Is Cymatics a Scientifically Valid Phenomenon?

[sebwild]

I understand cymatics as a phenomenon of sound vibration causing matter to create geometric patterns based on the properties of the surface and material used. It is my understanding there is nothing more to it than this and that it does not represent the language of sound or nature. Also that it cannot be used as a system to create a sound therapy practice and that the sounds do not represent the geometric language that can facilitate cell regeneration etc..The problem I'm having is that I am on a panel to discuss cymatics at a music conference and I want to be armed with actual truth about the limits of cymatics and what it represents. Can anyone help me in simple terms to understand what is actually occurring and whether this has any scientific value? I am tired of pseudoscience dominating any rational discussion.

Thankyou

 

[anorlunda]

Welcome to PF.

Wikipedia has a pretty good article
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymatics

 

[Drakkith]

The amount of reputable evidence supporting the idea that sound can accelerate the healing of physical wounds is virtually nil. Practically everything that I can find on the topic is pseudoscience. At the moment there is almost no potential for cymatics in the realm of biology that I'm aware of.

 

[Asymptotic]

As an adjunct to wound healing cymatics seems highly unlikely. Musically, I'd be interested in whether it could be a visual aid to repeatably fine-tune drum kits.

 

[anorlunda]

Musically, I'd be interested in whether it could be a visual aid to repeatably fine-tune drum kits.

This image by Collin Cunningham suggests something similar. It shows cornstarch in water.

 

[sebwild]

Welcome to PF.

Wikipedia has a pretty good article
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymatics

Thanks, yeah it's descriptive but I'm looking for more info on any credible science.

 

[sebwild]

The amount of reputable evidence supporting the idea that sound can accelerate the healing of physical wounds is virtually nil. Practically everything that I can find on the topic is pseudoscience. At the moment there is almost no potential for cymatics in the realm of biology that I'm aware of.

Yeah, I've found the same! I am just trying to understand how i can dissolve an argument on the subject with a counter-argument that is based in facts. Why is unlikely, what are the limitations to sound on this level?

A lot of the reply is based on ultrasound being used to break up gall stones etc. what do I say when this science is lent to the abstract idea of cymatics and its sound related geometry to be a healing modality.

 

[Drakkith]

Yeah, I've found the same! I am just trying to understand how i can dissolve an argument on the subject with a counter-argument that is based in facts. Why is unlikely, what are the limitations to sound on this level?

It's unlikely because sound is merely a pressure wave, and there is nothing supporting the idea that a pressure wave can help in the extremely complex wound healing process. Unfortunately I'm really not sure what else to say.

A lot of the reply is based on ultrasound being used to break up gall stones etc. what do I say when this science is lent to the abstract idea of cymatics and its sound related geometry to be a healing modality.

Well, breaking up a gallstone with sound is like using dynamite to break up a wrecked ship at choke point in a river. Both are only effective because you are destroying something, not healing something. Healing a wound is like rebuilding a bridge. You don't use dynamite to try to connect the support beams and trusses.