By Lauren Ashley *see footer for all sources used in this article
Energetic discernment refers to one’s ability to differentiate among varying energetic frequencies based on resonance. While this is a naturally occurring ability in humans, modern times has caused us to mostly lose touch with this subtle sense. However, it is possible to regain the ability to detect and understand frequency, and to then use the knowledge to your advantage. This article will explain the general concept of frequency and will specifically focus on various aspects of low frequencies, including potential symptoms of exposure as well as how to help the body heal.
RESONANCE + DISSONANCE
An object free to vibrate tends to do so at a specific rate called the object's natural, or resonant, frequency. (This frequency depends on the size, shape, and composition of the object.) Such an object will vibrate strongly when it is subjected to vibrations or regular impulses at a frequency equal to or very close to its natural frequency. This phenomenon is called resonance. Through resonance, a comparatively weak vibration in one object can cause a strong vibration in another. By analogy, the term resonance is also used to describe the phenomenon by which an oscillating electric current is strengthened by an electric signal of a specific frequency.
The opposite of resonance is discordance, or dissonance. Music theorists long ago identified the exact combinations of notes that are the most disturbing to our ears, although they never really figured out why they sound so dissonant. The tritone, two notes that are three whole steps apart (like F and B), was known as diabolus in musica (devil in music) in the Middle Ages. If you've ever watched a horror movie, you are probably familiar with tritone music [1].
SILENT KILLER
While music is a tangible example, frequencies that are inaudible to humans are still either resonant or discordant, despite having no plainly detectable sound. This means that silent sounds can enhance wellbeing or make you ill. The human ears are capable of hearing sounds with frequencies as low as 20 Hz all the way up to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). However, this range decreases with age, with most adults being unable to hear above 16 kHz. Sound at frequencies below 20 Hz, called “infrasound”, are ultra low frequencies that we cannot hear but can be felt as vibration. However, our brain is affected by this ultra low frequency and will appear as stress with an unknown source. Low frequencies have stronger oscillatory wave to the brain through the skull and other bones [2]. Some recent epidemiological studies have suggested that the exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) affect human health, because of the incidence of certain types of cancer, depression, and miscarriage have been increased among individuals living or working in environments exposed to such fields. An increasing number of studies have reported that ELF-EMF exposure is capable to eliciting in vivo and in vitro bioeffects. ELF-EMF exposure has shown to increase oxidative-stress in some models like chick embryos, mammalian cultured cells, and human erythrocytes. The increased oxidative-stress involves oxidative DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and may cause a number of systemic disturbances [3].
The physiological effect of low-frequency noise and vibration peak amplitudes on a body:
Chart: Engineering ToolBox, (2009). Human Effects when Exposed to Low-Frequency Noise or Vibration
LOW FREQUENCY INTRUSION
Low Frequency Intrusion (LFI) is the involuntary exposure to loud low frequencies in people's personal environments, like their home or work place, inducing physical and mental distress. Evidence suggests that second-hand bass frequencies, most commonly generated by high-powered car or home audio systems, have a negative impact on the human body, mind and spirit. Most LFIs also contain infrasound (below 20Hz) which you can only feel and surely have experienced at one time or another. Low Frequency Intrusion has also been used effectively by the U.S. military to combat enemies and, at high enough volume, can do bodily harm to or even kill a human [4]. High intensity infrasound can induce disorientation and reduced sensory motor functions. At higher levels of intensity, experiments have shown that animals may cease breathing temporarily. While the LFIs we normally experience are generally at lower levels, we are still negatively affected by the frequencies on different scales [5].
HOW TO IDENTIFY
Low frequency noise is typically perceived as a low throbbing, beating, rumbling, or even as a pressure on the ears. A person’s response to low frequency noise can also be quite individual due to differences in the frequency sensitivity of their hearing, which can vary considerably from person to person and with age.
When these perception factors are combined with the fact that low frequency noise can travel relatively easily with little attenuation, it means that the identification and location of low frequency noise sources can sometimes be challenging without professional measurement equipment.
Sound level meters can be used to measure and quantify low frequency noise. Class 1 sound level meters (as defined in the standard IEC 61672-1) will provide more accurate measurements at low frequencies as they are required to meet stricter tolerances and have a wider frequency range.
It can also be particularly useful to use a meter with octave band or FFT analysis functions when measuring low frequency sound, as this will help to give you a much clearer breakdown of the frequency content of the noise. In general though, extra care should taken when making low frequency measurements. Taking repeat measurements in the vicinity of the noise source and/or using a longer averaging time can help to accurately measure the sound pressure level.
Typically, sound pressure level measurements and levels in environmental noise regulations are expressed in dB(A) or A-weighted decibels. The ‘A’ frequency weighting applies a filter which reflects the frequency response of the human ear. Large weightings are applied to low frequency components, reducing their contribution to the total sound pressure level. This means measurements in dB(A) may not capture or highlight the presence of low frequency noise very well.
Alternatively, measurements made using either ‘C’ weighting (dB(C)) or ‘Z’ weighting (dB(Z) or simply dB) can be useful to help identify the presence of low frequency noise. The ‘C’ weighting filter is also designed to account for the response of the human ear, but with smaller weightings at low frequencies when compared to the ‘A’ weighting filter. The ‘Z’ or zero weighting is simply a filter with a flat frequency response, so it effectively counts all frequencies equally.
Most sound level meters are capable of displaying results in dB(A), dB(C) or dB(Z). A useful rule of thumb to help confirm the presence of a low frequency noise problem is when the total sound pressure level measured in dB(C) is considerably larger than in dB(A), i.e. a difference of 15 dB or more.
Some environmental noise regulations include criteria based on noise levels in dB(C) to specifically account for low frequency noise. They may also include specific penalties for low frequency noise sources, where an additional penalty factor, e.g. 5 dB, is added to the measured noise level in dB(A) during the assessment to account for the more problematic nature and higher perceived annoyance of low frequency noise.
It is also worth noting that some noise regulations also include penalty factors for multiple other complicating noise issues, such as tonality and impulsiveness. This means particularly problematic noise sources may be eligible for multiple penalties, for example a power transformer in a substation may have penalties applied for producing noise that is both low frequency and tonal [6].
SIGNS + SYMPTOMS OF LFI/ELF
The following is a general list of symptoms that have been known to occur from exposure to ELF, but is not exhaustive or intended to be a replacement for medical care.
Headaches*
Dizziness
Nausea
Anxiety
Mental Confusion
Increased Blood Pressure
Aggression
Facial Pressure
Vertigo
Seizures
Visual Disturbances
Insomnia
Tinitus
Sensitivity to Light and/or Sound
Mood Disruption/Mood Swings
Chronic Fear Response (cortisol)
BASIC TIPS TO ID/MITIGATE THE ISSUE
If you believe you are suffering from ELF exposure but don't have access to the equipment referenced above, there are still steps you can take to help yourself.
1. Observe your Thoughts - If you are looping on negative thoughts or notice negativity running through your mind often, you can work on changing your thoughts which will have an effect on your overall vibration. Even if you can't eliminate the source of ELF, raising your vibration will help lessen the impact.
2. Check your Body - Your body is full of wisdom. If it is tense, in pain, fatigued, or sluggish, listen to these clues and begin to work with your body. Eat healthy, organic and non-processed foods whenever possible. Drink plenty of clean water.
3. Check your Home/Work Environment - Observe your environment in stillness and see what you notice. Are there subtle humming noises, vibrations, or other disturbances that typically go unnoticed? Pay attention. If you can locate the source and eliminate it, great. If not, try the tips listed above to reduce the negative effects.
References