Sound & vibration - Soundscapes
Radu came to the spa for massages. He always said: "I like it, but after I get out, the thoughts start again and I fall asleep at night."
One day the therapist led him into a small new lounge: warm light, low armchairs, and in the background there was no "music" but a sound that breathed with him - slightly "up-down", as if the sea was in the room. At the back of the armchair low frequencies vibrated faintly, like a cat purring. "Just follow the rhythm, ten minutes," he told her.
After the session, Radu didn't feel the "wave" of thoughts. He drank water, chose the soothing infusion and fell fast asleep in the evening. "It's the first time I feel like someone has held my mind by the hand," he joked as he left.
That's what choreographed sound does: it's not background noise, it's an instrument that, in the right dose, puts the right brake on your nervous system.
Soundscape = a soundscape built from stable sounds (rain, waves, pink noise), with no catchy melodies, on top of which you add a breathing metronome: a slow pulsation that guides you to 6 breaths/minute (0.1 Hz).
Vibroacoustics = low vibrations (about 30-120 Hz) sent through the armchair/pat/lounger, at low intensity, which you feel more with your body than with your ears.
Slow breathing + low vibration increase the activity of the vagus nerve (the body's natural brake), which means the pulse rate goes down, tension eases, the mind stops racing. The effect becomes visible in 5-10 minutes, without the effort of "meditating".
* Rhythm: the metronome at ~6/min 'pulls' you into a longer breath on the exhale, which activates the 'brake pedal' (parasympathetic).
* It calms the mind: broadband sounds (rain, waves, pink noise) mask annoying little noises; the brain no longer jumps at every rustle.
* Muscle tension: low vibrations "loosen" the back and shoulders, the "soreness" signal decreases.
* Sleep: using them in the evening, after a massage, decreases sleep latency and reduces 'mind-talking' awakenings.
* Pre-treatment "Calm lounge": 6-8 armchairs, discreet speakers facing the ceiling/walls so as not to "scream" in anyone's ear; low, constant volume.
* "Pre-sleep lounge" post-treatment: same logic, but warmer scene, no screens in the field of view, with a small LED metronome.
* Treatment rooms: 2-3 "neutral" tracks, no rhythms that "speed up" the therapist; at closing, 3 minutes breath guidance.
* Recovery corner: 1-2 vibroacoustic loungers at low intensity for clients with heavy back/feet.
* Hotel rooms (if there's a spa in the hotel): a "sunrise sound" in the morning (sound that rises slightly) and a short "pre-sleep" track in the evening.
1. Minute 0-1 - Sitting: warm light, breathe normally, take a sip of water.
2. Minute 1-3 - Getting into the rhythm: LED or audio metronome "up-down" at ~6/min. Therapist says: "Inhale on 4, exhale on 6. It's ok if at first you don't get it."
3. Minute 3-10 - Keep the rhythm: the sound is stable, no surprises; the vibration stays below the "tickle" threshold.
4. Minute 10-12 - Slow exit: breathe normally, open your eyes, get up slowly. Drink water; if it's evening, go straight to infusion and "sleep-snack".
* Volume: targets 35-45 dBA in the lounge (clear whisper), no peaks.
* Contents: 70-80% "background" (rain/valves/pink noise), 20-30% guide; no melodies.
* Tempo: metronome 0.1 Hz (6 breaths/min); if you want focus, go up slightly to 0.12-0.15 Hz (but not in the evening).
* Vibration: low, below the "tickle" threshold; if the person feels it too obvious, reduce it.
* Acoustics: soft textures in the room (curtains, panels), so that the sound is "velvety", not "screaming".
* Clean: remove "elevator music" playlists and songs with chorus.
* Create two audio scenes (without expensive licenses):
- Pre-sleep 10: pink noise + waves + metronome 6/min; 10 minutes.
- Recovery 10: pink noise + forest + 0.1-0.12 Hz; 10 minutes.
* You discreetly mount 2 speakers in the "calm lounge" and put an LED metronome (a small light pulsing slowly).
* Train the team to use a simple phrase: "Inhale 4, exhale 6 - I keep the pace."
* Add 1-2 vibro-acoustic loungers or a vibro module on the back of two armchairs.
* Standardize "closing" treatments: 2-3 minutes of guided breathing + steady sound.
* Launch mandatory "Pre-sleep 10" after evening treatments (note on voucher/CRM).
* Measure: after 10 minutes of the session, a short "How do you feel now 1-5?". Score %
* Adapt the tempo according to the pulse/breath (if the guest agrees and has a wearable): if they breathe faster, the metronome gently "pulls" them down.
* JITAI: the app sends "Breathe 10" at the early hours (11:30am / 3:30pm) and "Pre-sleep 10" an hour after your last evening appointment.
* Integrate in rooms: "Silent night" = light under the threshold + "pre-sleep" track at very low volume (client voluntarily turns on from bedside table/TV dark mode).
* Stress & anxiety: it "keeps you going", your pulse drops, your mind stops jumping from thought to thought.
* Sleep: you fall asleep faster and wake up less often, especially if the session is in the last 2-3 hours of the day.
* Heavy back/feet: the low vibrations "tame" the tension, especially after sitting for long periods.
* Brain fog (afternoon): a short Recovery 10 session re-energizes without coffee.
* % guests accepting Pre-sleep 10 after evening treatments (target > 60%).
* Relaxation score 1-5 before/after session (target +1.0 point).
* "Did I wake up easy?" 1-5 the next morning for hotel guests (sample).
* Rebook 7-14 days for customers who did Pre-sleep 10 vs. the rest.
* Noise complaints in lounge/rooms (target: zero).
If you have access to wearables (by agreement only): post-session HRV (mean ↑) and pulse (mean ↓) on a small group.
Reception (evening):
"After the massage, we invite you for 10 minutes in the quiet corner. The sound breathes with you - it helps you fall gently asleep tonight."
Therapist (closing the session):
"Stay on the bed for 3 minutes, just breathe together: inhale on 4, exhale on 6. The sound keeps your rhythm. I give you the signal."
Attendant (lounge):
"If you find the vibration too obvious, raise your hand - I immediately lower the intensity. The goal is barely to feel it, not to tickle you."
Bartender (after the session):
"Continuing 'pre-sleep' with a soothing infusion? We have a very easy, syrup-free version."
* Low, stable volume - never loud music in the spa; tired ear = irritated customer.
* Gentle vibroacoustics - avoid high intensities. Caution with: pregnancy, pacemaker, seizures, recent thrombosis/hemorrhage, acute infections, wounds. When in doubt: don't use vibration; stick to soundscape only.
* No "medical promises" - we talk about relaxation, sleep, comfort; we don't treat diseases.
* Low-cost start: two good speakers + the right content + LED metronome and you already feel the difference.
* Smart upgrade: 1-2 vibroacoustic loungers (not 10), with good usage rates, increase the rebook and "wow" without the noise.
* ROI comes from: fewer complaints, more balanced evening sales (infusion vs. alcohol), higher rebook at 7-14 days and better sleep scores in reviews.
We replace "generic music" with two scenes: Pre-sleep 10 and Recovery 10. We keep the volume low, stable, add an LED metronome and keep the keywords "inh 4, exh 6".
At 60 days, we put in a vibroacoustic chaise lounge and standardize the closure of treatments.
At 90 days, we activate the reminders at the appropriate times and, where there is consent, adapt the tempo according to pulse/breath.
We don't chase "beautiful music". We follow the quiet body.
For more ideas and resources, log on to Wellandia and find out how we can help you bring the latest international trends to your spa: https://wellandia.eu/resurse/trenduri-spa-wellness/
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