restoration.

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) has become a well-known term across the music, wellness and relaxation industries. Consumers are now turning to ASMR, sound and audio for selfcare and physical wellness benefits.

Sona is a new music therapy app for anxiety that launched at CES 2022. “We're on a mission to validate music as medicine,” Sona founder Neal Sarin tells Wunderman Thompson Intelligence. All music is created in-house by curated composers and Grammy-winning engineers using a proprietary composition process that increases alpha brain waves to help listeners relax, Sarin explains.

In October 2021, audio-experience startup Spatial partnered with Catalyst by Wellstar and the nonprofit digital streaming platform HealthTunes to utilize the restorative power of sound for healthcare workers. Together, the platforms will design a sound sanctuary that employs scientifically based MusicMedicine, creating a space where frontline hospital workers can pause in their work days to reduce stress and anxiety. Spatial COO Darrell Rodriguez told Fast Company that “immersive sound has potential as a therapeutic tool” and that the company “wants to have a social impact.”

Audio app Dipsea uses audio that combines soothing, calming sounds and erotic stories to help guide its listeners to sleep. Dipsea’s extensive Sleep library offers users a plethora of audio options for sleep aid, relaxation benefits, and even to improve libido. Sexual wellness apps such as Kama and wellness brands like Maude are also utilizing audio erotica as an additional platform benefit.

Why it’s interesting Heightened audio is more than just audio branding: it’s a new space for healing. As audio’s impact grows in spaces for selfcare, healing and wellness, brands are incorporating sound offerings to satisfy consumer wants and needs.