Voice and the Nervous System
The Human Voice as Catalyst for Self- and Co-Regulation
Three-part course
with Cordelia Zafiropulo
This series of three one-hour lessons you will:
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comprehend how co-regulation works through resonance and vibrational frequency
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experience the profound benefits of a humming and toning practice and understand the theory underpinning it
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learn basic vocal anatomy – the innervation and physiology of the voice
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understand and experience how the voice is the social engagement system and how that translates to expression
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learn how to use their voice as a catalyst to regulate their own nervous system, relieve stress, reduce anxiety and replenish depleted energy levels
COURSE CONTENT
PART I
Sound Waves and Your Body
In this lesson, we look at the properties of sound waves and how they apply to the voice and body. You will gain insight into how we literally are touched by sound on a visceral and physiological level.
- how sound waves travel through matter and impact your body
- why humming has a positive impact on health and well-being on a physical level
- where to place attention in order not to irritate the vocal folds
- explore how sound vibrates in the body and assess your body-voice connection
- find the correct pitch of your hum to attune to your body’s organic tension levels
- practice surrendering to organic expression and allowing sound
PART II
The Social Engagement System and the Voice
In the second lesson, delve into the intricate connection between the Social Engagement System and the voice. You will understand vocal signals that point to sympathetic over-arousal and parasympathetic shut down and you’ll learn to regulate the nervous system with the voice to reduce stress and promote well-being..
- how the social engagement system is interwoven with your voice
- how phonation impacts the nervous system on a physiological level and why it is soothing
- how sympathetic arousal and parasympathetic shut down affect prosody and the tone of voice
- basic vocal anatomy, the innervation of the larynx and the Xth Cranial Nerve in relation to the voice
- volume, why louder isn’t always better, and the impact it has on your body
- phonation to down-regulate sympathetic over-arousal or come out of freeze states
- replenishing energy levels through the voice
PART III
Resonance and Co-regulation
In the last lesson, we explore where resonance occurs in the body. We look at chest resonance, head resonance and where sound vibrates in the body.
- the principle of resonance and how the voice can be used to co-regulate
- about vibrational resonance in the body and why we focus on lower frequencies
- basic anatomy of the larynx; how it acts as a valve to regulates tension and pressure
- how Hertz frequencies correlate to brainwaves and enable relaxation
- experience how lower vibrational frequencies resonate compared to mid-range frequencies
- explore using resistance to regulate physical tension and pressure and how this impacts the quality of vibration
- practice a soothing co-regulation exercise that deepens your exhale naturally
Watch Course Introduction
If you have any questions regarding this course, please contact us.
