What Is Vibroacoustic Therapy? (And Why You Might Doze Off)

A vibroacoustic session uses low-frequency sound you feel through your whole body. It's a relaxation session, and it's very easy to drift off.

Vibroacoustic therapy means lying on a mat that plays low-frequency sound along with music, so you feel the vibration through your body as well as hear it. At DWT Wellness in Cedar Knolls we use the Wave Oasis mat and offer it purely as a relaxation session. We don't make health claims for it. Plenty of people fall asleep.

How does a vibroacoustic mat work?

Speakers built into the mat play low-frequency sound along with music. You don't just hear it. You feel it through your back and legs, a bit like the thump of a bass speaker in your chest at a concert. Our mat's programs can also pair the sound vibration with an electromagnetic field, which is why some of the precautions below match PEMF's.

What does it feel like?

Gentle, bass-like vibrations moving through your whole body in time with the music. It's less like a massage chair and more like a deep, steady hum. Most people find it deeply relaxing. If anything feels too strong, tell us and we'll turn it down.

What happens at your session at DWT Wellness?

1. You come in your regular clothes. There is no prep.
2. You lie down, fully clothed, on the mat. We choose one of its programs and set the volume so it's comfortable.
3. You rest for about 20 to 40 minutes. We can adjust the length to what feels right.
4. If you drift off, that's fine. Take a moment before you stand up, then go about your day. There's no downtime.

You can see more on our vibroacoustic therapy page.

What should you wear, and can you pair it with other sessions?

Wear your regular clothes. You stay fully clothed, and there's nothing to bring. Because it's a lie-down session with no downtime, it's easy to pair with another session in the same visit. Our guide to combining sessions explains how people plan a longer visit.

What does the research say about vibroacoustic therapy?

Not much we can point to. We haven't found research strong enough to support claims that a vibroacoustic mat helps pain or any health condition, so we don't make those claims. You may see vibration studies online, but many of those test different devices, like whole-body vibration platforms you stand on. Their results don't apply to lying on a sound mat. Come for the calm.

How do you know if it's worth coming back?

Judge it by how you feel. Did you settle in? Did you feel calmer afterward, and would you look forward to doing it again? If so, it's a reasonable thing to keep as a regular break. If it didn't feel relaxing, it simply isn't your thing, and that's fine. Your first session is free, so trying it costs you nothing.

How does the mat compare to BrainTap or the sauna?

All three are relaxation sessions, just through different senses. BrainTap works through your ears and eyes with guided audio and light, in about 20 minutes. The mat works through your whole body with vibration and music while you lie down. An infrared sauna uses heat for 30 to 45 minutes, and you will sweat. If sitting still with your thoughts is hard, some people find the mat easier to settle into than a guided session. For a plain look at the science of sound, read sound, vibration and relaxation.

Who shouldn't use the vibroacoustic mat?

Skip it, or talk to your doctor first, if any of these apply:

• You have a pacemaker, defibrillator or any other implanted electronic device.
• You are pregnant.
• You have metal implants. Ask us before booking.
• You're being treated for a medical condition and haven't checked with your doctor.
• If you've had surgery recently, get clearance from your surgeon first and bring it to your first session.

What does a vibroacoustic session cost?

Your first session is free. Ask us for current session and package pricing: (973) 908-1524. Book online or call (973) 908-1524. Fair warning: you might not want to get up.

Frequently Asked Questions