Acoustic Anatomy utilizes either Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) or Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) to improve nervous system functioning through specially designed listening therapies that stimulate the muscles of the middle ear. Both listening protocols are backed by significant scientific research and are based upon the Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges. 

Dr. Porges developed both the SSP and the RRP as non-invasive therapies that help regulate the nervous system through utilizing specially filtered music. Regulating our nervous system is fundamental in creating sustained overall health and well-being in our bodies. While both listening therapies can have numerous and profound benefits, each serves its own purpose.

 

The primary function of the SSP is centered around aligning the nervous system so you can feel more calm, engaged and balanced. The filtered music in the SSP removes high and low frequencies that transmit to the middle ear leaving only the middle frequencies. These middle frequencies naturally signal safety, helping the nervous system to shift out of a fight, flight or freeze state. As the middle-ear muscles and brain receptors become more attuned to these sounds, the nervous system gradually repatterns itself. During and after the SSP protocol extensive benefits have been achieved including the following:

 

• Alleviation in chronic pain

• Lessened anxiety and heightened sense of calm 

• Increased bodily flexibility

• Reduced stress levels

• Decreased feelings of depression

• Improved breathing patterns

• Relief from vertigo and dizziness

• Better eye contact

• Reduction in restlessness

• Auditory improvements & fewer sensory hypersensitivities

• Enhanced speech and language abilities

• Reduced food sensitivities & better digestion

• Improved comprehension skills

• Faster cognitive processing speed & enhanced organization

• Improved manual dexterity

• Heightened self-awareness, especially of emotions

• Decreased panic attacks, fears & phobias

• Improved heart function

 

The RRP supports healing and restoration in the body through Sonocea® Enhanced technology which can realign the body’s natural homeostatic rhythms. By enhancing biological harmony, the body can naturally down-shift from a sympathetic system dominant “fight-or-flight” response to a parasympathetic system dominant “rest-and-relax” response. The music of the RRP is designed to match the body's natural rhythms (heartbeat, breathing) and gently guide the nervous system towards a state of continuous calm. Through the use of the RRP protocol, the following changes have been experienced:

 

• Nervous System Regulation: Calms the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) system, boosts the parasympathetic (rest-and-relax) system, helping you get out of survival mode.

• Physical Relaxation: Eases muscle tension and other stress-related physical symptoms.

• Emotional Resilience: Increases patience, reduces reactivity and helps you stay within your "window of tolerance" during stress.

• Improved Sleep: Facilitates falling and staying asleep by reducing hyper-arousal.

• Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Lowers symptoms of generalized anxiety, irritability and feeling overwhelmed.

• Better Gut Health: Improves digestive function, often linked to nervous system balance.

• Increased Energy & Focus: Lifts mental fog and improves concentration.

• Trauma Recovery: Helps process trauma by making the body feel safer and more accessible to feelings.

 

The primary difference between the SSP and the RRP, is that the SSP focuses on outward connection and social engagement by calming the nervous system, while the RRP focuses on inward rest and self-regulation by supporting the body's ability to heal and recharge. Both therapies share the same end goal of enhancing flexibility and capacity for regulation in the nervous system to achieve comprehensive health and well-being. 

 

The initial protocol in both the SSP and the RRP consist of a total of 5 hours of listening broken down into 30 to 60 minute sessions.

 

Both therapies are designed to be profoundly restorative on their own, but are combined with Nervous System Manual Anatomy for optimal benefit. Nervous System Manual Anatomy is a targeted bodywork session that focuses specifically on the fascia and nerves of the head, neck and spine.​​

 

For more detailed information on the SSP, please click here.

 

For more detailed information on the RRP, please click here.